The 2024 Black Food Truck Festival, held April 26-28 at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson, proved to be a resounding economic success for the Charleston Tri-County area. The event, which featured over 40 Black-owned food trucks and vendors, attracted more than 13,100 attendees and generated an estimated $10.20 million in total economic impact.
With 83% of ticket holders coming from outside the region, the festival significantly boosted local tourism. The three-day event supported 79 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $1.66 million in tax revenue.
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the Black Food Truck Festival," said Marcus Hammond, Founder, Black Food Truck Festival. "This event showcased the incredible talent and entrepreneurship of business owners in our region while simultaneously providing a significant economic boost to our local economy!"
The festival's economic impact can be attributed to increased spending on food, beverages, lodging, transportation, and other goods and services. The event also helped to raise awareness of Black-owned businesses and the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs.
The Office of Tourism Analysis (OTA) at the College of Charleston conducted this economic impact report to assess the economic benefits of the Black Food Truck Festival in the Charleston region.
The 2024 Black Food Truck Festival was a major success, and organizers are already planning for next year's event. For more information about the Black Food Truck Festival, visit blackfoodtruckfestival.com or follow on social media at @blackfoodtruckfestival.
You can watch the 2024 Black Food Truck Festival Recap video below.
