Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Kelly
Hi Marissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the food truck business began with a deep-rooted love for family, food, and bringing people together.
“Momma’s Cup of Rice,” is inspired by my grandmother, who made the best rice. Her recipe was simple but full of flavor and love, and I thought it would be a great idea to open a food truck centered around her rice, adding a little more to it to make it unique and special.
My mom, who shares my passion for cooking and creating memorable experiences, is the co-owner in this venture. This isn’t our first food truck; we actually had one before, but it wasn’t the right time, and we had to sell it. However, in 2022, I felt ready to try again, so I approached my mom and asked if she’d be willing to give it another shot, and she agreed.
Starting over was challenging, but we were determined. We poured our hearts into refining our menu, learning from our past experiences, and building a brand that truly reflects our family’s love for good food and community. Our “Blended Family” dish, for example, represents the fusion of flavors and the idea of bringing different tastes and people together.
Today, our food truck is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of family recipes, hard work, and the joy of sharing great food with others. I’m grateful to be on this journey with my mom and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow and serve our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road there have been quite a few bumps along the way. One of the initial challenges was finding a commissary kitchen that met our needs and budget. Then came the maze of permits and regulations, which seemed never-ending at times. Navigating the requirements of the health department was another major hurdle. Each step felt like a new learning curve.
Beyond that, finding the right events and locations to set up our truck was a challenge. Not every event is a hit, and there have been days when we didn’t make much money, which was tough. Those moments were hard to swallow, especially when you put so much heart and effort into preparing food and setting up for the day.
However, every challenge has taught us something valuable and pushed us to be more resourceful, resilient, and creative. It’s been a journey of persistence and growth, and despite the struggles, we’re proud of how far we’ve come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our food truck is all about family, flavor, and community. We specialize in comfort food with a twist, inspired by generations of family recipes. Our standout dishes, like “Parenthood” and “Blended Family,” combine tradition with creativity, offering unique flavors that make us special.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and creating a welcoming experience. We’re proud of staying true to our roots while being innovative, and we’re passionate about sharing our story through our food. When you visit our truck, you’re not just getting a meal you’re getting a taste of our family’s love.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes! Finding a mentor and networking are crucial for growth in any business. My advice is to start by identifying people who inspire you or are successful in areas you want to grow in. Don’t be afraid to reach out. whether it’s through social media, industry events, or local business groups. Be genuine in your approach, share your passion, and express what you admire about their work. People are often more willing to share their knowledge than you might think.
Networking has worked well for me when I’ve focused on building real relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Attend local events, join business or food industry groups, and always be open to learning from others. Staying connected, following up, and showing appreciation for advice or help you receive are key. Remember, networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommascupofrice?igsh=aXVoOGZleWh4b2Nl&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrssweetTreats?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mommascupofrice?_t=8pdKUYm4Upu&_r=1
