We recently connected with Gary & Ashley Southard and have shared our conversation below.
Gary & Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
In our experience, several key factors contribute to success in the food truck industry:
1. High-Quality Food: The most important aspect for us is to offer delicious, unique, and high-quality food that stands out from our competition. Consistency in taste and presentation is crucial to building a loyal customer base and our hundreds of repeat customers can confirm our food is most definitely high quality and delicious.
2. Unique Concept: Having a unique concept or vehicle can help differentiate one food truck from others. We decided on a school bus for this exact reason in 2018.
3. Location: Choosing the right location is vital for success. Identifying areas with high foot traffic, such as business districts, parks, or event venues, can significantly increase visibility and customer reach. Additionally, participating in local food truck festivals and collaborating with other businesses has helped expand our customer base.
4. Marketing and Social Media: Continuous improvement is a fundamental aspect of our business philosophy, and we are constantly dedicated to enhancing our skills and expanding our knowledge in this area. We were completely inept in this area when we started operating in 2020 and have learned a lot but have a ton more to learn.
5. Customer Service: Providing exceptional customer service is crucial for success. We pride ourselves on being friendly and attentive, providing quick service, and giving a positive overall experience to every customer which we believe leaves a lasting impression leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
6. Operational Efficiency: Running a food truck requires efficient operations. This includes having a well-organized kitchen setup, streamlined processes, and effective inventory management. Ensuring that our truck is clean and well-maintained and that we adhere to health and safety regulations is also crucial.
7. Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible is vital in the food truck industry. Being open to adjusting our menu, exploring new locations, and catering to customer preferences helps us stay relevant and meet evolving demands.
8. Financial Management: Maintaining a strong grasp of our finances is essential for long-term success. In our industry, the margins are so thin that we must make sure we carefully budget, track expenses and price our menu items appropriately to ensure profitability.
9. Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships with other food truck owners, local businesses, and event organizers has provided opportunities for collaboration, cross-promotion, and increased exposure. Networking within the industry has also provided valuable insights and support as we have found most food truck owners willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences to help us learn and grow.
10. Passion and Dedication: Finally, being passionate about our business and having the dedication to work hard, persevere through challenges, and continuously improve is one of the main things we believe is crucial for our long-term success.
Gary & Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The Magic Food Bus embarked on its journey amidst the challenging times of the COVID era. In 2018, we acquired a bus from a private school in Lafayette, which underwent a meticulous 18-month transformation from a 40-seat school bus into a fully functional mobile kitchen.
After the transformation was complete we patiently awaited the opportune moment for us to embark on our food truck adventures. At that time, we were both tirelessly managing different kitchens, dedicating 60-80 hours a week.
When our respective kitchens abruptly closed their doors in March 2020, fate presented us with an unexpected opportunity, and on June 3rd 2020 we embarked on our new culinary adventure.
We started on a small scale, serving local bars and neighborhoods in Thornton.
Through word of mouth, our reputation grew, leading us to expand our presence to a nearby winery, apply for outdoor festivals and establish partnerships with some exceptional breweries.
As things gradually reopened, we returned to our “normal” jobs while operating the food bus exclusively on weekends. However, in September 2021, we finally took the leap of faith, bidding farewell to the security of a guaranteed paycheck to fully focus on our business.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from customers everywhere we went instilled in us the confidence to pursue our dreams wholeheartedly. From that point forward, we began booking private events as more people experienced the magic of our food. Presently, our schedule is brimming with an array of remarkable locations, events, companies, and festivals. Additionally, we are continuously expanding the catering side of our business.
Beyond paying homage to the beloved Magic School Bus and its extraordinary adventures, our entire concept revolves around our passion for exceptional food, boundless creativity, and the relentless pursuit of making each dish the best someone has ever tasted. We are committed to providing our customers with extraordinary service and creating an inviting environment where people can savor an incredible meal and depart with beaming smiles on their faces.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
We place great emphasis on customer service and exceptional food, and several factors have contributed to building our reputation within the market:
1. Consistently Outstanding Food: Our unwavering commitment to serving high-quality, delicious food has been instrumental in building our reputation. We take pride in using fresh ingredients, carefully crafting our recipes, and ensuring consistency in taste and presentation. By consistently delivering outstanding food, we have garnered a loyal customer base who appreciates the quality and flavors we offer.
