Rising gas prices in Tennessee are hitting small businesses hard, especially food truck owners in Nashville. Many are feeling the pinch both at the pump and in their profits.
Currently, the average gas price in Tennessee is around $3.63 per gallon, a jump from about $2.56 just a month ago. This spike started with global tensions in Iran, according to AAA.
Logan, who runs ‘Kiwi Scoops,’ a New Zealand-style ice cream truck with his fiancée, is already feeling the effects. “We average about nine miles per gallon when towing,” he shared. His normal fuel costs have risen from about $50 to $75-$80 for a fill-up. This increase really adds up when you’re driving around Nashville to serve customers. Logan also noted that his generator relies on gas, adding to the overall expenses.
Not too far away, Sheena, who owns ‘Sizzle & Swerve,’ a hibachi food truck, has opted for a different strategy. She’s chosen to stay fixed in one location to save on fuel costs. “Gas prices are skyrocketing, and food costs are already high,” she explained. To stay in business, she has had to raise her menu prices significantly.
For both Logan and Sheena, the struggle is the same: costs are rising, and profits are shrinking. Sheena pointed out a startling trend—food prices have increased sharply over the past year, making it tough for her to keep her prices reasonable for customers.
Experts in the food industry suggest that many small business owners are facing a tough balancing act. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 81% of restaurant operators are experiencing significant increases in food costs, which directly impacts the pricing strategies they adopt.
Despite their different approaches, both Logan and Sheena are adapting to the new reality. Whether it’s exploring catering options or adjusting where they park, they are doing what they can to survive in this challenging environment.
“You just wish for lower gas prices, like everyone else,” Logan said. As they navigate these rising costs, Nashville’s food truck scene reflects a broader economic trend that many small businesses are currently facing across the nation.
For the latest on economic trends affecting small businesses, check out the National Federation of Independent Business. They provide timely insights and reports that can help entrepreneurs expect and adapt to changes in the market.
