Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Black.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
4 years ago I started a food truck on a whim called The Waffle Wagon, specializing in sweet and savory sandwiches served on waffles. From bacon cheeseburgers to strawberries and Nutella we put it all on a waffle and suggested they all be eaten like a sandwich. After 3 years and much success, several life events life events made me arrive to the decision to sell it. I took about 3 months to decompress before I began to think of my next business endeavor. As a food truck owner, I was in desperate need of a closer commissary kitchen, because driving to the nearest was over an hour away and led to very long work weeks. Seeing that need for myself and other food trucks in the Denton area I opened a shared kitchen in Lake Dallas, called Cafe By Day. We rent the space to food trucks, caterers and cottage law vendors looking for a space to legally prep their food. Shortly, after we opened the doors clients were moving in. Not even a month later a business associate approached me with an opportunity to be able to focus on the quality of food and the fun of food trucking, while he handles the aggravating business necessities. So, just like that I was back to food trucking, but this time with Rachel’s Riding Lawn Mower everything is served on a bed of hand cut fries, from burgers to Brie, we stack em high. We primarily post up at Backyard on Bell a food park located in Denton, but also hit the road for events and parties.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every step of the way has presented me with opportunities to learn in the struggle. Not only have I learned about my personal strengths and weaknesses, but I have learned so much about other ways that people learn, work, express themselves and ultimately share their love. It’s no secret food trucks have a lot of problems, I’ve had blow-outs, leaking fuel tanks, replaced an engine and hitchhiked several times. This time around having a business associate has allowed me a lot less bumpy path and a mentor to provide ideas and support through the rough times.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cafe By Day and Rachel’s Riding Lawn Mower story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in first and foremost quality food that we are very proud of. Not only are we on and in the food truck itself but we are also a central support network for other food truck owners. What sets us apart from others are that we really enjoy making the connections in our community and individuals that are our food truck family. We bring fun and food to party, and you really can’t beat that.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
As a free spirit, I am not sure where the next 5-10 years will take me. I accept each new opportunity as a breath of fresh air and love the challenges that come with change. Plus, you never know would could happen, a lot can change in just a single month.
Pricing:
- Our meals range from $9-$12.
Contact Info:
- Address: CBD
507A S Lake Dallas Dr.
Lake Dallas, TX 75065RRLM
410 N Bell
Denton, TX 76201 - Website: cafebydaycatering.com
- Phone: 9407818570
- Email: rachel@cafebydaycatering.com
- Instagram: Rachel’s Riding Lawn Mower
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelsridinglawnmower
https://www.facebook.com/cafebydaycatering
- Twitter: Cafe By Day
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