FTF is Back and Better Than Ever!

Posted on May 26, 2017 by AW

It’s hard to believe that we are kicking of our 3rd season of Food Truck Friday with the Bozeman community, but it’s happening folks! You’ll find your favorites in the lot: Grille 406, Mo’Bowls, Tumbleweeds, Oba Acai, and we are really excited to introduce Sauce! to the FTF faithful! So, in celebration of Food Truck Friday III we’re dedicating this next couple of blog posts to the trucks of FTF. First up Sauce! and Oba.

Meet Sauce!

When & How did you get started in the Food Truck Biz?

In may 2016 Sauce opened. After culinary school and a number of years working as a chef, I knew I wanted to have my own business, but not necessarily a brick and mortar restaurant. In late 2015, everything seemed to come together and the time was right to buy the truck and start Sauce!

What’s your favorite dish that you serve?

Our Bahn Mi Sandwich. It’s also a customer favorite!

Sauce’s signature sandwich: the Bahn Mi.

What’s your favorite thing about being in the Food Truck Biz?

The food truck and catering business is so dynamic that it always keeps me on my toes. We love being able to provide great local food to a variety of clientele, from global street food served from the truck to coursed out farm to table meals for special events. Gallatin Valley has so many incredible producers which allows us to source our ingredients locally and change our menus based on what is in season and freshest. Also, we have the best staff in the business (though we are probably biased) and are fortunate to be part of a great community of mobile vendors in Bozeman.

Where’s your regular perch?

We move around Bozeman and the surrounding area. That’s the beauty of being on wheels! This year we have ramped up the catering side of the business and will be doing a lot of private events like weddings and corporate parties. We will never abandon the food truck side though and you can find us at festivals like Red Ants Pants Music Festival and the Montana Folk Festival, weekly events like Mobile Mondays at The Emerson, Music on Main, and of course Food Truck Fridays.

Sauce’s taco offerings range from carnitas to shrimp.

Do you have a favorite event/venue?

Music on Main

Where did your truck come from?

The truck is an old laundry delivery truck from Livingston that was converted to a food truck by the previous owner. It was formally the Amok truck in Bozeman

Last three Google Searches.

Bozeman weather, Bridger Bowl live cams, Yellowstone River fly fishing report

What’s on your playlist.

LCD Sound System, Talking Heads, and Paul Simon

Meet Oba!

When & How did you get started in the Food Cart biz?

The cart was opened Late April Early May after a trip home to Brazil.

Why smoothie bowls?

Because its a piece of home (Brazil) here in our new home

Tell me a little about Acai and Pitaya?

Acai and Pitaya are some of the worlds best super fruits. Allowing many health benefits with a fun and funky way of eating.

The Acai smoothie bowl.

You have a new store front. Where is it located?

Yes we do! We just opened our store next to Kohls. We feature smoothie bowls as well as our favorite Brazilian dishes and more!

What does a acai/pitaya bowl consist of?

We serve Acai and Pitaya Bowls which are both served with granola, your fruit of your choice, and the topped with any other dry topping of your choice.

What’s your favorite thing about being in the Food Cart Biz?

Our Customers, Downtown is such a lively place with tons of friendly people and customers.

Do you have a favorite event/venue? (besides the Architect’s Wife of course 🙂 )

The Pitaya bowl.

Farmers Market

There are four owners & I hear there’s an interesting story about how you met. Can you tell me about that?

Basically two love stories with two different couples that started in Brazil then came to Bozeman. We met each other (the other couple) downtown due to our similar language (Portuguese) being spoken. And the rest is history as they say.

Food Truck Friday happens today in the parking lot of Architect’s Wife. Join us for lunch and delicious treats from 11:30 – 2:00 along with Tumbleweed’s, Mo’Bowls, Grille 406, Oba and introducing Sauce!.

Well Hello Cupcake!

Posted on June 23, 2016 by AW

The Cupcake Craze is in full-swing in the U.S. and with good reason, they’re darn good. Lauryn Mathis and Keith Robins of Luxe have embraced America’s love of mini-cakes and pretty much perfected the whole cupcake concept. Not only did they make it mobile, they put a boozy twist on many of their from scratch recipes (think Cosmo or Margarita in a baking cup) but they’re serving them fresh from an old DIVCO milk truck. The whole experience is like stepping back in time; the truck, the cakes served by the hands that baked them, the recipes, many of which are inspired by classic cocktails — harken back to a bygone time.

