Food Truck Boot Camp returns to Cherokee
Aspiring food truck owners and mobile food entrepreneurs are invited to take their business dreams to the next level at the upcoming Food Truck Boot Camp, hosted by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) project in collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Division of Commerce.
The event will take place Nov. 17-20 in Cherokee.
This four-day, hands-on training is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and real-world tools needed to launch and grow a successful food truck business. From crafting the perfect menu to understanding food safety regulations and designing an efficient truck layout, the Food Truck Boot Camp provides a comprehensive foundation for success.
“It’s a good idea to go to Food Truck Boot Camp because you learn a lot,” said Monique “Nikki” Crisp, owner of Nikki’s Frybread food truck. “You learn about the business part of it, the networking, safety, branding — even learning how to cook a little and meet new people. It is in your best interest to go and experience it; you won’t be sorry.”
Through EMFS, CEFS works across a 12-county region in Western North Carolina — including the Qualla Boundary — to support local food and farm businesses, expand regional food economies, and foster entrepreneurship, workforce development, and leadership.
Participants in the Boot Camp will benefit from one-on-one consultations and interactive sessions led by industry experts. Topics will include:
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• Menu design and recipe development with professional chefs.
• Marketing strategies, public relations, and branding.
• Financial planning, funding opportunities, and bookkeeping guidance
• Business planning and enterprise budgeting.
• Food truck design for efficiency, safety and fire prevention.
• Regulatory compliance and food safety best practices.
This event is offered in partnership with the Street Food Institute, a nationally recognized nonprofit based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Known for empowering food entrepreneurs through mentorship and practical training, the Street Food Institute brings a wealth of experience and success stories to the table.
Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
For more information, please contact Laura Lauffer at the EBCI NC Cooperative Extension office at 828.359.6936.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the skills, support and confidence you need to launch your food truck business and thrive in today’s mobile food economy.
