Truck Tales

What happens when a university becomes a food truck hub? How do food trucks honor public rules and regulations while they are on university property? What is the history of food trucks anyway? This is what the students in the Managing History graduate class at Temple University were challenged to research – and much more. We speak at length with one of the grad students involved. And, Janet Prensky I discuss our plans for 2023 for our Food Trucks 2 Go catering division as corporations book food trucks to welcome – or lure back -- their employees. Happy holidays to foodies everywhere, especially foodie fans and supporters of food trucks. Keep on truckin' – we all appreciate your support

Tis the season to be grateful for what we have – and to remember those who need our help. We speak first with Meagan Forbes from the Institute for Justice about efforts in Massachusetts to review regulations for food trucks – and then we talk with the Colemans from Southwest Florida who fed folks right after Ian hit – but have since lost their truck to the floodwaters and now need our help. They are on Facebook if you're looking to make their holiday season a bit brighter. Thanks in advance.

A little more from central Florida and Nadeem Battla about the World Food Truck Academy, set up to help food truckers - and his Emergency Response Team. Also, what's up in Long Beach, CA for food trucks – they are working on revamping their regulations. And, if you're wondering how they get lobster in Detroit, where Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks are expanding and where there are no oceans -- they do it daily –and safely. Check it out – all brought to you by Roll by ADP, payroll as easy as sending a text.

We at Truck Tales scour the country for interesting stories for foodies and food truckers – we found one in central Florida where Nadeem Battla has put together one of the largest food truck parks in the country. And, if you're wondering what's happening with food truck in the future, we hear from the editor of Food Truck Operator, Judy Mottl, who says her research shows a rosy future. All brought to you by Roll by ADP, your online payroll solution.

This episode you'll hear from the Institute for Justice about how about the fourth amendment applies to food trucks, a new NY farm-to-table food truck named after a little girl, a Food Network's Chef, and a chef who is expanding his empire.

What's happening in Denver – where police have tried to limit food trucks – but again the Institute for Justice steps in to challenge the restrictions. Are those challenges working? There are 35,000 food trucks in the country – we hear from a food truck in Orlando voted one of the best in the country, with a Peruvian accent! And, a few words from the new director of mobile food establishments in Boston – whom we call “the food truck guy”!

Just when you thought things were changing for the better for food trucks, we hear that that may not be the case everywhere – Why? Good question—that is answered by a journalist who's been focused on that issue for years. We also hear about a workshop put together by a west coast college to help food trucks launch and maintain a food truck business. And, from Bristol, Virginia, a new food truck park opens this week-end – free for the trucks and for guests – free entry, not free food!!!

Next up on Truck Tales, things are changing for food trucks around the country as more and more communities are realizing that their residents love food trucks and the regulations need to loosen up – we hear from East Hartford, CT on changes there. And how about a unique father/son food truck in South Dakota called ‘Hangover Hut'—the only hangover you'll want over and over again. And, we welcome our new Truck Tales sponsor, Roll by ADP, the payroll app that you can do on your phone – we speak to Roll's CEO, Roberto Masiero. A jam-packed and fun episode of Truck Tales, produced by Food Truck Ventures. Get three free months! https://www.rollbyadp.com/trucktales

A breakthrough for food trucks in Utah – how to go from the reservation to mainstream – and some good news for trucks from New England…Stayin in touch with what's happening in the world of food trucks. Join us – or tell us your tales at www.foodtruckventures.com.

Everything's coming up roses these days – now that the pandemic jitters are subsiding. Or should we say that everything's coming up WEDDINGS and WEDDING BOOKINGS. So, Food Truck Ventures has created a Weddings Division, booking food trucks for weddings and wedding events. Hear more about it on this podcast – and hear from a national expert on the industry and what's happening to vendors who service the wedding industry. And, hear from a food truck owner on what his experience is these days.

How do you start a business – or two or three new businesses -- in the middle of a pandemic? Especially a food truck & other eateries that are dependent on customers feeling comfortable and safe dining with you? And, with gas prices so high, how does a food truck deal with higher costs when they need gasoline for travel and food to sell? We speak with a couple of brave and resourceful entrepreneurs who did just that- and we explore how they deal with soaring gas & food prices which we all deal with but which so severely impact their businesses in particular. We also talk with a Chef Jerome Lawson on Georgia House Bill 1443, which would allow food truck owners to operate anywhere in the state on one state-wide permit.

So you want to start a food truck? We've got some tips on how to succeed from Megan Prevost at MustHaveMenus -www.musthavemenus.com – and we also talk to a researcher on whether food trucks harm the restaurant industry, as so many local officials claim – you'll be surprised by what the research found.