So, without further ado, sit down and take a minute to get to know Lauryn & Keith.

Lauryn Mathis & Keith Robins co-owners of Luxe Cupcakes

When & How did you get started in the Food Truck/Baking Biz? Lauryn: I’ve always loved to bake, I learned alongside my mother for a number of years until I found that the kitchen was “my domain!” It wasn’t until my early twenties that I found a career in the baking industry. I started my career in my hometown’s very first cupcakery and from there I moved to Denver where I found myself working for two extraordinary cupcakeries that taught me so many of the skills that I use today. After moving to Bozeman from Texas, I couldn’t find the niche that I was craving so I began developing my own line of cupcakes. I was baking cupcakes for about a year & half before I found a complete concept that interested me. It was at that point that I convinced Keith to join me & become my business partner. From there the Mobile Tasting Room and the entire Spirited Sweets menu was born.

La Margarita: A buttery lime, orange cake, topped with a lime buttercream & margarita salt

Is baking your first love? Lauryn: It’s a close tie with my dogs & chickens! Keith: I don’t bake, I taste test!

Why cupcakes? Lauryn: Cupcakes are nostalgic!

How did you come up with the idea of boozy cupcakes? Lauryn: Keith & I come from a long line of food & beverage jobs. I have a baking background & Keith is a mixologist, so developing Spirited Sweets & becoming bakeologists just felt right.

What’s your favorite cupcake? Lauryn: Having one favorite is too much of a commitment for me. Keith: The Southern Gentleman, it’s BOURBON & BACON.

Keith’s favorite cupcake: The Southern Gentleman, it’s bourbon meets bacon in a cupcake.

What’s your favorite thing about being in the Food Truck Biz? Keith: Everyday is new. Lauryn: I love to see how customers react to our product!

Where’s your regular perch? Keith: We don’t have a “regular” perch per se. During the week and on weekend nights you can find us on Main Street.

Do you have a favorite event/venue? Lauryn: Food Truck Fridays at The Architect’s Wife are the most exciting, but we love going to brew festivals around the state!

The DIVCO in all her glory.

Where did your truck come from? Lauryn: Keith studied dairy science in college and knew that he always wanted an old DIVCO milk truck. When the idea of opening up an actual food truck came to the table, he brought the idea of purchasing a milk truck & I fell in love with the idea. There is something about the DIVCO that says “sweets!” We started scouring the internet for milk trucks – making inquiries in Pennsylvania, California and Nevada to name a few. We even road tripped out to Kansas to look at a vehicle. Finally, we found this beauty in Dallas, Texas!

Photography by Devin Helen Tanner

The Deets:

Join AW fof Food Truck Fridays

’til July 1st

From 11:30am – 2:00pm

The Line-up:

Luxe Cupcakes

Grille 406

Mo’Bowls

Oba Acai

Tumbleweeds

Vogue Mobile Fashion

Don’t forget to stop by our downtown furniture store this Friday to get your hands on this cakey goodness!

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Food Truck Fridays: The Fair Maidens of Bozeman’s Newest Fashion Scene

Posted on June 17, 2016 by AW

How do you kill time while you’re waiting for your Tumbleweed’s taco during Food Truck Friday? You shop for clothes, of course! This week the FTF Digest visits with the latest in Bozeman’s mobile mix: Kelsey Schuerg of Moda Fashion Truck and Kelley Krekelberg of Vogue Mobile Fashion. They are two of the newest members of Food Truck Friday AND Bozeman’s mobile scene! A visit to these trucks feels like you are stepping in to the ultimate closet (right outside the ultimate furniture store 😉 ). When you read who Kelley and Kelsey’s fashion icons are you will see that the content of their trucks are very true to their individual style: one is drawn to a more edgy look the other classic and clean. Read on to figure out who’s who.

