We’ve picked up some interesting fun facts about food carts that will get you to check them out yourself!

Food cart culture has been a part of America’s landscape for centuries, but over the last decade, it has grown into a thriving industry with global recognition. Food carts have been a major driver of culinary innovation, giving new life to regional and global cuisines by introducing bold, innovative flavors to locals and tourists alike.

Though food carts have been around for centuries, there are numerous fun facts that may come as a surprise to many. Here are a few fun facts about food carts.

First, according to Business Insider, food carts bring in over $1 billion in sales annually. This makes food carts one of the most profitable and popular industries in the entire restaurant industry. What’s interesting is that the majority of this money comes from repeat customers—those who come back often. This demonstrates the power of food cart culture to attract and keep loyal customers.

Second, food trucks and carts represent one of the most culturally diverse industries in the United States.

According to a report by the Economic Research Department of the USDA, food vendors come from all kinds of backgrounds—white, black, Latino, immigrant, and more. Moreover, the report found that a large share of food vendors also own their transport vehicles—about 20%. This goes to show how entrepreneurial minded these business owners are, often putting in the extra effort and financial investment to make sure their business prosper.

Third, food carts are often credited with kick-starting street food culture all around the globe. For example, in South America, the vibrant street food scene owes a lot to the food carts that have operated in the continent for centuries. The tradition of street food has now spread to places like Europe, Asia, and even the United States. As of 2019, Portland, Oregon is home to over 600 licensed food carts, a direct consequence of the success of the local street food scene.

Fourth, when it comes to popularity, food carts have reached many social media platforms. Through the power of hashtag platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, food carts have earned an impressive presence on the internet. Examples include popular Instagram pages dedicated to showcasing food carts in beautiful, drool-worthy pictures.

Finally, in today’s “green” climate, many food cart owners have turned to environmentally conscious measures to reduce food waste and conserve resources. Many food carts now cook with organic and locally sourced ingredients, while some carts have even opted to use solar-powered cooking systems in order to reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to combat climate change.

These facts demonstrate why food carts are such an important and rewarding industry. Thanks to their unique blend of taste, convenience and affordability, food carts have become a crucial part of our culture, bringing us innovative culinary creations anywhere we go.