I wanted to create and serve fun, seasonal, local as possible food in my small island community. I wanted to employ locals, serve locals and change the menu weekly.
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
My seasonal scratch made menu changes every week—small and mighty with two entrees, gluten free and vegan options, local meats, sustainable seafood, scratch made beverages and desserts.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
Being independent and doing whatever I want!
Equipment
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
It's been wonderful! I'm amazed at how little propane I use now, and I love that there's no generator exhaust. My generator is quiet, but the Joule Case is silent except a tiny fan!
During COVID like many others, I found my evenings filled with sitting at home and just enjoying my family. It became a little tradition of ours each evening at 9:30pm to watch a wind-down tv show and have a little dessert. Our puppies would also partake and we quickly discovered our dog Bailey was in love with Whipped Cream! So much in love that she learned to tell time and each night at 9:30pm she would start her excited dance waiting for her whipped cream treat. As I found myself contemplating what life after COVID would look like, I found myself thinking of all the joy we had at 9:30pm enjoying our dessert and Bailey's happy dance. I remembered back to a job I had as a teenager at an ice cream store and remembered that humans also have that same joy when it came to ice cream. I thought "I can bring that joy to others in my area". As an East Coast-er, I was always searching for classic ice cream out here in LA and found it hard to find, so made it my mission to find a creamery that could provide some of my favorite flavors. I found a super awesome truck in Florida, got it shipped here, and started building what I call "The Bailey Bus".
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
Ice Cream (Sundaes, Scoops, Cones, Toppings, and obviously whipped cream!)
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
So far I don't know because we're just opening. It's definitely been a challenge but each obstacle I've overcome has really made me feel like I can do almost anything I set my mind to!
Equipment
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
It's been a long process to get to where I am currently! I actually started looking at Joule Case when I first got the truck but because it was so new, my food truck builder at the time convinced me it was not the way to go. I was settled with just using the Honda generator that came with the truck. When he finally finished building the truck and we went to start the generator that came with it, he realized it needed some work. We explored the idea of getting that generator fixed, getting a new generator, or other options. I quickly realized it was nearly impossible to get a gas powered quiet generator here in CA with all the rules and regulations so I dug back into Joule Case. I reached out to someone I saw on Instagram using Joule Case (ORCA EATS) and she told me about her journey. I knew it was something that I could do. I went back to my food truck builder (now a year and a half since that first conversation) who now had said that he thought it was a great idea. I worked with Jaime from Joule Case to spec a system. At first, it took some playing around with to get everything lined up and working. I had ordered an inverter that ended up being back ordered and was sent a substitute of two more inverters connected which just was not working with my setup. I called Joule Case who immediately jumped on it and sent someone down to Los Angeles to help my builder get things going. After a weekend of messing with things they thought they had it together but after a day it was failing again. I was nervous I wasn't going to ever have a working option but Joule Case didn't give up. John came back out and swapped the system to the original one that didn't require two inverters and things lined right up. I passed inspection and even had to show the inspector that the generator was on as she didn't believe it since it was so quiet.
We felt like the best way to get our name, brand and products out there was by being mobile. Meeting people where they are when the taste for ice cream strikes.
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
Handmade ice cream, fruitsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and other frozen desserts. Ice cream was something we started doing at home as a family to get through COVID. Once we had family and friends try it and got good feedback, we decided to take the show on the road.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
The flexibility and networking opportunities available. We do everything from kids' birthday parties, farmer's markets, and daily setups at local parks to outdoor festivals. We are constantly meeting and engaging with people who not only love our product but help to promote us as well.
Equipment
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
Amazing! We started out with a small Joule Case to power a portable camping freezer. We loved the ease of use, and once we decided to get the trailer, it was no question to get a system put together by Joule Case.
After spending over 25 years behind a desk, I dreamed of being my own boss again. When the pandemic hit, it gave me time and opportunity to reassess my life goals. I grew up in the food business, was a food writer, had a granola business, and roasted coffee as a side gig, so I knew I wanted to get back into the game, and coffee was a natural selection. I would eventually love to own a tiny shoebox of a coffee bar, and having a food truck seemed like a good stepping stone.
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
While I have the requisite espresso machine, I most enjoy making and drinking cold brew concoctions. Luckily, my signature drinks are my best sellers, all made with cold brew. I choose coffee because it's what I love. Some people drink coffee to wake up; I wake up to drink coffee.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
The neighborhood where I am currently parked is a true neighborhood in the best sense of the word. While I live on the other side of town, in the food pod where Barney the Van is parked, I feel like I am part of that community. I've only been in business since the beginning of October, but I already have regulars that stop by, and I LOVE that!
Equipment
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
Rian and his team have been great! I am so happy and thankful that my fabricator, Walt Dimick of NW Mobile Fabricators in Portland, found Joule Case. I approached several local alternative energy companies in Eugene about powering a coffee van, and they all told me it couldn't be done. Joule Case told Walt and me that they could make it work.
Being in the kitchen is my true passion. I have been a chef since 2009 running banquets at hotels, working the line at restaurants and even a hospital. The pandemic inspired me to start something of my own. I love experimenting with different cuisines and it gives me great joy to see others enjoy my creations.
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
Hawaiian Poké which is diced raw ahí tuna in a soy sesame shoyu sauce of my own flavoring, mixed with green and yellow onions, as well as ginger. Also we served cooked shrimp poké style for the people who don't eat raw fish. I started with this concept because it's simple and doesn't require cooking, specifically a hood or complex food truck setup.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
Serving and interacting with my guests, especially seeing their reactions when they taste my food. I love meeting and talking with people from different walks of life. It's an added bonus when I get to basically be my own boss, choose my own hours and have my family with me when needed.
Equipment
My trailer is only 9x6 but does so much for a little thing, powered by the Joule Case which runs 2 refrigerators, a sandwich prep table, rice cooker, tankless water heater, and lights. In addition I've had 2 solar panels installed for extra juice.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
It's been amazing! It's eliminated the need for the gas generator which was loud, smelled terrible, extremely heavy to lift alone, and tedious having to fill up each time, not to mention expensive with the high cost of gas. Joule case has eliminated all of this. It's functionality and ease of use has literally saved me. Plus of course it's better for the environment, which everyone should be conscientious about what we're doing for our planet.
Because we love coffee and the socializing that goes along with it! Getting to be part of first dates, a morning ritual, old couples, new friends, family, business meetings, etc. We get to share in those moments and it's great.
WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?
We have coffee and sodas as well as other beverages. Here in Utah there's a stigma that people don't drink coffee. We wanted to offer coffee for all those that do as well as alternatives for those who don't. We want to include everyone in the joy of getting a drink together.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?
Definitely the people you meet and the friendships you develop.
Equipment
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?
When choosing an alternative system for our generator replacement we contacted several companies. Prices varied widely and although Joule Case was more expensive we chose them because of their proven history on a food truck, which the other companies did not have. They were quick to respond to my inquiries and followed up to see if I had questions (which I had lots). My knowledge of batteries and solar is limited and they were very patient and walked us through the installation process. The fact that I can call with questions and they answer directly means so much.
Performance has been fantastic. We can roll up and be ready to serve in minutes. We are able to run our a/c the whole time with no issues. We love being silent. Our only regret is we didn't do it sooner. It's a big investment but completely worth it.
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