Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Nathan.
Hi Paige, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We’re passionate about great food and helping deliver worry-free events. Sprinkle in a dash of community service, and Simply Food Trucks (previously Food with Purpose) was born. Founded in 2016, Simply Food Trucks has been the go-to food truck partner for the Atlanta metro area and other cities in the Southeast.
Simply Food Trucks began with my love of food trucks, probably routed back to going to festivals with my parents from a young age. I love street food and being connected to a community of culinary entrepreneurs. Every food truck owner has a story to tell through their food. With my background in special event planning and my love of food, becoming a food truck booking agent was the perfect marriage. Food trucks are the perfect way to feed crowds of any size in a safe, efficient, and delicious way.
Some of our most significant accomplishments include being a part of Super Bowl LIII, the Miss Universe Pageant, countless film productions, Falcons events for players and fans and a Food Truck Night at the Home Depot Backyard for a wellness company with 10,000 guests. We’re also committed to giving back and supporting many non-profits at their events and have worked with many including Rock the Vote, World Central Kitchen, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Arthur Blank Foundation. We’ve also proudly donated to several food-related organizations, including Second Helping Atlanta, The Giving Kitchen, and Wholesome Wave.
Quote from a satisfied client: “For the last five years, Simply Food Trucks has been my go-to for all thing’s food trucks. Before Paige, we tried other vendors, but they couldn’t do what Paige can always achieve. She is incredibly conscientious, including showing up at nearly every event we book to ensure everything runs smoothly. I’m thankful to have found such a reliable partner. She eliminates the leg work and stress of booking food trucks for our events, and I look forward to every opportunity to partner with her.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like with any business venture, there’s always a learning curve and opportunities to grow. So when food trucks arrived in Atlanta several years ago, it sparked something in me. I googled food trucks Atlanta and found a company one mile up the road called The Food Movement. They were a food truck commissary and commercial kitchen founded by Jack Gerblick, Paul McKeon, and Greg Gordon.
After a long career in fundraising and special events, I was ready for a change and wanted to do something focused on my passion for food and community. I’m so grateful for the start Jack gave me to put my entrepreneurial and networking skills to the test. I connected with meeting and event planners, marketing, and human resource professionals who planned large events and were excited to find someone who could help arrange a food truck experience from conception to completion. I’ve organized events from 50 to 10,000 people in Atlanta and other cities across the southeast. My biggest challenge with any outdoor event is always the weather! The key is to always stay calm and have a Plan B… tents and heat lamps are the perfect alternatives.
The pandemic definitely impacted the business especially since corporate events came to a halt. Fortunately, the food trucks pivoted, created an online ordering system and implemented Covid practices. With everyone at home, neighborhoods became a popular destination. The food trucks also were able to serve first responders who played a central role during this time. We are excited to welcome back our corporate clients who are “hungry” for a safe and delicious food truck experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simply Food Trucks?
Everyone loves food trucks. But scheduling them for an event can be overwhelming. Where do I begin? What if they don’t show? What if they run out of food?
At Simply Food Trucks, we handle the catering details for you so you can be confident your event is successful and guests love the food.
We work with the best and most sought after food trucks in the area
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Food trucks have experienced increasing popularity over the past several years. People love food trucks as they offer variety, convenience, a festive background, and are cost-effective. The demand for food trucks will continue to rise, especially post-Covid, with outdoor events becoming more prevalent. Also, event hosts want to offer their guests healthier menus, including gluten-free, vegan options, salads, and smoothies. Food trucks do a great job of satisfying the dietary needs of their customers while not losing the integrity and made-fresh quality of their offerings. We are excited that businesses are returning so that we can continue our role in creating memorable events.
Contact Info:
- Email: paige@simplyfoodtrucks.com
- Website: www.simplyfoodtrucks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simply_food_trucks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyfoodtrucks
Image Credits:
Rob Green
Kelly Wachs
