Promote your first event a week ahead: post the date, place and menu on your website schedule and social profiles, update Google, tell your network, coordinate with the organizer’s promotion, and prepare a way to capture repeat customers (follow, email list, catering card).
One week before
- Website schedule updated with date, time and address
- Social posts with menu photos
- Google Business Profile post
- Ask the organizer to tag you
On the day
- Menu board readable from the line
- QR code to your web menu and schedule
- Catering cards
- Ask happy customers to follow and review
Worked example
A week before her first brewery night, Mia updates the website schedule with date, time and address, posts menu photos on Instagram and Facebook, adds a Google post and texts friends. The brewery shares her post. On the night, a QR code at the window links to her schedule page, and she hands out catering cards. She asks happy customers to follow her and leave a review, and the next week she sees new followers and two catering inquiries.
Common mistakes
- Promoting too late
- No QR code to the schedule
- No way to capture repeat customers
- Forgetting to thank the host
After the event
Post thanks and photos the next day, tag the host and share your next stop.
Working with the host
Ask the host how they promote vendors, share your logo and photos, and offer a short description they can post. Tag each other on social media, and thank the host publicly after the event. A good relationship can turn a single event into a regular stop.
Sample post
"Our first night is here! Find us at Hops & Barley Brewery, Friday 5–9 p.m. Menu and directions at our website. See you there!"
Capturing repeat customers
Offer a simple way to stay in touch: follow on social, join an email list for weekly stops or scan a code to the schedule page.
Day-before reminder
Post a short reminder the day before and the morning of the event with the time, place and a menu photo.
Common questions
How early should I promote?
About a week ahead, with a reminder the day before and the morning of.
Should I offer a launch special?
A small, simple offer can draw a crowd; keep it easy to serve quickly.
What if the event is slow?
Use the time to meet the host, take photos and learn what customers want.
Should I bring a tip jar?
Many trucks accept tips; card readers often include tip options.
Should I bring extra staff to the first event?
If you expect a crowd, an extra person to take orders keeps the line moving.
Should I give away samples?
Small samples can attract a crowd at slow moments; check event and health rules first and keep portions easy to serve.
How do I handle a long line?
Simplify the menu for the event, prep extra, and have one person take orders while others cook and serve.
Put your menu and schedule in one easy-to-share place
A simple website gives customers your current menu, where you are parked this week and a way to book catering, all from one link.
See food-truck websites