Tortillaville

Opening Date For 2012 Hudson Season

2012-02-25T12:36:00.004-08:00

Brian Branigan and Allison Culbertson, partners and founders of Tortillaville announced today that their, “wildly popular food truck”, as one blogger put it, will open for a fourth consecutive season on Warren Street in Hudson, NY beginning May 25, 2012.

Tortillaville has been hailed as “the best taco this side of Mexico” by the NY Daily News, and “the best burrito on the east coast” by slate.com. They are food truck pioneers in the Hudson Valley, and they take their show on the road to the FL Keys every January - March, before vacationing a bit, and starting up again in May.

The Tortillaville schedule will remain pretty much the same as previous years, Thurs -Sun 11AM - 7:30PM for Memorial Day weekend through August, and then Friday through Sunday 11AM - 6:30PM for September and October. “If possible, we would like to open more days and longer hours for July and August, says owner Brian Branigan, and will do so, if we can put employees in place to make it happen.”

What has happened is a steady rise in year-to-year gross profits, and Tortillaville would like to see that trend continue. Aside from an effort to increase the schedule, Tortillaville is looking into a wholesale division. They already sell approximately 300 frozen burritos as their “Winter Stash” orders at the end of each season. Now, an area favorite market, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store has invited them to sell their frozen product there.

It is no secret that food trucks are a popular trend in recent years, and for good reason. Good affordable food works well for people on both sides of the counter. For the merchant, it is also a Plan B for some and an alternative lifestyle for others. And, the better food trucks are turning a handsome profit, some in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

Tortillaville’s owners have even written a book on the subject, Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success. It’s a how to, a recipe book, and a coffee table conversation piece for those interested in the recent food truck phenomena. You can soon pre-order at info@foodtruck101.biz.

So, get ready to step in line at your favorite food truck, put your money in the til, and take the ride until your stomach says stop. This bus goes to Tortillaville. If you are interested in hopping on the food truck band wagon, and perhaps even getting in on the action with your very own successful; business, following, Press, website, and a great buy, contact info@tortillaville.com. They're now offering more than delicious food.

Tortillaville: 347 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 291-6048 • tortillaville.com

Opportunity Abounds At Tortillaville, and A Book Is Born

2012-02-23T10:59:00.021-08:00

February 23, 2012

The Business: Opportunity Abounds At Tortillaville in Hudson, NY
The Book: Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success, is set for 2012 release
Blog Release
For Immediate Release

Tortillaville will open May 25, 2012, and their book, Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success, will accompany.

You may have heard in the rumor mill that Tortillaville, the near famous Hudson, NY based food truck has sold. Not so. It’s owners, Brian Branigan and Allison Culbertson will open Tortillaville for a fourth fantastic season in Hudson, NY beginning Friday, May 25 through Sunday, October 28.

Now, if you heard that Tortillaville, has a book coming out, that rumor is a little more accurate. In fact Brian wrote and photographed; Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success, which is expected to be released June 2012. His partner, Allison, did a beautiful job designing the book and curating the recipe section. She also contributed photos.

The rumor of the business being sold is not so far fetched. That is to say, Tortillaville is available for purchase as stated on the; www.tortillaville.com blog, www.craigslist.com and www.Upstater.net to name a few. Tortillaville can be bought outright “As Is” as of November 1, 2012. It can also be bought in part, excluding the name, website and wholesale division. A final offer is to partner into Tortillaville, with Brian and Allison still remaining a part of the company.

The decision to sell, or to step back, will afford Brian the necessary time to market and promote the book, and in doing so, the business. The book is a “how to” food truck, using Totillaville as its muse. It will also allow Brian and Allison time to work on another food truck concept, and book.

The new owners or partners will begin the season opening with Brian and Allison in May. This will allow Tortillaville to expand its schedule and open six days a week during July and August. The teams will split the week for the season, before gradually taking over the helm in November. Brian and Allison have agreed to remain a part of Tortillaville, so to assure their customers of a transparent segue, with no deviation in product or quality.

The book, Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success will be available at; www.Amazon.com, www.foodtruck101.biz, the Tortillaville food truck, and local book and gift shops. You can pre-order yours now, at info@foodtruck101.biz.