Kelley kicking back on her latest venture – Vogue Mobile Fashion. Her truck is full of fun and funky pieces, which are great for mixing and matching!

When & How did you get started in the Fashion Truck Biz?

I opened the truck in April 2016. I was perusing Pinterest and found the concept of the fashion truck super intriguing, so I thought, why not?

What’s your signature style?

My signature style is retro bold and colorful. High waisted shorts and crop tops and funky footwear. Anything that is unique and different.

A playful romper, strappy heels and a pop of green. Bold and fun pieces define Kelley’s clothing collection.

What’s your favorite thing about being in the Fashion Truck Biz?

My favorite thing about owning a fashion truck is that I get to do what I love and I get to dress people up to feel their best! I also love seeing people push the envelop with their style. It’s really rewarding when a person says oh I could never wear that- then they try it on and look amazing and now it’s now their favorite shirt

Who’s your fashion icon crush?My fashion icon crush is Kendall and Kylie Jenner but Taylor Swift is always a classic.

Kylie and Kendall Jenner, two of Kelley’s style icons. Image courtesy of Facebook.

Who is your favorite fashion designer? Well I love Moschino and discount universe. But I also like more classic designers like Ted Baker or BCBG Maxazria. My style is very heavily influenced by the UK style markets!

Do you have a favorite event/venue? (besides the Architect’s Wife of course 🙂 )

Dry Hills Distillery! Thursday night is ladies’ night!

Where did your truck come from and what did it take to make it operational? My truck came from Minneapolis, MN. It took about 2 weeks of planning and sawing wood to go on the walls and some led lights with metallic peg board. I had everything rennovated in Minneapolis and had it shipped back to Bozeman.

Meet Kelsey, owner of Moda Fashion Truck

Kelsey Schuerg hangs out in her ultimate “closet”.

When & how did you get started in the Fashion Truck Biz?

Moda Fashion truck has only been on the streets for 6 weeks so far, but the idea came to me in August 2015. I knew I wanted to pursue my own business as a boutique owner but wasn’t sure which avenue would be most cost effective with the least amount of risk. It was my husband who actually said to me “Why don’t you do something like a food truck, but for fashion?” I researched online, and little did I know there are over 500 fashion trucks throughout the U.S. I reached out to some of those owners and got as much information from them as I could to get started. Fast forward 9 months, and here I am!

What’s your signature style?

My signature style is classic, staple items with the perfect accessory to jazz it up. Something like a little black sheath dress with a scarf or statement necklace. You’ll see this style in my truck with merchandise that almost anyone would feel comfortable and fabulous wearing, no matter their age.

What’s your favorite thing about being in the Fashion Truck Biz?

My favorite part of this whole process so far has been seeing the reactions of customers who come through the truck. For someone who has never been in a fashion truck, it is a fascinating thing when you step up and realize there’s a fitting room, quality clothing, and boutique decor all within a big truck! I have received such wonderful feedback from my customers and the community that it makes my job not feel like a job, but instead a fun day of styling ladies and finding the perfect piece that makes them feel happy and confident.

True to her style: Kelsey’s clothing collection in classic and feminine.

Do you have a regular perch?

I like to move around! Since I’m still starting out, I like to park in different areas reaching different customers. So far I have LOVED doing private shopping parties where I take the truck to your house or business and you and your friends/employees can shop the truck for a couple hours (and typically there’s wine involved, because why not?).

Who’s your fashion icon crush?

This is a tough one! I would say currently my fashion crush is Olivia Palermo. She brilliantly walks the edge of trend and classic styles. And she’s not afraid of prints or taking risks. She masters putting pieces together that when looking at them separately you would never think they’d go together, and then BAM she creates a killer outfit – all while looking classy and sophisticated.

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Olivia Palermo: Kelsey’s fashion icon crush. Image courtesy Facebook

Who’s your favorite fashion designer?

I have always loved Kate Spade ever since I can remember because her collections are always relatable, elegant and classy. That’s my style. A close second would be Alexander McQueen. A more high fashion designer whose work continues to grow even after his death, Alexander’s pieces are so thoughtfully designed with bold lines but soft fabrics that I just swoon over. I mean, Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was Alexander McQueen for goodness sake!

