Food trucks in the U.S. have taken many forms, but have long been a popular option for dining. Now as the coronavirus pandemic alters the way we interact and engage with others, these kitchens on wheels may have a new function, especially on college campuses.
Rod Keller, CEO of the electric vehicle manufacturer AYRO is jumping at the opportunity to capitalize on the niche industry in a partnership with Gallery Carts. The new collaboration will combine AYRO's expertise in developing electric vehicles with Gallery's expertise in creating food delivery vehicles.
"Colleges are faced with, 'Well how do we provide food and beverage while at the same time, avoiding the mass crowds that you would typically see inside of a cafeteria?'" Keller told Cheddar.
So far, more than $500,000 has been poured into the collaboration as orders for the vehicles continue to amass. Keller said he's confident that as universities and other large campuses seek safer ways to feed their communities amid the pandemic, the need for their services will grow.
AYRO is also banking on buyers in higher education considering the long-term savings electric vehicles can provide. Keller said its electric vehicles save fleet operators at least 50 percent on fuel and energy costs.
"When people are moving cargo from one side of a university to another, or business campus, or hotel and resort, you don't need a full-sized truck with 400 miles of range running on gasoline to do that," Keller said.
It's never too early to save for retirement but many people don't have access to an employer-sponsored plan. Pratik Patel, managing director and head of family wealth strategies for BMO Family Office, joined Cheddar News to discuss other options to ensure safe retirement.
Joe Mazzola, director of trading and education with Charles Schwab, joined Cheddar News to discuss Wednesday's trading session as markets closed mixed.
Summer camps across the country will open this month, but parents may experience some sticker shock. With the cost of goods and services rising, so is the price of camp. Cheddar’s Ashley Mastronardi spoke to experts who shed some light on how this will affect your wallet.
Living in New York City, working full time and without a car, Jessica Ray and her husband have come to rely on deliveries of food and just about everything else for their home. It has meant more free time on weekends with their young son, rather than standing in line for toilet paper or dragging heavy bags of dog food back to their apartment.
Cheddar News checks in to see what to look out for on The Day Ahead as Campbell Soup and Vera Bradley are due to report earnings while economic data, including the April trade deficit and consumer credit, are slated to be released. And Wednesday is World Food Safety Day.