The Food Truck Scholar

ABOUT THE SHOWIt’s been a minute since the last episode dropped, so we are coming in hot!Today’s guest is Marcus Crawford, co founder and co owner of Bro-ritos. Selected by Parade as one of the top Black owned eateries in the country, Bro-ritos is an award winning brand that started with a food truck and later its first brick and mortar restaurant location serving the NJ and NYC areaMarcus stopped by the show to share with us some of his cheat codes to success that include financial capital, branding, social media and growth strategiesBRO-RITOSWebsite: https://www.broritosfoodtruck.com/SEASON 4 SPONSORBGT GiftsWebsite: https://bgtgifts.com/Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.  Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

ABOUT THE SHOWWhile many people love food trucks, it’s important not to romanticize their relationship with residents, urban planners, and city officials. Over the years, I’ve researched cities that haven’t found a way to properly position food trucks in a way that supports small business owners, the families they support, and the community that supports them.Today’s guest is Jordan Rubin owner of Mr. Tuna a wildly popular food truck has seen business grow in the midst of the pandemic, but has now seen revenue drop dramatically after he and other food trucks found themselves kicked out of well visited food truck spot after city officials decided to hold a food truck lottery. fighting to support his staff and his business along with other veteran food trucks, we discuss the role residents and city officials play in establishing and protecting a city’s food truck culture.ABOUT OUR GUESTJordan Rubin is the co-owner of Crispy Gai and chef-owner of Mr. Tuna and the forthcoming Bar Futo — all located in downtown Portland, ME. Jordan has always been drawn to Japanese cuisine and has spent his 20-year career working in some of the top sushi bars across New England, including the famed Uni Sashimi Bar in Boston, where he worked and learned from the notable chef and restaurateur Ken Oringer for an indelible span of three years. Ready to venture out on his own, Jordan opened the first sushi food cart on the East Coast in 2017, Mr. Tuna. A year and a couple of food trucks later, he opened Portland’s first-hand roll bar in Monument Square and Mr. Tuna’s brick-and-mortar outpost in the Public Market House. July 2021 brought about the opening of Jordan’s latest endeavor, Crispy Gai, a Thai-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Portland.Jordan is best known for his creative take on sushi hand rolls using traditional techniques and unexpected flavors, with an emphasis on local seafood. He can generally be found behind the sushi bar at Mr. Tuna or rolling up temaki on his food truck at the Eastern Promenade. Jordan and his concepts have received national recognition from Bon Appetit, Bloomberg, and Thrillist as a trailblazer on the Portland dining scene. Up next, Jordan is opening a Japanese-inspired bar and grill, dubbed Bar FutoSHOW SPONSORThank you to BGT Gifts for being our Season 4 Sponsor!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

ABOUT THE SHOWI know one of the major takeaways people often get from my show when it comes to starting their food truck is to step out on faith and do it. However, in addition to faith to launch it, you also have to use logic and reason to sustain it.I’ve seen many food trucks get into trouble on the business side simply because agreements were not written down. Did you and friend start a business together? Doing your first catering event? Worried someone may steal your menu? If any of that sounds like you, this is your episode.Today’s guest is my friend Attorney Courtney Howard. Courtney is also a Birmingham native and stops by the show to educate us on what we as business owners can do to protect ourselves and our business on the front end with written agreements. So lean forward and take notes the show starts now.SEASON 4 SPONSORSBGT GIFTSOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

ABOUT THE SHOWFood Truck owners are hustlers who make their dreams happen. Today’s guest is a brother that takes that to the next level. To some on social Derrick Wood is the owner of My BBQ Man and a food business coach man but to the residents of Dumfries, VA, he’s also the mayor.Derrick and I talk about his entry into the food truck industry and public service and how his hustle fueled bothSHOW SPONSORThank you to BGT Gifts  for being our show sponsor!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

ABOUT THE SHOWToday I’m giving you a followup episode on a guest that has been a fan favorite since season one. I have always gotten messages and comments from people who have been inspired by the story of Patrick Lanier and wanted to know how he’s been. Like many of you who are listening, the pandemic brought the owner of LipSmackin Creations Food Medic in Nashville some challenges. Add to that some tornadoes, inability to secure emergency Covid funding from the federal government and new food truck regulations which almost led to Patrick selling his food truck. Earlier this year, I started a GoFundMe for Patrick and many of you have chipped in, but we still have a ways to go. Today, I share with you part of Patrick’s follow up story and hope you can share and give what you can.Patrick's GoFundMehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/help-patrick-lanier-keep-truckinPatrick's CashApp$LipSmackinFollow LipSmackin' Creations Food Medic on Social MediaInstagram      FacebookOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

