A new food truck is set to participate in Mt. Pleasant Light up the Lake

April 1 Jen Huston of Winfield took the leap into the food truck industry as she opened The Food Boss.

Huston grew up south of New London in the small town of Lowell and graduated from New London High School.

Previously Huston was a manager for the Subway in Mt. Pleasant, but she says that COVID-19 was the catalyst for her to begin The Food Boss.

“I had a really bad day at work one day and my husband suggested I look into financing a trailer so we could work on starting building,” Huston said.

“The next day I was at my son’s and he asked why I would buy a trailer when I have one sitting outside you can have. We spent the winter turning it into a food service establishment,” Huston continued.

Huston found that she had numerous qualifications and background knowledge that set her up to succeed in this endeavor.

She already had her food safe certificate from her many years working in the food service industry, she had restaurant management skills, and she knew that she needed to reach out to the health department to make sure her “kitchen on wheels” met all requirements to obtain a license.

April has been cooler and rainier than Huston expected and therefore business has been a bit slower than she thought it would have been.

Huston is not discouraged, however, and has high hopes of success in the coming months.

She is currently looking forward to participating in Mt. Pleasant Chamber Alliance’s Light up the Lake event.

When ordering from The Food Boss customers will be given the opportunity to enjoy staples such as blackened chicken and pork carnitas tacos.

Huston has enjoyed adding an additional option for customers that varies. Previously this has included cheese burgers or sweet peppered pork sandwiches.

Her favorite item on The Food Boss menu, however, is the blackened chicken tacos which consist of Chicken, white sharp cheddar, onions, diced cabbage, and choice of sauce.

Cooking is a passion of Huston’s and she is excited to be her own boss doing something she loves.

“Don’t be scared. I was scared and needed the push to do it.,” Huston said as advice to anyone else wanting to start their own business. “If you realize it is something you want to do, you can do it.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com