Episodes
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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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Missing episodes?
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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!
