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How gourmet food trucks grapple with authenticity

Mar. 8, 2021

  • Profile Picture of Todd Schifeling

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The authenticity of gourmet food trucks (GFTs) is often challenged, as their style departs from traditional forms of both gourmet cuisine and food truck grub. Todd Schifeling discovered how GFTs overcome this and find acceptance within certain communities that value craft authenticity, which involves staying true to a creative and artisanal spirit, over type authenticity, which involves following the traditions and expectations of a cuisine. 

Specifically, diverse communities with “cultural omnivores,” who appreciate a variety of experiences, are more likely to welcome GFTs and the craft authenticity they express. Additionally, other craft and artisan organizations, such as breweries, indicate an environment both accepting of innovation and ripe for potential partnerships.