We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Wilkerson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.

Gabrielle , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

In the food truck industry, one of the biggest challenges to profitability is the unpredictable nature of business. Factors like weather, location, competition, and customer preferences can greatly impact sales and revenue.

Additionally, operating a food truck involves various overhead costs such as permits, licenses, fuel, maintenance, and staffing. These costs can eat into the profit margins, especially during periods of low sales.

In essence, while the food truck industry offers flexibility and creativity, it also comes with challenges related to maintaining a steady customer flow and managing costs effectively to achieve sustained profitability.

More personally in our situation we continue to face access to capital challenged. Having the will and expertise to start a business does not always equate to having the tolls to start a business no matter how skilled or talented the individual is. Through sheer tenacity we open our doors, however we face the financial hardship of not having the capital to keep the food stuck stable.

Gabrielle , 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?

My name is Gabrielle Wilkerson and I own a local food truck her in central Little Rock, AR along with my husband- Antwans Wilkerson and business partner- A’Ja Rolfe. Jan of 2021 my husband came home and stated he did not want to work for anyone else. I asked okay, what would you like to do? He was unsure. So I did what any good wife would. I begin the brainstorm. I asked him what if we put my love and hobby of cooking into a business, he suggested a food truck. I then called my now business partner pitched the ideal and before we got off the phone she was thrilled and said: “Lets Do this” we created a 4 year plan from concept to logistics and stated we would not open until 4 years from 2021-little did we know momentum and God had other plans.

3 months later we tested our recipes on the general public. 6 months later bookd our 1st catering, 3 months from then we booked our 2nd catering. The following January- 2022 we were able to secure a 6k loan and open the doors to Southern Pasta Twist. Our concept is serving homemade pasta in a convenient way, from Lemon butter Garlic Alfredo to our Fried Lasgna.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly, having good quality of pasta and take the criticism from our customers. At the end of the day we are here to serve our community. Their opinions and wants aligned with our foundation of pasta sauce is how we serve our community and keep them happy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Southern Pasta Twist was recently vandalized. We are a small business that depends on rvery customer to ensure we meet overhead and grow. We also currently fund our business our of own pockets. Once we received the call that tragedy had hit and took inventory of the damage we discovered in product along we lost over 3k. For a small business that’s a steep hit. Due to this we had to close our doors for a week cancel two booked catering. Totaling our loses at over 7k. However, we did not STOP, we paused, locked our wounds and pivoted. Creating a fundraiser menu and urging the community to give to our cause. Although we did not reach our recovery goal, 4 weeks later we are back.to serving the pasta that everyone knows and loves.

Contact Info:

• Website: Southernpastatwist.com
• Instagram: Southernpastatwist
• Facebook: Southern Pasta Twist
• Linkedin: Southern Pasta Twist

Image Credits
Antwane Wilkerson Gabrielle Wilkerson A’Ja Rolfe