Did you know that a food trailer alliance was recently formed? The Austin Food Trailer Alliance is up and running on all wheels to “create a market in which food trailers, vendors and patrons alike can work together for the betterment of the industry”. In a city where more than 250 new permitted trailers opened in just 6 months at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, this alliance can be such a valuable resource for mobile food purveyors who face similar challenges and recognize similar successes. According to facilitator, Tony Yamanaka, there are three purposes of the alliance, from a recent interview with KUT:

1. To share information with in each other
2. To find opportunities to grow their business, whether to share about trailer rentals or events, etc.
3. To give the food trailers in Austin a voice in city council and in negotiation for parties.

The Austin Food Trailer Alliance recent traction comes months after the food bloggers united in Austin to form the Austin Food Blogger Alliance (AFBA). I think this is quite a significant observation, proving that Austin’s food scene is comprehensive and multi-faceted, as it is impacted by both mobile food restauranteurs and grassroots food media (bloggers). I’m not sure whether our city is inspiring these groups to grow and unite, or if the people are impacting the city’s cultural and culinary landscape. Either way, I feel lucky to be a part of our delicious community!

I am so excited to be speaking at the second Austin Food Trailer Alliance tonight about social media strategy and to see the drivers, chefs, and restauranteurs that are feeding us on-the-go all in one room! Thank you to the Alliance for having me!

*Note: If you are hosting an upcoming event and are looking for a localite to speak about social media strategy or marketing to small/local businesses, feel free to contact me!