Today’s episode features an entrepreneur that I met through clubhouse and has now got me ready to come to Florida to try these Henny wings and meet my little internet nephew in person. Jeremy “Jerm” Battles and his wife Kaydian Battles are the owners of RightOn Que BBQ in Tallahassee. And Jerm hopped on the mic to share with his journey from being a teacher to a food trucker and the giant leaps of faith and work that went into it.Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

All of you are part of The Food Truck Scholar no matter if you’re a listener or guest, but I LOVE when listeners become guests! Shae Cole owner of Sincere Saints in Jacksonville, FL is someone that has listened to the show, went through the process of starting her food truck business at the height of the pandemic, and is continuing to flourish. Today’s episode covers her journey from the Great Resignation to the Big Launch and the steps in between. Plus, we talk about how she has used her food truck journey to create a space for other women in the industrySincere Saints FBSincere Saints IGFemale Food Truckers FB GroupBook Available!Looking for food truck books to read and starting to feel overwhelmed? Are you trying to find the right answers but realizing you haven’t asked the right questions to get those answers? That’s why I created Before You Launch A Food Truck: 8 Questions Every Aspiring Food Trucker Should Ask. For the past 5 years that I’ve been studying the food truck industry and being a diehard food truck customer, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. What makes this book different is not only is it digestible and not designed overwhelm you, but it also propels you into action.You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon. For every copy purchased, I’m donating a copy to organizations committed to helping formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter society, particularly those interested in starting their own food business. So buy a copy today to help yourself and someone else get rollin and keep truckin!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

I know, y'all been wondering where I've been. Well, I got plenty of updates for you!I'm a moderator for  the Food and Business Summit!Join sharp like-minded food truck and restaurant owners to develop an ecosystem for success through structure, stability, and security.With years of experience as a consultant and proven track record of success working with the TOP food trucks and restaurants in Los Angeles WFE Consulting wanted to create a space to share knowledge, experience, and resources with other restaurant and food truck owners across the nation and invited me as one of the moderators for this food truck tour.Thankful for the #FoodTruckTitans to be along on this journey to share their tips and tricks that have allowed their business to be recession proof! AllFlavorNoGrease, Billionaire Burger Boyz and Wut-A-PickleThis will be moderated by none other than Ariel D. Smith "The Food Truck Scholar"  and @thegreatglaspie of @coolassblackwoman. With special guest marketing strategist @juntaedelane of @digitaldelane Register TODAY by going to www.foodandbusinesssummit.com and use the discount code FTS22 for 10% off General Admission and VIP tickets!Help Patrick Lanier Keep Truckin am fundraising for a past podcast guest and food truck owner Patrick Lanier . He is the owner of Lip Smackin Creations Food Medic in Nashville, TN. I first met Patrick in February 2019 when I visited Nashville to interview his friend Terry Key, and I immediately gravitated towards his story and decided to interview him as well. With his ambulance-turned-food truck, Patrick truly has been a first responder in his own way, serving others however he could. Now he needs his city to have his back.Covid has been difficult for many food trucks with event cancellations, labor shortages, supply chain shortages and inflations to name a few challenges. Patrick has found himself experiencing all of this, all while still trying to push forward to support his family with the food truck as his only means of support. Applying for federal relief has been difficult, stressful, and unsuccessful. Applying for funding in general has presented several challenges for many first time entrepreneurs. He has acquired a new truck that help him take his business further, but it will need to be compliant with new TN food truck regulations and he cannot afford to stay compliant without our help.I am asking the community (near and far) to support Patrick to help him keep truckin. He needs $12,000 to put towards the following: a new generator, suppression system, fees for 2 front Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

The Food Truck Association of Georgia is working on a bill to help all food truckers in the state. Call Governor Kemp's office TODAY at 404-656-1776. Share this 5 min episode to all you know. This is HUGEOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

