Food Truck Spotlight

Grub Truck Y'all finds freedom on the open road

Grub Truck Y'all finds freedom on the open road with a food truck offering classic American fare.

Photo: Grub Truck Y'all

September 19, 2024 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Food trucks provide a great deal of freedom to operators. They aren't bound by physical locations. They can pack up their food and go where the customers are! That's the key lesson from Grub Truck Y'all, a food truck in Denton, Texas. Read more about it below.

Food Truck Name

Grub Truck Y'all

Owners

Ciarra True

Date Founded

04/06/23

Location

Denton, Texas

How many trucks do you operate under this brand?

One.

Do you operate brick-and-mortar locations under this brand as well? How many?

No.

How did you come up with the name?

I was having lunch with a good friend, and we were bouncing ideas off each other for the name. Out of nowhere, he said, 'Grub Truck Y'all.' We both stopped and looked at each other—it just sounded right. It had the perfect vibe I was going for. I mean, who doesn't love a good grub truck, y'all?

What prompted you to start a food truck?

After COVID, I was focused on meal prepping, but I started feeling the pull to do something more. I wasn't quite ready to commit to a brick-and-mortar space yet, so starting a food truck felt like the perfect way to chase my dream. It allowed me to share my passion for cooking with a wider audience and be creative and flexible in a way that a traditional restaurant might not have allowed.

What's on your food truck menu? Why did you choose this cuisine?

Our food truck, Grub Truck Y'all, specializes in American cuisine, featuring gourmet burgers, hot dogs, chicken and fries. You can never go wrong with a juicy cheeseburger and crispy fries — they're comfort food at its finest and loved by just about everyone. We chose American cuisine because it's not only versatile and delicious, but it also allows us to get creative with high-quality ingredients while providing a familiar, satisfying experience that brings people together.

Do you make all the food on the truck, or do you use home-based kitchen or commissary space?

Yes, all of our food at Grub Truck Y'all is made fresh on our truck, which operates as a permitted commissary.

What's the best part of being a food truck operator?

The best part is the freedom that comes with being on wheels. There's something special about driving home after a successful event, feeling exhausted and drained but already looking forward to doing it all over again the next day.

The ability to bring our food to different places and connect with new people every day is truly rewarding.

What's the worst part of operating a food truck?

I wouldn't call it the worst part, because it's taught me so much, but the most challenging aspect is having to constantly think on your feet and adapt to new situations. Being a food truck owner means wearing many hats: you become a well-rounded operator, a mechanic, a plumber, an electrician, an accountant, a marketer, a cook and more. It can be tough, but it keeps you sharp and constantly learning.

What lessons have you learned since launching the truck?

Nothing is ever to be expected. Under promise and over deliver and more importantly always carry good duct tape.

Is there anything you would have done differently at the start?

I would have better thought through the equipment layout and how it would be most effective for a crew to run in, without running into each other.

Any tips/advice to others thinking of launching a food truck?

Pick a path, whatever it may be, and do it well. Try to enjoy the ride, it's a marathon... not a sprint. Most of all, give yourself some grace, it is not easy.

Do you have any anecdotes about running a food truck — any unique interactions or special events you've been booked at?

Every event is unique and completely different and that is truly what makes running a food truck exciting.

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About Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. He was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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