Tortillaville is a pioneer of the Hudson Valley food truck revolution in Upstate’s Downtown of Hudson, NY. They operate between Memorial Day weekend, and the last Sunday of October. In Winter months, Tortillaville is located in the Florida Keys.

Buy Tortillaville: Perhaps Your Ideal Five Year Plan

2012-02-22T07:05:00.004-08:00

Announcement of business for sale. This is a great opportunity, and one where owner financing is considered.

Tortillaville is "wildly popular" as one blogger wrote. The best taco this side of Mexico, the NY Daily News wrote. The Best burrito on the east coast, slate.com said. It is a place with more than a sizable following, where well wishers greet us with a symphony of warm welcomes each Spring. It is a business that in just six months, working four days per week, from 11AM to 7PM, or a total of just 76 days, earned enough for its partners to take the entire Winter season off.

The overhead is little, consisting of; the partners, a helper, rent, permits, insurance and supplies. The business has a beautiful website, and menu, and facebook page. It even has its own book; Food Truck 101; A Recipe For Success, "the first comprehensive food truck book written by a food truck cook." There are plans for a serious marketing and promotional campaign for the book and business on; radio, You Tube, and book signings. We need time to do this promotion. That, and a couple of outside offers might persuade us to sell the business. We also have another idea for a different food truck - and another book. That's the only reason we would consider.

And, it is why I call this an opportunity. This year, there will be three other food trucks accompanying our business, and a beer and wine garden too, all in a beautiful and busy setting at 347 Warren Street in Hudson, NY. And, we are thinking, while at the top of our game, and while Hudson is taking off to even higher heights, and while 3FortySeven is expanding, that maybe this is the perfect time to sell.

The equipment, trailer etc. (but not the van) is valued at $40K. The total asking price, including, a wholesale division, and trademark and franchise rights is just $175K. We will teach you all of our recipes and mentor you for a couple of weeks hands-on as part of the deal. You can also take over our Warren Street location.

We've done all the work establishing this wonderful company. If you don't want the wholesale business, Company name, or franchising rights, we'll keep it. The price of the business without lowers to $150K. As for owner financing, in both scenarios the deal is $75K down at 5% interest for three years. The deal would require that you partner in with us for 2012 season, before you take over in November. This will allow you to; get trained, see the numbers, and start making money right away!

After an initial two week training period, we would each work three days per week and keep all proceeds made. We really want this to be a win / win deal. That's what Tortillaville has always been about. You can net 20% of the entire investment in this 5 month season alone. And, that's with splitting the week. Bottom line, you can cover the expense of the entire investment in two five month seasons working just four days a week. Open more months, days and hours, and it's sooner. Build the wholesale business up, and it gets even better. Franchise to five area strip malls, and in five years, sell it all for a couple of million or more. That is where this could realistically lead to.

This is an ideal plan for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 and 40. This could be your five-year or ten-year plan. Restaurants in the area are investing $1.5M in hopes of doing well. But, do you think they have a chance of making their money back in two five month seasons? They will be lucky to recover it in five full-time years, and that's if they do very well.

Meanwhile, you could gross a half million in five years (with a slightly expanded schedule). And, there's room to increase prices too. For those of you who don't mind a little hard work 3 or 4 days a week, and then, and a couple of days off each week, before some quality time off for a few months, this just might be what you're looking for. As for us, we are looking to do something new. It is in our entrepreneurial blood. And, it could even be another food truck in another town. We'll see.

Having said that, after the closing, we would be available to assist you, as you see fit. We could prepare the food for the week, work a couple of days a week, assist in the wholesale division, and help wherever we can, until you find replacements for us. Also, possibly of interest to you, is that our home www.49greenestreet.com, just 8 minutes from Tortillaville is available for purchase, and can be grouped together in an owner financed package. The home is selling for $225K. But, the initial down payment in this case would be higher. Pay outright for all, and it could be a little lower.

Tortillaville is a great opportunity with a proven record. And, the house is fully updated and beautiful. But, the prices are firm. Serious inquires (only) can contact info@tortillaville.com Check out our website. Google us. Feel free to ask us questions. We will only consider selling to those who we feel has what it takes, to succeed at Tortillaville. We want you and Tortillaville to continue to do well. And, we want the customers to remain happy too. Thanks for consideration.

