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The Food Truck Scholar Podcast is where food, business, and stories collide. Each episode host and academic scholar Ariel D. Smith peels back the cultural, social, economic, and political layers of the food truck industry. From Food Network contestants and former bank executives to self-trained and formally trained chefs- The Food Truck Scholar Podcast introduces you to entrepreneurs from all walks life that are ready to feed your mind with tips to start your own food truck, stories that fil ...
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ABOUT THE SHOW It’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 restauran…
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ABOUT THE SHOW While 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 s…
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ABOUT THE SHOW I 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 …
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ABOUT THE SHOW Food 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 a…
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ABOUT THE SHOW Today 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 Foo…
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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 …
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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. Tod…
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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 wor…
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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 HUGE 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…
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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 Universi…
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About The Show Well 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…
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Today's Show Within 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 Robb…
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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 a…
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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 questio…
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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 …
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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 in…
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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 questi…
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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…
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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 …
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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 ba…
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The food truck industry is full of many challenges and losses that aren’t always talked about. But even more important are the ways many are able to rebuild from the ashes. Today’s guest has literally done just that. Asia Iqui is the owner of Iqui’s Chicken and Tacos in Indianapolis, Indiana. Last year, I reached out after her food trailer caught o…
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Todays guest is a Canadian food historian and academic researcher that is out here living one of my dreams, collecting stories about food in a food truck! Dr. Janis Thiessen is a History Professor at the University of Winnipeg and a principal investigator for the Manitoba Food History Project. Today we talk about the importance of oral history and …
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Happy Labor Day! Now some people may like smash burgers that are all nice and thin, but for me, there’s only one way to make a burger- Thicc. Luckily, Jay Wolfe agrees with me and created Thicc Burger, a roaming burger joint that gives each customer a taste of home and a burst of flavor. Jay has traveled the country showcasing their Thicc Burgers a…
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Many times when we talk about the food truck journey we focus on going from Truck or trailer to brick and mortar. But what about those who started out as home chefs and caterers who could potentially have a food truck coming to a city near you? Today’s guest is someone I’m extremely proud of because he’s a former student and colleague that is makin…
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The Food Truck Scholar Podcast doesn’t just introduce you to your foodie cousins across the country but your family around the world. From Switzerland to Canada to Australia, the Philippines and everywhere in between folks from all over have been tuning in and sharing their stories this season with more to come. Today’s guest is currently based in …
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I’m in the 205 at the urgent request of my baby brother and bonding time with my sister so it’s only right we rewind and bring back one of my favorite Birmingham food trucks that aren’t just poppin and making a name for themselves, but are poppin with a purpose. Tanesha Sims Summers is the founder and CEO of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn company. Wi…
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For many of us, access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products are something we take for granted. For many in the United States, neighborhoods that have no grocery store in walking distance, access to mostly processed foods and poor quality fruits and vegetables is the norm. Prosperity Market is out to change that. Stating with Los Angeles a…
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+1 (205) 478-5374:Today all roads lead back home to the 205. Aye this one has been a long time coming. I had this food truck back in 2016, went to their first brick and mortar a couple of years later and late last year, I sat down with the owner right before they opened their second location. I’m talking about none of than Zebbie Carney, owner of E…
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Now I have had a few guests on the show that go way back with me in terms of The Food Truck Scholar, but this guest even goes beyond that for me. Justus McGee is the owner of SoulFresh Springrolls in Durham, NC and earlier this year we sat down to talk about our journeys together, his transition from the classroom to the curbside, and the impact of…
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Now y’all know if there’s one thing about me, I’m going to find a food truck and all it’s cousins: food truck trailers, food carts, food buses, food 18 wheeler trucks, food pods, you name it! Well today, I’m bringing to you a guest I met last year that introduced me to a new possibility for the first time on the show: a food boat. Mark McGuire buil…
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Today, I’m sitting solo at the mic- actually I’m in my car since I’m working out of state, to host a family meeting this episode so I can update the whole TFTSFam on some of the updates and changes coming to not only grow the brand but sustain it As always, thank you to EatOkra for being our season 3 sponsors! Over the past 5 years, I’ve learned a …