Hey hey! Happy New Year! Did you miss me?Since 2019, I’ve been asked if I had courses to help food truck owners who were receiving great information from #TFTSPodcast. After studying, building relationships with and visiting over 500 food trucks across the country— I can now say YES!The Food Truck Scholar  is proud to present Keep Truckin University which will be the hub for live and self-paced courses. Our first live virtual course will cover menu creation. Food items are one of the largest expenses a food trucker can have, so it’s important to use then wisely to avoid food waste, profit loss, time mismanagement, and poor customer retention. I’ll cover how you can make a menu that’s #Lean&Mighty on MONDAY, Jan 31 @ 12pm EST.This live webinar is available for only $47. You get access to the webinar, handout, live Q&A, and more! Register TODAYOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

About The ShowWell y’all we have come to the season 3 finale…can you believe it?! I have so much gratitude for everything that has happened this season and today I share some of those moments with you. From reflecting on highlights of the year, to sharing new products and initiatives, to updates on my academic progress, and what to look forward to in season 4, it’s an exciting time!CYBER MONDAY SALENew Book by The Food Truck Scholar- "Before You Launch A Food Truck"Ebook PDF PaperbackKindleAfter traveling the country meeting and interviewing about 500 food trucks in the past 5 years through The Food Truck Scholar Podcast and academic research, Ariel D. Smith has compiled an abundance of information regarding the food truck industry from menu creation and marketing, to maintenance and regulations. One of the things she discovered over the years is that aspiring food truckers either do not have enough information or are overwhelmed with information and no clue where to start. Ariel designed this book to be the first touchpoint on your food truck journey. If you're in multiple online groups and reading big books about food trucks and feeling lost, pause for a moment, pick up this trimmer. What's best about "Before You Launch A Food Truck" is that it is designed for you to reflect before taking action. Once you have reflected on and answered the questions provided (pages to take notes on each section included!), feel free to jump back into the other resources you're using to birth your food truck dreams!Season 3 Truck Level SponsorsEatokraEatOkra is where food, culture, and community link. Supporting Black owned restaurants and food trucks just got easier! Download the EatOkra app today.Sponsor The ShowNeed to get the word out about your product or service to food truckers? Consider becoming a sponsor for season 4!FREE Checklist: 7 Things To Do If You're Looking for a Food Truck BuilderJoin Our Mailing ListSocial MediaYoutubeFacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedINOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

Today's ShowWithin the past year, I’ve received more questions about catering and ghost kitchens in particular. While experiences may vary by person and location, today’s guest utilized ghost kitchens to stay open at the onset of covid but shares with us why his restaurant plans will not include ghost kitchens in the foreseeable future.Miles Robbins is the founder of FourFortyFour, a catering service in LA that is positioning itself to one day have a restaurant that will be listed as one of the best. Today we talk about his culinary journey and if a food truck will ever be added to the equation.FourFortyFour Social MediaIG: @fourfortyfour_creationswebsite: fourfortyfourcreations.comSeason 3 Truck Level SponsorsEatokraEatOkra is where food, culture, and community link. Supporting Black owned restaurants and food trucks just got easier! Download the EatOkra app today.Sponsor The ShowNeed to get the word out about your product or service to food truckers? Consider becoming a sponsor for season 4!New Book by The Food Truck Scholar- "Before You Launch A Food Truck"Ebook PDF ON SALE!!!PaperbackKindleAfter traveling the country meeting and interviewing about 500 food trucks in the past 5 years through The Food Truck Scholar Podcast and academic research, Ariel D. Smith has compiled an abundance of information regarding the food truck industry from menu creation and marketing, to maintenance and regulations. One of the things she discovered over the years is that aspiring food truckers either do not have enough information or are overwhelmed with information and no clue where to start. Ariel designed this book to be the first touchpoint on your food truck journey. If you're in multiple online groups and reading big books about food trucks and feeling lost, pause for a moment, pick up this trimmer. What's best about "Before You Launch A Food Truck" is that it is designed for you to reflect before taking action. Once you have reflected on and answered the questions provided (pages to take notes on each section included!), feel free to jump back into the other resources you're using to birth your food truck dreams!FREE Checklist: 7 Things To Do If You're Looking for a Food Truck BuilderJoin Our Mailing ListOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

We’ve heard all about apartment complexes and residential areas that have invited food trucks out to their properties for their residents during and after the height of the Covid pandemic so it’s great to actually speak to the representative of one. Francesca Delguidice is the chief innovation officer Delamerican Real Estate Group for SLX Atlanta and shares why they decided to invite food trucks to the property and share some of her favorites Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

