TOURISM

Clarksville Food Trucks Flourishing During COVID-19

By Dr. Lorneth Peters | TSBDC Executive Director Linell’s, Off the Grill, and RIB UMM & SOUL LLC.

The Coronavirus is rapidly changing spending habits, as consumer behaviors are settling into a new normal. Owners: Diana and Adrian Gonzales

According to Statista (2020), people are spending more money on sanitizers, household cleaning products, home entertainment products and services, We offer specific dishes with a Southern unique experience.

less on clothing and casual dining. The impact of the pandemic on the retail and food industry has proven to be critical. During the first 22 days of March, the restaurant industry saw a $20 billion loss in revenue and this is expected to

What is your signature dish?

Fat Boy Burrito.

do business?

normal, our sales continue to increase.

increase to over $100 billion by early fall. As consumer spending continues to shift, mobile business spaces are proven lucrative in Montgomery County.

HISTORY OF FOOD TRUCKS Food trucks initially began in the 1870’s by Charles Goodnight and Walter Scott. Goodnight provided cooked food for cowboys and miners while Scott offered sandwiches, coffee Both creators started a version of meal on wheels, which the 21st century has coined, food trucks. Over a century later, the food truck industry employs almost 30,000 employees and is a $2 billion dollar revenue per year business in the United States. The industry has grown by over 20% in one year and it outpacing the traditional commercial food service industry. The mission of food trucks in the 1870's is identical to the purpose of food trucks today, which is to meet the needs of a community.

FAT BOY TACOS Founded: November 2018

What makes your food unique?

California Style. Our customer service and interacting with customers also provides a

How has COVID affected the way you

Demand for our food outweighed food supply. Due to meat shortages, we became more creative by closing one extra day a week to ensure we had enough food supply to last each week. As we embrace a new and pies to office workers in the 1880’s.

What advice would you give to those starting a business?

Stay positive, bring the energy and passion daily, be willing to hustle, and remember to adapt and overcome.

Contact Information:

Facebook: @fatboytacos2018 Instagram: @fatboy_tacos

MOCO FOOD TRUCKS Montgomery County is home to numerous food trucks. For this edition, we’re highlighting five food trucks: Fat Boy Tacos, Gray Smoke Barbecue,

GRAY SMOKE BARBECUE Owners: Duane & Cynthia Gray Founded: March 2018

What makes your food unique?

We use hickory wood for barbequing and spend hours ensuring our meat is cooked to perfection.

What is your signature dish?

Pull-pork plate, loaded fries, nachos &ribs.

How has COVID affected the way you do business?

Sales have increased and we are welcoming new customers on a daily basis. Our challenges have included meat shortages and skyrocketing prices of brisket. Also, we were opened a week without baby back ribs. Although we have experienced these unforeseen challenges, customers continue to be understanding and supportive.

What advice would you give to those starting a business?

Do your research before starting. Running a business is a not a 4 hour job but requires 16 hours a day attention. Remember to prepare for maintenance repairs, which may require a specialized mechanic.

Contact Information:

Facebook @Gray.Smoke.Barbecue Twitter: @gray.smoke.barbecue

LINELL’S FOOD TRUCK Owners: Ronald and Janice Price Founded: December 2019

What makes your food unique?

We offer Mexican food with a touch of soul, unique recipes and savory flavors.

What is your signature dish?

Fried Birria Tacos.

How has COVID affected the way you do business?

We have always followed the guidelines set by the CDC and Department of Health, so having to constantly sanitize was already second nature to us. Therefore, COVID was not an inconvenience for how we run our business. We have welcomed new customers who learned about our services while other food eateries were closed. The last three months reminded us how supportive and loyal our community is and they trust our food truck business to keep them and their families safe and their stomachs full!

What advice would you give to those starting a business?

Just do it! The hardest part is getting past yourself and all of your doubts. Step out on faith and do it!

Contact Information:

Phone: 615-525-8566 Facebook @Mexicanwithasplashofsoul Email: linells1934@yahoo.com Instagram: @linellstacos OFF THE GRILL Owners: Gerald & Natasha Thomas Founded: February 2020

What makes your food unique?

Our food is unique because it takes 12-14 hours to complete the cooking process. We do it to make people smile, and make people feel better, it is a way to someone’s heart.

What is your most popular dish?

Pulled pork dish.

How has COVID affected the way you do business?

Due to meat shortages and the higher prices of meat it can sometimes be difficult to get food the needed ingredients so more prep time and increased creativity has become common place. In the midst of all the changes, our revenue has increased and more individuals are learning more about our food truck.

What advice would you give to those starting a business?

Be patient when starting a business. It takes time to figure out a system that works for you. Learn how to budget to increase your profit margins.

Contact Information:

Facebook: @eatoffthegrill Email: offthegrillfoodtruck@gmail.com

Instagram: @eatoffthegrill RIB UMM & SOUL Owner: Kelly Cobbs Founded: March, 2020

What makes your food unique?

We serve smoked flavorful meats and made from scratch sides.

What is your most popular dish?

Smoked Ribs.

How has COVID affected the way you do business?

The pandemic has actually provided a unique opportunity for my food trailer as it has provided a window to access consumers that usually would not patronage a food truck. The pandemic has also given me an opportunity to use social media more effectively to get my product/service out in the public sector. It has increased my efforts in maintaining cleanliness, through disinfection and sanitization. Additionally, it has caused me to increase my number of workers to decrease variables related to the chain of infection in food service.

What advice would you give to those starting a business?

Be prepared for a launch date, Review city, county, and health department licensing fees and permits before establishing your LLC.

Contact Information:

Phone: 931-216-8595 Facebook: @ribummandsoulLLC Instagram @ribummandsoul

DELICIOUS & DYNAMIC Food trucks in Montgomery County are serving their community by providing fresh, authentic, and memorable tasting meals during a pandemic. The fundamental idea behind the food trucking business is to go where people are and each of the food trucks highlighted go where people are on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Learn more about the food truck scene by visiting the Clarksville Food Trucks Groups and the Clarksville and Surrounding Area food trucks group on Facebook.