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Often on this show I talk about the importance of pursuing what you love and my conversation with today’s guest couldn’t capture that more. Farnesther Lafaitey aka Chef Fly is the proud owner of Grits and Things in Atlanta, GA who is known for her signature brunch specials Today Chef Fly shares with us how she left a career path that was not fulfil…
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Today's guest is an educator at heart that has definitely made his way through kitchens in many different forms. Chef Steven McIntyre is a culinary instructor based in Birmingham, AL. To some of you, his voice will sound familiar because Chef McIntyre was first introduced to the fam last year during our Black Food Entrepreneurship Webinar Series Th…
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Today’s guest is no stranger to the food truck scholar community. From being a guest on season 1 to a moderator and regular attendee of the all things food trucks club on Clubhouse, Food Network champion Chef Darrell Johnson has been open to sharing his story and his life lessons with the community. Earlier this year we sat down to talk about life …
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Next week, June 25th is national food truck day but you know we gotta celebrate all week long right?! The Food Truck Scholar is proud to partner with Roaming Hunger and several other national partners in the food truck community and press all over the nation to celebrate YOU. That’s right, we want to celebrate each and every one of you for making t…
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People often ask if I have been to every truck from the podcast, and my response is always “not yet.” While work and school are demanding by themselves, I make it a goal to visit as many as I can, no matter how far down the line it is And that’s why I’m excited to share an episode I originally released two years ago in season 1 with Nikeisah Newton…
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Today, I’m taking you to my current neck of the woods- West Lafayette. IN home of the boilermakers to introduce you to Ahmad Athamneh owner of Grilled Chicken and Rice. We talk about the importance of having mentors and being a continuous student, having a cost structure and keeping a lean menu Thank you to our Season 3 Partners EatOkra! Download t…
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Today, I’m taking you to Greensboro, NC to meet a duo that has been providing entertainment and community in the city and across the state. The founders of FoodTrk Network noticed that many college campus across the state may have had students on campus last year, but they had no outlets to connect with others due to pandemic and found a fairly saf…
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I love when listeners become guests and part of fam and Robert Gathers and his wife, Founders of 803 foody from Columbia, SC are now a part of the fam. Today, Robert shares his journey of finding what truly makes him come alive and turning his life around by creating a vision that’s bigger than him and changing up folks palates in Columbia South Ca…
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Today’s guest is from the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection. Tanesha Trippett of Brotherly Grub food truck and Jacobs Cafe stepped away from the hustle and bustle of business to talk to us about family legacy, her catering and food truck journey- before and during Covid. While many see a food truck as “pandemic and recession proof” that…
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With Mother’s Day only a few days away, I thought it would be great to feature a guest I been looking forward to sharing with you all ever since we connected earlier this year. Sonja Beal stopped by the show on behalf of her son Frankie Beal, a 12 year old that is taking Independence, MO and pretty soon the nation by storm with his mom right beside…
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Lately, I’ve been getting more questions about how much does it cost to build a food truck, and my answer is always “it depends, but it’s never cheap no matter if you do it yourself or get a custom build in the long run.” Today, I have another food truck builder, Sharone Klinger of Master Chef Mobile Kitchens in Brooklyn NY taking the conversation …
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Today’s guest has a heart for people and for the community and she loved both love and perseverance through food. Natalie Young is a creator and entrepreneur in several avenues, including RHL Steaks Burgers & Ribs in Columbus, Ohio Today, Natalie shares with how went from a overcoming hurricanes and homelessness to becoming a food truck owner and n…
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Join in on my conversation with Naresh Shan of Spice Republic as he shares his journey from 15 years in design to pivoting into the food truck industry. Naresh discusses his desire to fill the gap for cultural foods in his area in Switzerland, how Covid impacted his plans and why he ultimately choose to go with a food truck rather than a restaurant…
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Join us for our Season 3 opener, as we introduce new segments and how The Food Truck Scholar came to be. We are joined by our sponsors; founders of Eat Okra, to discuss why they created a centralized app to help find Black-owned restaurants. They'll share their journey to developing this amazing resource, how to get your restaurant added to their d…
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Well y’all, a couple weeks ago I celebrated my 28th birthday and received some of my favorite gifts, meeting new people and learning new things. Today I want to pass those gifts on to you with Dustin Lancey from Goodyear to talk about selecting and maintaining tires for your food truck, resources Goodyear provides that you may not know about, and t…
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This is the season 2 finale of the show and I’m so excited to look back on all the great moments we’ve had together and share some achievements you may not know about. I’ll also drop a little bit of the deets for season 3 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 con…
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What’s up, everybody! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from The Food Truck Scholar Podcast!!! This time of year always makes us reflect on the year and push us to really get into the spirit of giving and holiday cheer. And with the year 2020 has been, some of us could use a little cheer and perhaps even a reminder to there is always an opportunit…
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Fast Friday Tip! If you haven’t protected your intellectual property, you might want to do it soon. Visit USPTO.gov 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 …
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Well y’all, just one more episode remains before the season finale of the show but don’t worry! Season 3 premieres March 2021 and I’m so excited about all the people you get to meet. If you want to be a guest on the show, stay tuned at the end of this interview for more details. Today’s guest is someone who is solution-oriented and all about advoca…
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