The pandemic continues – inside dining is not for everyone – why aren't local governments more supportive of food trucks and food carts when other dining options are limited? That's just what Dr. Ashley Rose Young has been studying as part of the Food History Project at the Smithsonian. Check it out – really interesting

New Year – and new attitude of how to succeed in the food truck business – even during a pandemic. We hear from an amazing 14-year old in Las Vegas who owns his own food truck, also from a Texas food trucker who organized Food Trucks for a Cause to help locals (an effort that is growing), and finally from a couple in upstate New York who actually started their food truck during the pandemic – and their business is booming. Some positive stories to kick off 2022.

Tis the season – not only for gift giving and celebrating our families but also for celebrating the wonderful things that food truck owners around the country do during this holiday season. We've found some trucks who have reached out to their communities and whose communities have reached out to them, including some in our own backyard in New England. They share their stories with us. If you have a story we should include, please let us know at annemarie@foodtruckventures.com. Happy & healthy holiday wishes to you from all of us at Food Truck Ventures.

On this edition of Truck Tales, we borrowed the hour-long show hosted by well-known Boston personality Billy Costa called “Food for Thought” that airs on the powerhouse radio station WBZ-AM 1030 in Boston and shared nationwide. His guest host was Joe Piantedosi who owns the nationally distributed Piantedosi baked goods – with Anne-Marie Aigner and Janet Prensky from Food Truck Ventures addressing the present state of the food truck industry in New England – and joined by three owners of the area's best food trucks, Frozen Hoagies, Trolley Dogs & Red's Street Kitchen. Interesting – and a lot of laughs.

More tales from trucks around the country –for our Truck Tales podcast – an update on how our company, Food Truck Ventures, is expanding our fundraising and corporate catering efforts – a new franchisee with some interesting and a great chat with one of the leaders of the food truck industry in New England and her family's many pivots over the past decade. We are always looking for more stories – send them to annemarie@foodtruckventures.com . And, stay tuned…

Truck Tales found some interesting stories to share – Two food truck parks to highlight, one in Maine, the other in Houston with a mission to help black-owned food trucks. And, from the front lines of Food Truck Ventures and Truck Tales, we hear how it all gets done – and from those who get it done – our interns from around the country. Tune in to Truck Tales on FoodTruckVentures.com

No more masks? Eating outdoors? Is Life getting back to our “new normal”? For the food truck industry as well? We hear from some of the country's most knowledgeable food truck experts about how trucks are doing in their regions: Matt Geller, head of the National Food Truck Association and Eric Weiner of Food TrucksIn give us a national perspective and Rashe Malcolm, who started a food truck in the middle of the pandemic, and Jamie Joe, head of the Nashville Food Truck Association, update us on how the food truck industry is doing in their markets – and it's surprisingly good news. And, of course, we at Food Truck Ventures add our two cents with an update on how the food trucks in New England are doing – and it's not all good, but definitely better and better.

Is it safe to dine out now that many of us have been vaccinated? Inside or out? Mask or no mask? Is it safe for employees in restaurants to go back to work? Time to hear from the experts, especially those who study these issues: Corby Kummer, renown food critic and now executive director of the Food & Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, which researched the challenges and created a guide on restaurant dining and safety during the pandemic. Bottom line: Safety means taking some precautions.

Anne Marie got the chance to be interviewed live on WBZ Boston. She got to bring the lack of attention for food trucks throughout the last year and how we can help that.

With a focus on getting back to our new normal, there are some sad stories about food trucks – but also some more positive stories as well. Truck Tales has one of each in our next podcast

A fascinating conversation with women owners of food trucks in honor of Women's History Month. And, yes, they do face the same biases that women everywhere face in the workforce. And, they are the bosses!

Pandemic? But food trucks are creative folks – and we've found a bunch of them who are doing interesting things to keep going. And, while Black History Month is over, we managed to find a Black-owned truck with a fun menu who's doing very well in North Carolina. And, if you have an interesting story to tell, or want a few food trucks (all orders online) for a corporate or private event – or maybe even a fundraiser – let us know at info@foodtruckventures.com. We can make it happen – safely.”

What's up with some food trucks and others for Valentine's Day – and if you had been at the Super Bowl, you would have “discovered” Heavenly Puffs – but you can still have some! Checking in with Montilios Bakery, Reds Street Kitchen, Pangea Cuisines and even a follow-up to a Super Bowl food truck.