From Tortillaville With Love

2012-02-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

Is it mid February already? My, how time flies, especially in the warmer climates. But, the northeast has had it pretty mild too, and I'm betting that they are thinking that Winter is just about done. Then, all of the sudden, whammo, blizzard! I hope not. Maybe just a snow storm or two to make the Winter feel less scary / weird like, but otherwise, it's good to be let off easy every now and then. So, we're happy for them, I mean, you, in the northeast. As for Tortillaville, we have yet to report in 2012. We are midway through our tanning season. It is especially important for us that we look real hard as to what we hope to accomplish this Dec - May season. Business is off a bit, but that's OK. I think we figured out what we'd have to do to make it work. Unfortunately, it's exactly that - work, as in five days a week. So, we're going instead to take some time off this time around and think about it. Right now, the season of love is all around us. We have to think about what we love, and what we would love to do, or be, when we grow up that is. But, for now, we have to think about what we would love to accomplish short term. We know that we are about ready to give birth to, or publish anyway, a book; which by the way,we are very excited about. Brian is looking forward to study for his captain's license, and to pass the test. Then, to take passengers out on the Hudson River for a cathartic 3-hour voyage. Then to bring Hudosnians down to the FL Keys for another cathartic kayaking session before their 3-hour sunset voyage. And, both Allison and Brian are looking forward to their two to three day per week mile swim at the local college in Key West. It's always easier to drink without guilt knowing that you've exercised enough. You know what mean? The plan is to get fitter. I know, not a word, or is it? Then, there is getting out on the boat, kayaking in the mangroves,learning local knowledge (an oxymoron here), back country navigation, and making sure to snorkel more than a few times. And, we even plan to go camping on some uninhabited islands with our puppies before our return. That all might be enough for the normal human, but we are not normal. We are abnormal as they come. We are lamron even, if you can figure that out. And, with that, this. Happy season of love, turning to season of shamrocks, and then religious something or the other, before the parades and festivities in Hudson start to rain like that of a monsoon in Benladesh. We just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of you and wish you all- love.

Happy 2012 (the year of the apprenticeship)

2011-12-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success (apprenticeship workshops):

I recently read about the sad state of the economy in regards to young people and employment, or lack thereof. Instead of some mediocre job, many young people, particularly young woman, are choosing to further their education with advanced degrees. It's probably a good choice, because the alternative right now is rather bleak. But, who actually knows what further education will bring in terms of jobs? I am only sorry to hear that they will owe $200K, or thereabouts, in student loans when they face the start of their first job or career.

I am three careers deep into midlife. I didn't make all of the right choices, but my life could definitely be worse. Although, I didn't graduate from college,(the main reason being that I was studying film and got into the film business at an early age, and then spent twenty years in it), I have much to be proud of. What I didn't realize back when I was young, was that unless you have; a serious pension, 401K, great health insurance, or some other golden parachute, there is no such thing as a twenty year career and out. You just get to start your next career after the one that you've eventually become tired of, or lost. And, that's if you're lucky.

In my case, I loved the film industry; the camaraderie and working behind the scenes. It was a great life during my twenties, thirties and early forties. I just needed to move on after a while. It's an opportunity one has to take if it becomes available. But, what does one do after a twenty year career? I think this "what's next?" question is perhaps the most difficult challenge that many face. I've been a nurse, a lawyer, a film technician, whatever for twenty years, they say; what do I do now? And, for others perhaps, it's, I have employment, but where can I find fulfillment?

It can happen to anyone. My new opportunity arose by happenstance, translating into partnering in a SoHo, NY bar with no investment other than a full time commitment. It was a definite challenge, but it allowed a new direction that led to teaching digital video workshops, and then freelance digital video services. It evolved into partnering into a graphic and web design business.

And, then we relocated and had to start anew. We were given the opportunity to revamp a glorious but failing restaurant / bar business Upstate, NY, - and took it. My life became a mosaic of jobs as fragments. One restaurant consulting job led to another. Then, there were none. So, my partner and I decided to open a studio where we could do creative work outside of our home. That place, a retail space, evolved into a short lived art gallery. It lasted a year before the recession of 2008 arrived. The gallery space departed, and the search for a new Plan B was our next challenge. Now, some years later, we've picked up the pieces. It is owed to, in large part, a food truck that we serendipitously crossed paths with back in 2009.

