Deep Dive into Food Truck Research: An Overview of Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review Evidence

Abstract

Food truck industry has emerged as a dynamic and rapidly expanding segment of the food service market, characterized by its blend of tradition and innovation. This review article conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and scoping review of food truck research from 2014 to 2023, highlighting key themes, trends, and gaps in the literature. The analysis reveals a significant increase in scholarly interest, peaking in 2019, followed by a decline attributed to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly, research is concentrated in the United States, with notable contributions from Brazil and Malaysia, while developing nations remain underrepresented. Key themes identified include entrepreneurial motivations, regulatory challenges, consumer behavior, food safety, and urban planning. Despite the growing body of literature, substantial gaps persist, particularly in long-term sustainability studies, the impact of technology on operations, and gender dynamics within food truck entrepreneurship. This study not only maps the current landscape of food truck research but also underscores the necessity for future investigations to address these gaps, thereby enriching the understanding of this evolving industry. By employing bibliometric and scoping methodologies, this work provides a foundational framework for subsequent research endeavors in the field of food trucks.