It's not all about politics or the pandemic – sometimes we just NEED some diversions. In this episode of Truck Tales, we get an update on the food truck industry from one of the industry's national leaders – and it's not great news if you love food trucks. We also meet a restauranteur with a long history and a commitment to his employees no matter what!And, speaking of diversions – how about an exciting Super Bowl with an update from a food truck who will be there with an amazing product for the thrill of a lifetime, as the owner puts it. Don't forget to support your local food trucks, all small businesses. They really need your love right now – and all take online orders so totally safe..... TLDR: 1st, we open and interview Matt Geller. 2nd, we talk to EJ Cubellis, owner of Mezza Luna restaurant. Then we do a segment with Tammy Levent about Heavenly Puffs before we close out.

Happy New Year! In this episode we talk to three food truck owners that are carving their own path in the food truck industry whilegiving back to the community. Join us for some optimistic news stories as we look forward to 2021 Find us at foodtruckventures.com/streats

Happy holidays to all! Today we are excited to guest star Ariel D. Smith, who runs The Food Truck Scholar podcast. We open with a chat between co-founders Anne Marie Aigner and Janet Prensky, then talk in-depth with Ariel Smith, and we end the episode with an interview of our departing intern, the beloved Taylor Nasuti! We hope you enjoy listening as you close out the year surrounded by loved ones and delicious foods. Stay safe and wear masks to save lives!And remember: 'Tis the Season to support your local eateries. New Years Resolution: Buy from Food Trucks and Black-owned businesses in your area! Happy bellies, happy hearts. Can't Lose. Also, Dismantle racism. But you'll need lots of fuel, so, as needed, keep circling back to that 1st resolution.

Introducing our new name, Food Truck Ventures! We are excited to tell you about the changes our company is undergoing. Food Truck Ventures wishes you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving day! Please be responsible during these Pandemic times. We say thanks for your continued support - and thank you for tuning in!

What will we do when outdoor dining options begin closing? In this episode we offer an option to safely bring the meals to you to enjoy in your neighborhood. Also hear from the Frozen Hoagies food truck and one of our Neighborhood StrEATs ambassadors about a new program to support PTA programs through fundraising.

One of our most loyal food trucks, Trolley Dogs of Boston, tells us how they've taken our StrEATs program by storm, as well as a Neighborhood Ambassador who is utilizing our program every single week to bring new food trucks into her Newton, MA neighborhood. We also chatted with a New Jersey-based food truck owner who created an initiative to “Feed the Frontline” during the pandemic with her food truck.If you'd like a food truck to visit your neighborhood, Request a Truck at: www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/streats.

Say cheese – or cheesecake—and hear how this one item has been wildly successful for a couple out west. Also, we check in with the Massachusetts brewers Guild on how the beer industry is doing – and did you know that FUKU means “LUCK” in Japanese – and how lucky for those who can find a `fukuburger'!!! And, if you'd like a food truck to visit your neighborhood, Request a Truck at www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/streats.

Clambakes and BBQ. A perfect lineup for July 4th. With the weekend around the corner, hear how to create a flawless clambake and BBQ from the best of the best, Woodman's and Greatest BBQ of New England. But what about fireworks? Listen in on how the Boston Pops are handling this July 4th weekend from Director of Artistic Planning, Dennis Alves. Also, listen in on what Max Reeves from Red's RI has to say about how the meat industry is doing since the pandemic.

Butter Ur Biscuit, Maggie on the Move, and KW Beverages. Are these businesses surviving during the pandemic? Hear from Matt Geller, president of the National Food Truck Association, to learn how food trucks are using online ordering across the country to save their businesses.

Mac & Cheese, award-winning BBQ, and craft beer brewed in Massachusetts! Hear from a couple of our favorite trucks Macarollin' and GottaQ BBQ, and from Mighty Squirrel Brewery on how they're making it through this pandemic.

Catered birthday parties, food trucks in your neighborhood, and supporting first responders! Learn how you can get your Together We Stand flag.

Boozy popsicles and ice cream? The perfect snack after another day working from home! Hear from Sammy at SnöBar Southeast on their mission to become the neighborhood "adult ice cream truck". Also, how are craft breweries getting affected by the sudden loss in sales? Hear from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, one of MA's largest craft breweries, and Mino Soghomonian from Atlantic Beverage Distributors.

How can food trucks help feed America during the COVID-19 crisis? Learn what June Somers, the owner of Mom on the Go Food Truck, and Food Truck Festivals of America are doing to help communities in need.

How is the COVID-19 crisis affecting the food truck world? Hear from food truck owners Avi Shemtov and Stephen Coe, the Director of Small Businesses in MA - Natalia Urtubey, and our festival producer Anthony Pepe about how the truckers are responding to the crisis.

What's happening with food trucks in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Learn from Punchy's Pizza and Kimo's Hawaiian BBQ.

A look into the food truck scene in Panama City Beach, Florida from Dovalina's food truck and Temperley's.

A behind the scenes look into the business of one of Boston's most popular dessert food trucks, The Whoo(pie) Wagon!