Bakersfield's Food Trucks Struggle to Beat the Heat

As the summer temperatures soar in Bakersfield, California, the city's vibrant food truck scene is facing a unique challenge. Many of these mobile eateries, once bustling with activity, now sit empty for hours or even days as the triple-digit heat takes its toll on both customers and operators.

Battling the Scorching Summers to Serve the Community

Adapting to the Extreme Temperatures

The intense heat has forced food truck owners to make tough decisions to protect their employees and maintain operations. Aly Zepeda, the owner of Fuego's Tacos, one of Bakersfield's oldest food trucks, has had to let go of some of her older cooks who struggled with the extreme temperatures. "We got rid of our employees. We had to, because a lot of our cooks are older, so we didn't want them here in this heat," Zepeda explained.The heat inside the food trucks is just as intense as the outdoor conditions, making it challenging for the workers to maintain their stamina and productivity. Zepeda has had to find creative ways to supplement the revenue losses, including taking on a second job in the medical field. "I had to get another job," she said. "I got something that would kind of take over the revenue that we're missing here, not as much, but it's helping."

Dwindling Foot Traffic and Changing Menus

The lack of customers has also forced some food truck operators to adjust their offerings. Armando Fernandez, who runs Mondough's, a food truck serving pizzas, sandwiches, and street dogs, has had to limit his pizza menu due to the heat. "Pizza's are on my menu but today, pizzas aren't available because I didn't do dough, and there's no point in me doing dough and nobody coming out and me having to through it out tomorrow," he said.At the Brickyard, a popular food truck park, Fernandez and other operators have experienced a significant drop in foot traffic. "It's been pretty dead," he said, noting that the lack of guaranteed customers has forced some food trucks to reconsider their participation in the park.

Seeking Solutions to Beat the Heat

Food truck parks and operators have tried various strategies to mitigate the impact of the heat, such as installing canopies, fans, and misters. However, these measures have not been enough to draw in more customers. Zepeda said they are considering offering family meals at a discount to entice customers, while the Brickyard is exploring entertainment and other deals to attract more people.The rising rent costs for brick-and-mortar locations have also made it challenging for food truck operators to consider a more permanent solution. Zepeda had to close her Fuego's Tacos brick-and-mortar location even before the current challenges, highlighting the financial strain faced by these mobile businesses.

Calling on the Community for Support

As food truck operators navigate these difficulties, they are appealing to the Bakersfield community to show their support. Zepeda emphasizes the importance of the community coming out and purchasing meals, even if it's just for takeout. "That's why she's asking the community to come out and support local food trucks, even if it's only picking up a meal to-go," the article states.For those interested in keeping up with the changes and offerings of their favorite food trucks, Zepeda suggests following their social media pages, as many are using these platforms to communicate updates and adapt to the evolving conditions.The resilience and adaptability of Bakersfield's food truck community are being put to the test, but with the support of the local residents, these mobile eateries can continue to serve up delicious meals and maintain their place in the city's vibrant culinary landscape.