Do you have a favorite event/venue? (besides the Architect’s Wife of course 🙂 )

Of course Architect’s Wife has been my favorite event so far 🙂 but I’ve also been able to meet some awesome women through private events. Like I mentioned before about private shopping parties, it’s one of my favorite things to bring the truck by to a group of women who are ready and excited to shop! Duh! But that way I’m able to spend some one on one time with each of them, getting to know their styles and what their best colors are, what fit feels best on them, etc.

Where did your truck come from?

My truck hails from Pennsylvania originally. And with that, came A LOT of rust underneath the truck from salted roads in the winter. After some patches, a new transmission, and some hard labor from my mechanic, Moda was happy and healthy again! The truck was originally a bread truck with an awesome wood floor (I still have the original floors) and a translucent ceiling. I gave it a pretty hefty face lift when it arrived, including walls, a tin ceiling & electrical work and now it just feels like a beautifully decorated dream closet when you walk in :)!

The Deets:

Join Us Downtown Every Friday from Tomorrow – July 1st

11:30am -2:00pm

Tomorrow’s Lineup:

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Food Truck Fridays : Meet Mo’Bowls

Posted on June 9, 2016 by AW

Jeff Syc and Jesse Collins pulling the late night shift in The Barmuda Triangle.

There’s a steady stream of Mac ‘n Cheese seekers converging in the Barmuda triangle where brothers Jesse and Tyler Collins have perched there fire-engine red food truck, Mo’Bowls, for the night. They’ll stay in front of the confluence of Bozeman’s most notable late night bars, The Molly Brown, Scoop Bar, and The Haufbrau ’til 2 am. It’s shift number 2 for the siblings — earlier that evening they were serving up heaping bowls of made-from-scratch mac-n-cheese and they’re signature dish, Fried Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Balls, at Livingston’s Farmer’s Market . It’s a long night, but worth it come October when they switch gears and trade Food Truck life for the ski hill.

The Architect’s Wife had a chance to sit down with Jesse and ask him some questions about Food Truck Life.

When and how did you get started in the food truck business?

Tyler and I had always thought about owning a food truck for a long time. We have both worked in the food industry I got my feet wet a little bit with Tumbleweeds [Food] Truck when it started and then finally, in 2014 we made it happen.

Getting lost in theThe Barmuda Triangle, Mo’Bowls part-owner, Jesse Collins in the late night groove.

Why mac & cheese?

Why not mac & cheese? We figured all kids love mac & cheese and when I say that I mean kids from 0 to 100.

What is your favorite bowl?

Our personal favorite on the truck is the red curry bowl. It’s pretty spicy which we love. The most popular bowl would be the double bacon cheeseburger or the Chicken Parmesan Bowl. All of our recipes are original and from scratch.

The Buffalo Bleu Bowl and Mo’Bowls famous Fried Bacon Mac Balls. (So damn good.)

What is your favorite thing about being in the food truck business? I would have to say that one of the best things about this business is working for myself and owning my own business. We also get plenty of entertainment from regulars and the bar crowd. Not only that, but we get to work next to a lot of other great people who run small businesses as well.

Where is your regular perch? When we first started we kind of got in to the late-night nitch. We still do a lot of late-night gigs, but we have added more daytime service like, Food Truck Fridays at The Architect’s Wife , Lunch on the Lawn and the Livingston Farmer’s Market and we LOVE all of the local festivals like Red Ants Pants, Slam Festival, Moods of the Madison. It’s so fun to work and listen to music.

It’s all in the wrist. Jesse mixing a fresh bowl of Mac ‘n Cheese.

Where is the truck from? We bought the truck from Portland and it was hardly finished so my brother built the rest of the truck in the barn at Rocky Creek Farm. When we built the kitchen it felt like a giant puzzle. Every piece of equipment and counter had to fit perfectly in a limited amount of room. It’s a pretty tight space , but we make it work.

The Deets:

Join Us

Every Friday at our Downtown Furniture Store from May 27th – July 1st

11:30am – 2:00pm

Tomorrow’s Lineup:

And, Introducing!!!

Oba Acai (Brazilian)

Moda Fashion Truck