Bobby Gets Down To Business
By ALISON BEEBE, TopCity Flavorista
Photos by JOHN BURNS
Bobby Santacroce owns and operates Bobby’s Food Co, a food truck and catering business. Hailing from a large Italian clan in Connecticut, he moved with his family to Kansas when he was 11 years old. Bobby’s relationship with food began at an early age.
“I’ve always loved to eat, and that’s why I have an affinity for cooking,” he said. “My favorite meal is Seafood Cioppino, a fish stew made with wine, tomatoes, spices and herbs.”
BOBBY GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS:
Alison: What is the story behind your business?
Bobby: This business actually saved my life. I was working in the onyx (countertop) business and it was not what I saw myself doing forever. My friend and I were at a festival in2011, and the food was just bad. I thought to myself, “I could do better than that!” On my 30th birthday, we built our own smoker. Then in 2013, I bought a food truck off Craigslist. I had it gutted and rebuilt in four days. Now I have two food trucks, the catering business and two bartenders. If I wasn’t my own boss, I’d be really unhappy.
Alison: Did anyone influence your cooking style?
Bobby: I’ve been cooking since I was about 10. My two grandmas taught me how to cook. Our biggest sellers now are tacos and the Philly.
Alison: What is the biggest challenge?
Bobby: Finding good help. The pandemic only heightened that problem.
Alison: What do you find the most rewarding?
Bobby: I love what I do, and I enjoy helping people. It’s nice to be able to feed people great food. I also like being my own boss. I kept what worked and got rid of what didn’t. I made all the decisions. I am proud of how far I’ve come. What I’ve really accomplished. It started as a pipe dream, really, and now I’m out here helping others with their food trucks.
Alison: What’s next?
Bobby: I’d like to be more on the management end and less in the grind.
Alison: What advice do you have for someone wanting to start their own food truck business?
Bobby: Be sure of what you want to do. Sit down and come up with your game plan. Be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever worked. Keep an open mind and a closed mouth. Set yourself up for success. If I can help you figure it out, I will!
