Critical Success Factor of Sustainable Food Truck Entrepreneruship: A Systematic Literature Review and Conceptual Framework

The food truck industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting entrepreneurs and diners alike, driven by its low startup costs, flexibility, and ability to cater to diverse culinary preferences. This surge in popularity has transformed urban landscapes, offering a dynamic and accessible dining experience that appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers. The allure of food trucks lies in their capacity to bring innovative and high-quality cuisine directly to the streets, fostering a vibrant and engaging food culture. However, the factors contributing to the long-term success of food truck businesses remain underexplored. This study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesize findings from 47 articles on food truck entrepreneurship, employing the PRISMA methodology to identify critical success factors (CSFs) across six key themes: human resources, products, location, marketing, finance, and operations. Human resources emerge as a crucial aspect, highlighting the importance of skilled and motivated staff, knowledgeable and experienced owner/managers, and effective communication and teamwork. Product-related factors, such as food quality, menu innovation, and pricing, are also critical for attracting and retaining customers. Location is a key determinant of success, with proximity to target customers, accessibility, and community fit being important considerations. Marketing, encompassing social media, branding, and customer relations, is essential for reaching target audiences and building a strong brand reputation. Sound financial management, including planning, funding access, and budgeting, is crucial for sustainability and growth. Finally, efficient operations, including technology adoption, inventory management, and adherence to food safety and legal standards, ensure smooth workflow and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for current and prospective food truck entrepreneurs, supporting informed decision-making and contributing to the sustainable growth of the food truck industry. Future research directions include exploring hybrid business models, community building, sustainability initiatives, technology integration, global expansion, and strategic partnerships