2. Exceptional Customer Service: We firmly believe that exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of any successful business. We prioritize creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and going the extra mile to ensure our customers feel valued and appreciated has helped us build strong relationships and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
3. Personalized Experience: We strive to provide a personalized experience for each customer. Taking the time to engage with our customers, listen to their preferences, and accommodate special requests has helped us create memorable experiences. By tailoring our service to meet individual needs, we have built a reputation for going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
4. Consistency and Reliability: Consistency is key in the food industry. We have worked hard to establish a reputation for reliability, ensuring that our customers can count on us to show up when we say we will and consistently deliver exceptional food and service. By maintaining high standards and meeting or exceeding customer expectations every time, we have earned their trust and loyalty.
5. Positive Online Reviews and Social Media Presence: In today’s digital age, online reviews and social media play a significant role in shaping a business’s reputation. We actively encourage our satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and share their experiences on platforms like Yelp, Google, and social media. By consistently delivering exceptional food and service, we have garnered a strong online presence and positive reviews which have further enhanced our reputation within the market.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Because we are a team of two and married we have a unique approach to this question but many of these points will work with a larger team as well.
1. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities: This helps avoid confusion and ensures that we both understand our specific duties. We also clearly communicate expectations and establish a division of labor that plays to each of our strengths.
2. Open and Honest Communication: Communication is key in any relationship, especially when working together. We have open and honest communication, discussions about challenges, and brainstorming sessions to find solutions together. We create a safe space for expressing concerns or frustrations without judgment.
3. Respect Each Other’s Expertise: We recognize and respect each other’s expertise and skills. We acknowledge the unique strengths and abilities that each of us brings to the table. We have trust in each other’s capabilities and celebrate our strengths together.
4. Set Boundaries: Running a food truck as a couple can blur the lines between personal and professional life. It’s important to set boundaries and establish designated times for work-related discussions and personal time. This helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout.
5. Celebrate Successes Together: We celebrate achievements and milestones as a team. We acknowledge and appreciate each other’s contributions and successes. This boosts morale and strengthens the bond between us.
6. Support Each Other: Running a food truck can be physically and emotionally demanding. We fully support each other through the ups and downs of the business.
. 7. Regularly Evaluate and Adjust: We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our roles, processes, and strategies. We are open to making adjustments and improvements based on feedback and lessons learned. We continuously seek ways to optimize our operations and enhance our teamwork.
8. Take Time for Personal Connection: Amidst the busyness of running a food truck, we try to make time for personal connection. Taking time off for vacations is a big one for us.
9. Celebrate Our Shared Vision: We try to regularly remind ourselves of our shared vision and goals that we started the food bus with. We reflect on the reasons why we decided to embark on this food bus journey as a couple and celebrate the progress we have made and the dreams we are working towards together.
Gary & Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The Magic Food Bus embarked on its journey amidst the challenging times of the COVID era. In 2018, we acquired a bus from a private school in Lafayette, which underwent a meticulous 18-month transformation from a 40-seat school bus into a fully functional mobile kitchen.
After the transformation was complete we patiently awaited the opportune moment for us to embark on our food truck adventures. At that time, we were both tirelessly managing different kitchens, dedicating 60-80 hours a week.
When our respective kitchens abruptly closed their doors in March 2020, fate presented us with an unexpected opportunity, and on June 3rd 2020 we embarked on our new culinary adventure.
We started on a small scale, serving local bars and neighborhoods in Thornton.
Through word of mouth, our reputation grew, leading us to expand our presence to a nearby winery, apply for outdoor festivals and establish partnerships with some exceptional breweries.
