Episodes
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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Matilda, the creator of @butterbabynz, a brand that has captured hearts (and taste buds) with her creative donuts and nostalgic flavours.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Matilda for several years and have always admired her passion, resilience and creativity. This conversation is one of the most honest of the season, full of raw emotions—not just from Matilda as she reflects on her journey, but also from me as your podcast host!
From her humble beginnings as a shy chef in male-dominated kitchens to building a bakery brand that celebrates heritage and innovation, Matilda’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Featured in this Episode
How Matilda turned her love of baking into a thriving business.The challenges of being vulnerable online and how TikTok helped Butter Baby grow.The importance of building a supportive team and fostering creativity.How she blends heritage and nostalgia into unique baked goods.Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and just start.Special Shoutout
This episode is proudly sponsored by @culleys, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Add bold, vibrant flavours to your meals with Culley’s! Use the code FOODTRUCK at checkout on culleys.co.nz to get 25% off your purchase.Thinking About Starting a Food Truck?
Check out my Food Truck 101 Online Course at @foodtruckfoundationsLearn everything you need to know to launch your food truck business with confidence—save time, money, and avoid common mistakes that most newbies make!
Follow the Journey
Follow Matilda and Butter Baby at @butterbabynz for more delicious updates.Don’t Forget
This is the final episode of Street Food Stories Season#1! Thank you for all your support and guidance through this journey, especially my incredible podcast guests, series partner Culley's and editor Lara Franks!If you’ve enjoyed the series, please leave a review and rate the podcast, it helps us reach more listeners and grow our amazing foodie community!
Follow the podcast on Instagram at @thefoodtruckpodcast for behind-the-scenes updates and announcements about Season 2.. Excited to return for Season 2!
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In Episode 11, I’m joined by Nathan and Mulan, the duo behind Lalele Organic Gelato. For over 10 years, they’ve been crafting organic gelato, waffles and smoothies using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Starting with no business plan and learning as they went, Nathan and Mulan built a family-run business that has become a staple of Auckland’s street food scene.
We dive into their journey, from creating a product they’re proud of to the sacrifices of raising four kids while building a business. You’ll hear their advice for new entrepreneurs and why their motto has always been to just start.
What You’ll LearnHow Nathan and Mulan turned a watermelon surplus into a thriving gelato business.The importance of using fresh, local ingredients in building a standout product.The realities of balancing family life with running a food truck.Why resilience and adaptability are key to surviving in the street food world.Their take on how Auckland’s street food scene has evolved over the past decade.Special ShoutoutThis episode is proudly sponsored by Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Add bold, vibrant flavours to your meals with @culleys ! Use the code FOODTRUCK at checkout on culleys.co.nz to get 25% off your purchase.
Thinking About Starting a Food Truck?Check out my Food Truck 101 Online Course at www.foodtruckfoundations.com
Learn everything you need to know to launch your food truck business with confidence—save time, money, and avoid common mistakes!
Follow the JourneyLalele Organic Gelato: @lalele_organic
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Missing episodes?
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In Episode 10, I’m joined by Elliot, the mastermind behind the Roaming Flamingo Food Truck. From competing on MasterChef to launching a taco truck in just a few months, Elliot shares his whirlwind journey of bringing bold, global flavors to Auckland’s streets.
We dive into his risk-taking spirit, the challenges of food truck life, balancing family and business, and his secret to the juiciest tacos in town.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Elliot transitioned from fine dining and gin making to street food.
- The DIY lessons learned from building a food truck (in a flood!).
- Tips for succeeding in the fast-paced food truck world.
- Why flexibility is one of the biggest perks of owning a food truck.
- The evolution of Auckland’s thriving street food scene.
Special Shoutout: This episode is proudly sponsored by Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Add bold, vibrant flavors to your meals with Culley’s! Use the code FOODTRUCK at checkout on culleys.co.nz to get 25% off your purchase.
Thinking About Starting a Food Truck? Check out my Food Truck 101 Online Course at foodtruckfoundations.com
Learn everything you need to know to launch your food truck business with confidence—save time, money, and avoid common mistakes!
Follow the Journey: Elliot: @flamingochefnz
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Welcome back to The Food Truck Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the incredible journey of Sarah and Otis, the masterminds behind The Lucky Taco, one of New Zealand’s first gourmet food trucks which launched back in 2013!
In this episode, Sarah and Otis share:
- How a life-changing trip to Mexico and LA inspired their love for tacos.
- The challenges of building their iconic food truck in 2013 and being pioneers in the NZ street food scene.
- Their transition from serving tacos on Ponsonby Road to creating nationwide products like hot sauces and taco kits.
- Lessons learned from scaling their business, facing setbacks, and finding balance between quality and growth.
- Honest insights about the grit, resilience, and passion it takes to thrive in the food truck industry.
This episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and advice for anyone dreaming of starting a food truck or growing their own foodie empire. Stay connected with Sarah and Otis by following The Lucky Taco on Instagram for updates on their food truck, new products, and exciting collaborations.
🎧 Tune in now to hear their amazing story!
Big thanks to Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand, for powering this episode! 🌶️✨ 🔥 Exclusive Listener Offer: Get 25% off your next Culley’s purchase. Just head to culleys.co.nz and use the code FOODTRUCK at checkout. Don’t miss out—add some bold flavours to your meals today!
Feeling inspired to start your own food truck? Check out my Food Truck Foundations Online Course for all the tools, tips, and insights you need to get started. Head to foodtruckfoundations.com to learn more!
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In this episode, Maggie sits down with Adam, founder of Smoothe Operator, a smoothie business known for its quirky personality and refreshing blends. Adam shares his journey of moving from the UK to New Zealand and how a simple hangover craving sparked the idea for his smoothie business. With a mix of humour and authenticity, Adam has crafted a brand that resonates with his Kiwi audience, all while balancing a full-time job and evolving his business in the street food world.
What you'll hear in this episode:
The leap into street food: How moving to New Zealand inspired Adam to launch Smoothe Operator.From cravings to creations: The origin story of Smoothe Operator and its unique blend of flavours.Building a brand with personality: How Adam’s humour and authenticity became essential to his brand identity.Innovating with purpose: The journey of refining Smoothe Operator and connecting with the right audience.Community and collaboration: Adam’s insights on the value of mentorship, market research, and support in the food industry.Links Mentioned: Follow Smoothe Operator on Instagram: @smoothe_operator
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations Online Course: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, @culleys Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout: culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates: @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive deeper into the world of street food!
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In this episode Maggie sits down with Brian, the owner of Hash n Smash, an Auckland-based food truck known for serving up delicious smash burgers. Brian’s journey into the street food world is anything but inspirational. From starting his career studying IT at university and working as a personal trainer to becoming a well known food truck legend in Auckland.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- The leap from personal training to street food: How Brian's career shift led to the founding of Hash and Smash.
- Starting small: Brian’s early days trading from a simple gazebo and the lessons learned from those humble beginnings.
- Building a brand: The story behind creating a custom-designed food truck and how it elevated the Hash and Smash experience.
- Navigating partnerships: Insights into the challenges and eventual separation from a business partner, and what it taught Brian about running a food venture.
- Drawing inspiration from travels: How Brian’s trips to New York and Europe influenced his approach to food and service.
- Challenges of the street food scene: The realities of finding high-quality ingredients, maintaining consistency, and keeping up with customer expectations.
Links Mentioned:
Follow Hash and Smash on Instagram: @hashandsmash
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations Online Course: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s! Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout: culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to: Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help more food truck enthusiasts find our show! Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates: @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we share more stories from the world of street food!
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast Host Maggie chats with Natalia, the 26-year-old entrepreneur behind Natalia’s Food Truck Journey. From starting her career at 16 to winning the People’s Choice Award at the Auckland Street Food Awards, Natalia’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and hard work. She shares how she turned her passion for cooking into a thriving food truck business, balancing work with family support, and keeping her business running year-round despite seasonal challenges.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- How Natalia started her business at 22, fuelled by her love for cooking and family support.
- The story of how she bought her first food truck and financed it with help from a Māori women’s development loan.
- Creative ways she keeps her business active during the off-season, like pop-up events and grazing tables.
- The importance of tracking events and building systems to stay organised and profitable.
- How Natalia finds balance by prioritising self-care, including gym routines and family time.
Links Mentioned: Follow Natalia's Food Truck Journey on Instagram: @nataliasfoodtruckjourney
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations Online Course: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, @culleys! Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout: culleys.co.nz Don't forget to: Download and subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates: @thefoodtruckpodcast
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast
Host Maggie sits down with Max Washer, the third-generation operator of the legendary Auckland food truck, The White Lady, which has been serving the city for 76 years. Max shares the rich history behind this iconic family business, how he embraced his role in carrying it forward, and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation. From serving late-night crowds to expanding into events and brick-and-mortar locations, Max dives deep into the evolution of The White Lady and the importance of community in keeping a business thriving for decades.
What you'll hear in this episode:
How The White Lady started as a milkshake cart in 1948 and became an Auckland icon.Max’s journey growing up in the family business and eventually taking over the reins.The challenges of balancing legacy while adding his own innovations. Valuable insights on building community and collaborating with other food vendors.Practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs on creating systems and staying consistent.Links Mentioned:
Follow The White Lady on Instagram: @thewhiteladynz
Thinking about starting your own Food Truck? Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations Online Course: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout on their online store: culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates at @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into more delicious stories from the world of street food!