Tortillaville, our current food truck business, is not the easiest of careers one could choose, but it is more than a job. We own the business. Thanks in large part to our food truck business, we own a home in Upstate, NY and a mobile home in the FL Keys outright. We also own two vehicles and two boats outright. And, we don't owe any outstanding bills. Granted, we have to work our tails off during Summer and Fall months, but we then work part time in the FL Keys, just three days a week for three of the five months that we're there. My point is this. Don't just get a job, own it.

What you do from there is what makes the difference. Don't do what we did and try to do it all by yourself for a few years. You'll burn out. Hire a couple of people right away, even if part time, who you can mentor and help to eventually move into their own food truck. You want to have good reliable employees who will work hard for you too; to help clean the containers, set up, or take a shift. If they see a light at the end of the tunnel (their own business), they should be the best employees one could ever hope for. Just ask for a one-season or one-year commitment from them while they learn. It promises to be a win / win all around. And, that's what we are doing.

We are hiring employees who we want to train, so that they can start their own food truck business. We want no nonsense, professional, reliable employees - who get it. The pay off can be pretty attractive. In the right location, a good food truck can gross $100K in 130 days. That's $100K in just six months time. And, I'm not talking about a NYC location. That's double. You can then take two months off, work a few months part time, and take another month off to prepare for your busy season. Or, you might choose to work year round, or ten months, with several two-week breaks for vacation.

This is a food truck apprenticeship, where you get paid, albeit minimum wage, but you get paid to learn! It is rare. I was never offered the opportunity of an apprenticeship in anything. If I was to start over again, I might ask a plumber or electrician if I could become their apprentice. And, nowadays, I might ask a food truck person if I could apprentice - for free. But, I am not starting over. I am winding down. And, as I wind down, our business, Tortillaville, would like to help others who are just taking flight, or starting over.

If your dream is a Mexican food truck or cafe, this is an especially incredible opportunity. We're not looking to expand Tortillaville as a franchise per se, but we would consider giving birth to other similar businesses using a different name, but giving rights to our recipes for a very fair fee. This, mostly due to liability risks and protecting the Tortillaville brand. Of course, everything is for sale, and that includes Tortillaville - for the right price. In that case, you could offer apprentice workshops, and recipes, coupled with a wholesale and retail business. Our Press page isn't so bad either. And, we even have a book coming out in 2012.

In the meantime, if you reconsider furthering your career, and choose to instead to own your own business, for just $50K to $100K (the cost of buying a truck and supplies), Tortillaville apprenticeship workshops promise a quick return on your investment. It might even evolve into the cafe that you've always dreamed about.

Now, if you only have a week or several weekends, to fit in a Tortillaville apprenticeship, we offer that too, for a fee. Please go to our website and click on the Food truck 101 workshop link to learn more. In the meantime, buena suerte! (good luck!)

Opening Day At the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Is December 19

2011-12-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

Just a quick shout out to announce our opening day at the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. We are very excited to be back in the Keys. The weather is perfect, and we look forward to seeing our Winter time customers again. We always look forward to working at the BPKFL because the staff and community alike are really great to be around. We just want to do our best to keep the prices down and the food at the highest level - clean and delicious. For now, we just have two days per week, Monday and Tuesday, booked through March 2012, but we hope to book Sunday at Lazy Lakes campground too. Or, perhaps even Saturday and Sunday, but only through March. April is ours, no more than two days a week from then on. If anyone up north wants to visit us and see what Tortillaville South is like please feel free. We even have a very affordable and comfortable private guest trailer for two (double bed), with a private bath, AC, electric, bicycles, wifi and laundry, to name a few. Email us for more info. Happy 2012 all!

We're Here! (and we might just stay)

2011-12-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to be back in the Keys. This is what it's all about, why we work so hard and put our life on hold June thru October. It's not totally on hold. That is to say that we love Hudson, and our customers. And, we love or home in Catskill. But, if I had to complain, it would be about way too much work and little time for play during those months. And, after making 10K burritos and 10K tacos in just 75 days, (I kid you not), I'm amazed that we're still standing.

