Guerrilla Marketing Tips: How to Stand Out Like Punch Drunk Chef

In our latest Coffee Chat, we had the chance to sit down with Brad Miller, founder of Punch Drunk Chef. Brad runs one of the most creative meal prep businesses in Dallas-Fort Worth, and his approach to marketing is just as bold as his brand. If you’re a meal prep operator looking for ways to stand out in a crowded market without blowing your budget, Brad’s story will give you some fresh ideas.

Guerrilla marketing is all about making a big impact with a small budget. Brad’s story of transforming a beat-up mail truck into a mobile billboard is a prime example of how to get noticed without spending a fortune. As Brad put it during the chat, “We didn’t have a big budget for ads, but we didn’t need one— we just needed to get creative and be visible — you gotta be loud, you gotta be proud!”

How Brad Used a Mail Truck to Build His Brand

Brad’s first big marketing move was buying an old USPS truck and turning it into a rolling ad for Punch Drunk Chef. With its eye-catching wrap and bold branding, the truck wasn’t just a delivery vehicle—it was a conversation starter. Brad would park it at gyms, community events, and other local spots, instantly grabbing attention and getting people curious about what Punch Drunk Chef was all about.

“When people saw the truck, they’d come up and ask what we were doing,” Brad said. “That gave us a chance to connect, tell our story, and often, turn them into customers.”

The truck helped Brad do more than just deliver meals—it helped him build relationships with his local community and drive word-of-mouth marketing.

Actionable Tips You Can Try

You don’t need a truck to pull off a killer guerrilla marketing campaign. Here are some ways you can use Brad’s approach to boost your brand without breaking the bank:

1. Turn Your Vehicle Into a Rolling Billboard

If you’re already making deliveries, why not make every mile count? Wrapping your car or van with your branding is a one-time investment that gets eyes on your business wherever you go. It's simple but highly effective—especially when you're driving around areas with your target audience.

2. Pop-Up Events: Be Where Your Customers Are

Brad's growth wasn’t just about a cool truck—it was about being present in the right places. He regularly set up pop-up events at local gyms, giving out samples and chatting with potential customers. It’s a simple strategy: show up where your target customers hang out, offer them a taste of what you do, and let the food speak for itself.

“My biggest advice is to give out your food,” Brad recommends. “Once people try it, they’re sold.”

3. Collaborate With Local Businesses

One of Brad’s most effective strategies was partnering with local gyms and health-focused businesses. By creating drop-off points at gyms, Brad made it super convenient for his customers to pick up meals and built lasting relationships with gym owners and trainers who spread the word about his business.

4. Stand Out with Bold Branding

Brad’s truck isn’t just functional—it’s memorable. Good branding makes your business hard to forget. Whether it’s a fun design on your delivery vehicle, creative packaging, or consistent messaging on social media, make sure your brand stands out in a way that’s true to who you are.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

At the end of the day, Guerrilla marketing isn’t about having a big budget—it’s about being smart, resourceful, and authentic. The key is to be visible, engage with your community, and offer value. Here’s what you can do today:

• Wrap your vehicle: Even a basic car wrap can turn your delivery route into free advertising.

• Plan a pop-up event: Get in front of your ideal customers by showing up where they are and giving them a taste of your meals.

• Partner locally: Look for gyms, coffee shops, or local businesses that align with your brand, and see how you can collaborate.
  

Want to hear more from Brad? Check out the full replay of our Coffee Chat and keep reading below to learn about our next episode.

____________________________________

Up Next 

Is Your Food Photography Converting Customers?:
Great food photos can make or break your business. Whether you're DIY or hiring a pro, the right images can elevate your website and increase sales. Join us for our next Coffee Chat with Heidi Harris, food styling and photography expert, as she shares key tips on food styling, consistency, and choosing the right photographer to help your meal delivery service stand out online. Don’t miss these actionable insights! Join the list and register here.

________________

Got your own marketing ideas? Drop them in the comments below!