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast, host Maggie sits down with Tim Van Der Werff, founder of Double Dutch Fries and co-founder of The Food Truck Collective. Since launching his Dutch fries food truck nearly a decade ago, Tim has been a pioneer in Auckland’s street food scene. He reflects on his journey from humble beginnings with hand-cut fries to establishing multiple trucks and running successful events.
Tim also shares invaluable lessons on building a thriving food business, the collaborative spirit behind The Food Truck Collective—which Maggie and he co-founded—and the importance of community in evolving the street food industry.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- How Tim transitioned from a corporate career to becoming one of Auckland’s most recognised food truck operators.
- The journey of Double Dutch Fries – from cutting fries by hand to mastering efficient operations with custom-built trucks.
- Lessons learned from running both pop-ups and food trucks, and why Tim prefers the fast-paced mobile business.
- Insights into how Maggie and Tim co-founded The Food Truck Collective and changed Auckland’s food truck scene.
- Tips on managing staff, setting goals, and maintaining quality in a seasonal business.
Links Mentioned:
Follow Double Dutch Fries Journey on Instagram: @doubledutchfries
Check out The Food Truck Collective for upcoming events: @foodtruckcollectivenz or book your own food truck hire at www.foodtruckcollective.co.nz
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations online course, covering everything you need to know about starting your own food truck: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout on their online store: culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates at @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into more delicious stories from the world of street food!
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast, host Maggie sits down with Carmel and Tomer, co-founders of Carmel Street Food. Since 2017, they have transformed their passion for food into a thriving business in Auckland, known for their commitment to community and authentic flavours. In this episode, Carmel and Tom share valuable insights and strategies for building a successful food business, highlighting their journey from market stalls to a must visit eatery in Auckland!
What you'll hear in this episode:
- How Carmel and Tomer began their culinary journey and found their niche in the Auckland food scene.
- Strategies for creating strong community ties and fostering customer loyalty.
- The importance of balancing quality food with sustainable business practices. - Navigating the challenges of running a food business in a competitive market.
- Tips for aspiring food entrepreneurs on building and scaling their own ventures.
Links Mentioned:
Follow Carmel Street Food on Instagram: @carmelisraelistreetfood
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations online course, covering everything you need to know about starting your own food truck: @foodtruckfoundations
A BIG thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout on their online store: www.culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates at @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into more delicious stories from the world of street food!
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast, host Maggie sits down with Anna Brand, founder of Vege Bang Bang, a food truck known for its creative plant-based street food. Since 2017, Anna has been showing New Zealand that plant-based meals can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional options, all while juggling the challenges of being a mother of two and running a business.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- How Anna transitioned from a career in corporate property management to launching her own plant-based food truck
- The rise of plant-based diets and how it's transforming the food truck scene
- Balancing business and family life while keeping the menu fresh and exciting
- How Vege Bang Bang incorporates sustainability into food truck operations
- The importance of building strong community connections and customer relationships in the food truck industry
Links Mentioned: Follow Vege Bang Bang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegebangbang/
Learn more about Maggie’s Food Truck Foundations online course, covering everything you need to know about starting your own food truck: https://www.foodtruckfoundations.com
A big thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s, New Zealand’s award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Use promo code 'FOODTRUCK' for 25% off at checkout on their online store: https://culleys.co.nz
Don't forget to: Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates at @thefoodtruckpodcast
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into more delicious stories from the world of street food!
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In this episode of Street Food Stories from The Food Truck Podcast, host Maggie sits down with Luke, co-founder of Catch'ya Cookout, a food truck specialising in locally sourced seafood, famous for their beer-battered Fish and Chips. Established in 2020, Luke and his wife started this venture during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly becoming a staple in Auckland's street food scene.
What you'll hear in this episode:
How Luke transitioned from a decade-long career as a chef to starting his own food truck during lockdown.The challenges and rewards of starting a business with a shoestring budgetHow community and customer feedback played a huge role in shaping their business.Balancing public events versus private cateringSeasonal planning for food trucks, dealing with winter downtime, and the mental health aspects of running a food truckLinks Mentioned:
Follow Catch'ya Cookout journey on Instagram & Facebook: @catchya_cookoutLearn more about Food Truck 101 - Maggie's online course covering everything you need to know about starting your own food truck A big thank you to our sponsor, Culley’s, New Zealand's award-winning hot sauce and condiment brand. Use promo code FOODTRUCK for 25% off at checkout on their online store: culleys.co.nzDon't forget to:
Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platformLeave us a review to help us reach more food truck enthusiasts!Follow us on Instagram @thefoodtruckpodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates.Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into more delicious stories from the world of street food!
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Hey foodies, welcome to The Food Truck Podcast, your go-to source for inspiring stories and invaluable insights from the world of food trucks. I'm your host, Maggie, and this is your sneak peak into the podcast. Tune in weekly for engaging interviews, practical advice, and a taste of the vibrant food truck community. Whether you're an aspiring food truck owner or a devoted fan of street food, this podcast is for you!