One thing we can all agree on, 2020 changed the world and especially the the food and beverage industry. Food trucks were not immune to that and many questioned if 2021 would a return to the old normal or a continuation of what has become our new normal in society. Tonya Coleman, owner of Chef TLC in Fishers, Indiana asked herself that same question Earlier this year Chef Tonya came back to the podcast to talk about the impact of Covid on not just her business, but opportunities to continue serving the community, and how she used the pandemic as fuel to grow her business while spreading love throughout the community.Thank you to EatOkra for being our Season 3 Sponsors!Want to be a sponsor for an episode or a season? Contact Us!Are you looking to get a custom built food truck but overwhelmed on where to start the process? If so, grab a copy of my free checklist “7 Things To Do If You’re Looking for a Food Truck Builder.” This checklist not only outlines things to do before you speak to a food truck manufacturer but also the things to look for the a good builder. Visit TheFoodTruckScholar.com to download your free copyOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

It’s a great day to be from Birmingham, AL because I’m sitting down with one of the hottest food trucks on the area. If you think you got some ride or die customers, I promise Charles Pilot might have you beat. The brother got folks going viral for literally chasing the food truck in street. But for Charles, customers are really family. So today’s episode is all about how he has built a family connection with each person that he encounters as well as his ongoing journey to turn Fat Charles BBQ into a brand that will have an impact for generations to comeThank you to EatOkra for being our Season 3 Partners!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

When I’m not talking to food truck owners, I love spending time talking to other food truck foodies. And let’s just say I share similar interests and passions with today’s guest.Lamount London is not only a music artist with a culinary background, but is also a food truck foodie, especially in his home of New Orleans. Today we share his journey into the culinary arts, how his passion for food and music go hand in hand, the landscape of New Orleans Cuisine, some of his favorite local trucks and much moreOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

As a food truck owner and entrepreneur, scams are everywhere- In person and digital. On Monday, I hosted a free webinar on protecting yourself again in person scams like counterfeit money and quick change schemes through programming led by Regions Bank. It was during that webinar food truck owner Narissa Saint Fleur shared her experience and questions around cyber hacks that led to me doing my own research on the topic and phone call with Narissa earlier today that I’m sharing unedited tonight. Narissa is the owner of Impact Island Cafe in Ocala, FL and today she shares her experience with credit card hackers and realizing that her point of sales system didn’t provide as much support in the situation as she would have expectedThank you EatOkra for being our season 3 sponsor!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

The words “vegan,” “plant based” and “dairy free” have become buzz words in the food industry, but they often come with misconceptions about what they are and are not. And furthermore, while many of you have become cognizant of serving your vegan customers, you may be leaving out some great customers- those who are gluten-free. Lucky for you, there’s a doctor in the house that knows all about it and is here to explain it all to you.For Dr. Devin Miles, encouraging food trucks to be mindful of the ingredients in their meals they prepare for customers is not just professional but personal. As a person who has been gluten-free for 14 years, she shares the health and liability risks food trucks might pose if they do not understand how to care for gluten free customers as well as some great ideas for those looking to cater to the strong demand in the market Thank you EatOkra for being our season 3 sponsors!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

Today’s guest has been part of The Food Truck Scholar fam for a while, but we finally got the chance to connect, and hopefully soon I can try some of his wings with orange soda sauce!Romeo Calloway is the owner of Pop Ups Mobile Kitchen in Bear, Delaware and has been steadily growing his brand through pop ups and catering as he works his way to a food truck.In this episode, Romeo shares his experience about navigating the hospitality in the wake of COVID 19 as well as steps and resources he utilizing to make his food truck dreams a realitySpecial thank you to EatOkra for being our Season 3 Partners!Over the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.

Less than 10 episodes remain in season 3– can you believe it?!We’ve had some amazing guests on the show this season and still have a few more stories to bring your way, but today, I felt it was important to update you on some exciting news that’s happening internally that will be great resources for you! Including our collaboration with Regions bank to host a free webinar on Monday October 18thThank you EatOkra for being our Season 3 Sponsor Partners!To signup for the webinar and join our community, visit TheFoodTruckScholar.comOver the past 5 years, I’ve  learned a lot about what makes a good food truck stand out among the rest. I took 8 of those key concepts and created a book where I could have curbside conversations with each of you about them. This book  is not only digestible and not designed to overwhelm you, but also propels you into action. You can purchase Before You Launch A Food Truck TODAY at TheFoodTruckScholar.com/shop in paperback and ebook format as well as on Amazon.