Andrew Martino is the founder of Ghost Truck Kitchen, the world’s first digital food truck lot. He’s on year three of running the 12 concept concept out of his 800 square foot location, is the owner of Martino Hospitality Services, is starting a New Jersey co-op, and knew Zack in high school. What a guy!

There was a lot of great info in this episode of Give an Ovation, but here are a few of the main tidbits:

1. Find Gaps In The Market

Andrew was able to determine which concepts to run out of Ghost Truck Kitchen by being very well versed in what was being offered in his local area. It was 2017 and he saw off-prem coming. There were cheap places, expensive places, but nowhere in the middle – so that’s where he went.

2. Minimize Food Waste

The first step in minimizing waste is to track it. Andrew keeps track of how much he tosses each day and goes from there. Once he noticed they were trashing a lot of coconut rice, so he developed a new dish that would incorporate rice and become a crowd favorite, the Island Bowl.

3. Look For Local Co-ops

Restaurant co-ops are a great way to share the costs of off-prem and serve as intriguing alternative to delivery service providers. And if you’re in the New Jersey area, reach out to Andrew!

4. Don’t Let 3rd Party DSP’s Weaponize Your Data

Andrew warned of a near future when platforms like Doordash start using all the data that restaurants have given them and promoting their own concepts. He understands why some restaurants use DSP’s, but actively promote your own channels when you can!

5. Own Your Customer Data

Your customers are your business! You need to know who they are, and leverage that data from the beginning to the end of the customer journey.