Giving up the Wheel: Popular Food Truck Business Goes On the Block

by Gabe Saglie, Senior Editor, Travelzoo
published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on 10/12/15


Georgia’s Smokehouse, which in less than three years became one of Santa Barbara’s most high-profile food truck businesses, is up for sale.
 
“We have put a lot into the business and have a great reputation,” admits Chef Brian Parks, 42, who launched Georgia’s Smokehouse with his wife, Alissa, in March 2013.  “I think it deserves to continue, so we are looking for a buyer with the energy and enthusiasm to take it forward.”
 
The sale is being handled by Santa Barbara-based brokerage firm Compass First, which has listed Georgia’s Smokehouse for $190,000.  Claiming an annual cash flow of more than $100,000, the sale includes one fully-licensed mobile food truck (valued at $120,000), a calendar of pre-booked events and a commissary kitchen at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
 
For most of its run, Georgia’s Smokehouse has operated two trucks.  Their red-on-black façades, featuring a pony-tailed gal showing off a midriff and a flirty smile, have become a familiar sight on city streets.  And a busy weekly schedule has included daily lunch stops and myriad catered events, from weddings to festivals.
 
The food trucks’ success has hinged on Chef Parks, himself, who had previously shored up cred as the executive chef of the upscale Canary Hotel, downtown.  His Southern-inspired and affordable menus for Georgia’s include well-seasoned crowd pleasers that are slow-cooked over oak, hickory and Applewood: a Pulled Pork Sammy doused with a slaw of green cabbage and Granny Smith apples, a third-pound burger served with whiskey-caramelized onions and a Brisket Sandwich that’s smoked for 12 hours.  Most items, including several vegetarian options, feature the chef’s proprietary BBQ sauces and dry rubs.
 
The Parks’, who have a one-year-old son, say their decision to sell is personal, stemming from the strain of balancing business demands with family needs.  “I felt I needed to focus all my energy on the baby and on my husband and just didn’t have anything left for the business.” says Mrs. Parks, 35, who runs Georgia’s marketing and social media campaigns.
 
The business “has me spend way more time away from my family than I want to,” says Mr. Parks, who plans to leverage his fine dining, catering and hotel experience into a new professional venture soon.  “It just stopped being as much fun. I love the trucks, but I love my family more.”
 
Sale inquiries should be directed to Compass First’s Matt Olufs at 805-886-2919.
 
###

14 comments:

  1. Really enjoyable
    http://nudining.blogspot.com/2013/04/tales-from-truck-future-of-food-trucks.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing post thanks for your post
    food truck catering

    ReplyDelete
  3. Food truck can also be called as roaming kitchen. Basically they are an entire open-air restaurant having kitchen, counters, etc within a van. Food are usually cooked and served hot to the customers. They usually roam form one city to another, and try to cater the foodies with speciality dishes or fusion foods.

    ReplyDelete
  4. your visiting campaign at kitchen is very appreciated mission you are welcome to my kitchen

    Food truck

    ReplyDelete
  5. I feel crazy when I get it again

    Food truck

    ReplyDelete
  6. dropped out and then spent the next five years dabbling in everything from screenwriting to network engineering to a Bachelor of Theology before he put his pen down and started a chef's apprenticeship. Food Truck

    ReplyDelete
  7. Watch as your shawarma is cut to order, as their expert chefs add their homemade sauces into your selection of fresh Pita, Saj or Doner bread. Food Truck Wedding

    ReplyDelete
  8. It can be imperative that any of us go through carefully thread write-up with great care. I'm previously accomplished it and locate that it write-up is really remarkable Food Trucks In Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your blog has always been a good source for me to get quality tips on blogging. Thanks once again
    Mobile food van

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey! I am your newest follower. liked your style.
    "Greenz on Wheelz" is the best food truck in LA and we are sure that all of our loyal customers will agree. A party is not a party without Food Truck Catering, so give us a call today and we can spice up your event.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fascinating web journal. You should can give more insights regarding it. Much appreciated you.
    Best Food Truck In LA | Food Truck Catering In Los Angeles | Food Truck Corporate Catering

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice Information!! Thanks for sharing.


    Thank You
    Food truck for sale in qatar

    ReplyDelete
  13. Of course, we want to be honest here. There are some things you will miss out on if you buy a used truck vs a new one. For example, buying a brand new vehicle is the only way to ensure you’re getting the latest technologies and upgrades for the model, even though you’ll find a pre-owned vehicle often delivers the technologies you’re looking for.

    cash for trucks near me in Burnaby

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.