4. Call in the food trucks
Major cities around the country have seen a renaissance in the food truck business in recent years, and the trend has also caught on in smaller destinations. In addition to being mobile, food trucks can offer a variety of exciting and innovative culinary concepts that haven’t yet made it to restaurant menus.
For a totally different dining experience, why not take your travelers to a food truck rally or a park where they can choose from the offerings of a variety of vendors? Some CVBs in smaller destinations may also be able to arrange for food trucks to come to you for a private rally.
5. Learn from the chef
Chefs have become the rock stars of the culinary world, and ordinary diners love to meet the people who create restaurant food and learn the tricks of their trade. Most travel groups are too big to dine at a chef’s table in the kitchen, but if you plan your visit for a day or a time that isn’t especially busy, you might be able to arrange for the chef to meet and greet your group and tell them about the food they’re eating. Some chefs even offer culinary demonstrations or other interactive experiences for groups before the main meal is served.
6. Dine around town
Some of the hottest restaurants in a destination may not have enough room to hold a full motorcoach group or may offer food that not everyone in the group would enjoy. To get around these problems, consider offering “dine-around” nights, when your travelers can break into smaller groups to visit one of several restaurants in an area. With a little bit of planning, you can offer included meals at multiple establishments and give your travelers the dual benefits of diverse food options and small-group experiences.
7. Get off the beaten path
If you want to find the best place to eat in a city, ask a local. Nine times out of 10, they’ll name a restaurant that is outside the main tourist district.
To help your travelers experience a destination through its food, take them to the restaurants where locals eat. This might mean visiting strip malls, ethnic neighborhoods or other areas where tourists don’t usually venture. If you need some recommendations, get in touch with the local convention and visitors bureau, and ask them for some suggestions.