As things gradually reopened, we returned to our “normal” jobs while operating the food bus exclusively on weekends. However, in September 2021, we finally took the leap of faith, bidding farewell to the security of a guaranteed paycheck to fully focus on our business.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from customers everywhere we went instilled in us the confidence to pursue our dreams wholeheartedly. From that point forward, we began booking private events as more people experienced the magic of our food. Presently, our schedule is brimming with an array of remarkable locations, events, companies, and festivals. Additionally, we are continuously expanding the catering side of our business.
Beyond paying homage to the beloved Magic School Bus and its extraordinary adventures, our entire concept revolves around our passion for exceptional food, boundless creativity, and the relentless pursuit of making each dish the best someone has ever tasted. We are committed to providing our customers with extraordinary service and creating an inviting environment where people can savor an incredible meal and depart with beaming smiles on their faces.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
We place great emphasis on customer service and exceptional food, and several factors have contributed to building our reputation within the market:
1. Consistently Outstanding Food: Our unwavering commitment to serving high-quality, delicious food has been instrumental in building our reputation. We take pride in using fresh ingredients, carefully crafting our recipes, and ensuring consistency in taste and presentation. By consistently delivering outstanding food, we have garnered a loyal customer base who appreciates the quality and flavors we offer.
2. Exceptional Customer Service: We firmly believe that exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of any successful business. We prioritize creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and going the extra mile to ensure our customers feel valued and appreciated has helped us build strong relationships and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
3. Personalized Experience: We strive to provide a personalized experience for each customer. Taking the time to engage with our customers, listen to their preferences, and accommodate special requests has helped us create memorable experiences. By tailoring our service to meet individual needs, we have built a reputation for going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
4. Consistency and Reliability: Consistency is key in the food industry. We have worked hard to establish a reputation for reliability, ensuring that our customers can count on us to show up when we say we will and consistently deliver exceptional food and service. By maintaining high standards and meeting or exceeding customer expectations every time, we have earned their trust and loyalty.
5. Positive Online Reviews and Social Media Presence: In today’s digital age, online reviews and social media play a significant role in shaping a business’s reputation. We actively encourage our satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and share their experiences on platforms like Yelp, Google, and social media. By consistently delivering exceptional food and service, we have garnered a strong online presence and positive reviews which have further enhanced our reputation within the market.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Because we are a team of two and married we have a unique approach to this question but many of these points will work with a larger team as well.
1. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities: This helps avoid confusion and ensures that we both understand our specific duties. We also clearly communicate expectations and establish a division of labor that plays to each of our strengths.
2. Open and Honest Communication: Communication is key in any relationship, especially when working together. We have open and honest communication, discussions about challenges, and brainstorming sessions to find solutions together. We create a safe space for expressing concerns or frustrations without judgment.
3. Respect Each Other’s Expertise: We recognize and respect each other’s expertise and skills. We acknowledge the unique strengths and abilities that each of us brings to the table. We have trust in each other’s capabilities and celebrate our strengths together.
4. Set Boundaries: Running a food truck as a couple can blur the lines between personal and professional life. It’s important to set boundaries and establish designated times for work-related discussions and personal time. This helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout.
5. Celebrate Successes Together: We celebrate achievements and milestones as a team. We acknowledge and appreciate each other’s contributions and successes. This boosts morale and strengthens the bond between us.
6. Support Each Other: Running a food truck can be physically and emotionally demanding. We fully support each other through the ups and downs of the business.
. 7. Regularly Evaluate and Adjust: We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our roles, processes, and strategies. We are open to making adjustments and improvements based on feedback and lessons learned. We continuously seek ways to optimize our operations and enhance our teamwork.
8. Take Time for Personal Connection: Amidst the busyness of running a food truck, we try to make time for personal connection. Taking time off for vacations is a big one for us.
9. Celebrate Our Shared Vision: We try to regularly remind ourselves of our shared vision and goals that we started the food bus with. We reflect on the reasons why we decided to embark on this food bus journey as a couple and celebrate the progress we have made and the dreams we are working towards together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mfbusco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_magic_food_bus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFBus5280/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-magic-food-bus-metro-denver-2
Image Credits
@DenJenEats Kerry Culver