Food Truck Boot Camp Returns to Cherokee This November
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1081995
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Aspiring food truck owners and mobile food entrepreneurs are invited to take their business dreams to the next level at the upcoming Food Truck Boot Camp, hosted by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) project in collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Division of Commerce. The event will take place November 17–20, 2025, in Cherokee, North Carolina.
This four-day, hands-on training is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and real-world tools needed to launch and grow a successful food truck business. From crafting the perfect menu to understanding food safety regulations and designing an efficient truck layout, the Food Truck Boot Camp provides a comprehensive foundation for success.
Monique “Nikki” Crisp showcases her fry bread, a sacred staple of Native culinary tradition, in front of her Nikki’s Fry Bread food truck.
“It’s a good idea to go to Food Truck Boot Camp because you learn a lot,” said Monique “Nikki” Crisp, owner of Nikki’s Fry Bread food truck. “You learn about the business part of it, the networking, safety, branding—even learning how to cook a little and meet new people. It is in your best interest to go and experience it; you won’t be sorry.”
Through EMFS, CEFS works across a 12-county region in Western North Carolina—including the Qualla Boundary of the EBCI—to support local food and farm businesses, expand regional food economies, and foster entrepreneurship, workforce development, and leadership.
Participants in the Boot Camp will benefit from one-on-one consultations and interactive sessions led by industry experts. Topics will include:
-
Menu design and recipe development with professional chefs
-
Marketing strategies, public relations, and branding
-
Financial planning, funding opportunities, and bookkeeping guidance
-
Business planning and enterprise budgeting
-
Food truck design for efficiency, safety, and fire prevention
-
Regulatory compliance and food safety best practices
Emily Grace and co-owner Johnny peer out from their Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Love food truck, a mobile dessert bus serving one-of-a-kind ice cream balls.
The program is tailored to meet participants at any stage of their business journey. Emily Grace, co-owner of Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Love, shared, “Whether you’re just starting with an idea, have already bought a truck, or are already in business, this program offers both general knowledge and tailored support. It truly meets you where you are.”
“This program helped break everything down in a way that made it manageable,” Grace continued. “The way it was structured was absolutely invaluable. I don’t think we would have had the confidence to start our business without going through it.”
“This program was jam-packed with information,” she added, “but it was delivered in a way that was accessible, empowering, and never overwhelming. The format of the program and the people we met gave us lasting confidence. We often refer back to the lessons we learned.”
This event is offered in partnership with the Street Food Institute, a nationally recognized nonprofit based in Albuquerque, NM. Known for empowering food entrepreneurs through mentorship and practical training, the Street Food Institute brings a wealth of experience and success stories to the table.
Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. Knife kits for the first 40 to register! Click here to register.
For more information, please contact Laura Lauffer at the EBCI NC Extension office at 828-359-6936.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the skills, support, and confidence you need to launch your food truck business and thrive in today’s mobile food economy.