Up to 45,000 people attended the inaugural Yarrawonga Food Truck Carnival over five days last week.

Food Truck Carnival Company director Mark Lipshut said organisers had hoped to attract 35,000 people but between 40,000 and 45,000 had come to the gated event at the Yarrawonga foreshore.

Mr Lipshut said patrons had travelled from Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Benalla, Bendigo and Echuca.

He said Friday and Saturday nights were the peak times as was Sunday lunch-time.

“Obviously there is an appetite for this kind of event,” he said.

“We had a really diverse group of people come through; a lot wouldn’t have come to Yarrawonga otherwise.”

But frustrated Yarrawonga trader Mick Montalti said many Belmore Street businesses had suffered throughout the carnival.

Mr Montalti had shut or operated his cafe Big Mick’s Diner at reduced hours from mid-week due to the lack of trade.

He said his weekly takings were down $7000.

“On Thursday we stayed open until 8pm but we had one customer between 2pm and 8pm,” Mr Montalti said.

“We closed all Sunday – it’s usually our busiest day. This time of year we normally stay open till 10pm.”

Mr Lipshut said the company had been approached by 20 other councils or events wanting to bring the carnival to their region.

“Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Echuca and Shepparton are all places we’ve had contact with,” he said.

“We’d love to work with areas to complement existing events; there’s always going to be a few people who feel like we’re coming in on their territory.”

Mr Lipshut said the company hoped to return to Yarrawonga.

“Whether or not it’s the same time of year; we’ll let the dust settle first but we feel welcome at this stage,” he said.

“In an environment where it can be very hard to raise money, a lot of local organisations can make some money and raise awareness of their groups.”

Food Truck Carnival Company will operate at Point Cook on January 19-22 and Mornington on January 25-29.