But now, in this tropical like climate, we can relax. And, as I think about relaxing, I think about it as a way of life. I don't especially enjoy being so busy and watching other people live their lives as we slave away. But, we do. So, I am thinking... ... Should we sell our Hudson, NY operation and spend the majority of our time in the Keys? I mean, the business grosses $90K in just 75 days.

Net is what matters, granted, but that's not so bad either. And, this is being open just four days per week for two months and three days per week for another two months. That said, the pace can be maddening, exhausting and down right earth shattering; 10K burritos and 10K tacos in just 75 days. I just thought it worth a re-mention.

But, we are now thinking of our lives, and enjoying it here on earth? We are thinking about living (and working) in a MUCH slower paced environment? Who would have ever thought that Hudson, NY could be so fast paced? But, it is. It's a dynamic, beautiful, and popular place. But, truth be told, it could use more creative and affordable food options. That's another reason that we're almost too busy.

Note to anyone dropping $1M on a restaurant business in Hudson? In my opinion, BIG Mistake. Not that I don't want to see a Momofuku in Hudson, but I'm speaking of reality. Plain and simple, you don't need to. That's not what they, Hudsonian's, want. They want a cool, and even tiny, but very good; Thai restaurant, Brooklyn bistro, and Vietnamese noodle shop like place. They want Bruno's, but bigger, and with beer and wine. They want eateries that get it. And, a great coffee place with food, where you can meet and sit and chat. Visit the East Village or Brooklyn and look for these tiny but excellent food places. That's what Hudson could use, but it has to be great.

We sadly discovered, or rediscovered something on our drive south. Food options in America are AWFUL. What is this crap that people are paying for and eating? My god, its terrible. I never thought about how good our food was until I had to eat outside of Hudson and NYC, especially on the I-95 corridor. It's CRAP and people have been brain washed into thinking that it's acceptable. It's not.

Look, Tortillaville is delicious, affordable food, prepared with passion and care. That's want people need and want. I want Tortillaville food to continue to be offered in Hudson. At the same time, I want to truly enjoy the next 15 or 20 years that I hope to have left in life. Haven't you ever thought about life that way? Maybe your ideal ending is to own a Tortillaville in Hudson, NY. But, not to get ahead of myself, I am only thinking of the beginning of the end. For us, it might very well mean, selling our very popular Hudson, NY operation. And, for the right person, or couple, this is an incredible opportunity. It could mean going from bust to boom in a relatively very short time. You can live in the country and have a great business too. It's not so easy to find, but here it is.

If you're young, in your 20's or 30's and you have a partner, or another couple as partners in mind, it might be perfect. You could get 10 times back on your investment. And, with a good down payment, we might even consider owner financing. Imagine if Tortillaville were open seven days a week from June through October (with our food)? I am guessing that $150K gross is the conservative number. And, if beer and wine were available, it might be twice as much. How about eight months out of the year, segueing into soups and chili in the colder months? Or, taking Tortillaville inside with beer and wine. Now, you're talking half-a-million annual gross income money. And, what about opening other Tortillaville's as a franchise of sorts? Good food with consistency is no joke. It's not easy to come by. After your successful year, take a couple of months OFF. This is about lifestyle, not a life sentence.

What would we do if someone bought our operation? It depends. Are they buying our location, menu, and trailer, plus training? Or, are they buying the name, website, franchise rights, wholesale rights too? Either way, we would Do fine. But, the thought that comes to immediate mind is that we would run another fish taco cart in the Keys, or open a restaurant here. We would live here full time, except for a few months perhaps, and just live and love life. We would visit Hudson on occasion and visit Tortillaville.

But, we are back in the Keys for a 2011 / 2012 season, before our Hudson May 2012 return. And, we plan to take it slow and meaningful. You do the same. If anyone is truly interested in purchasing our Hudson operation, we might truly consider it. You could, conceivably, make your full investment back in the first year alone. This is especially ideal for a local restaurant operation because you already have the prep kitchen and staff, but you have to decide that for yourselves.

We care so much about Tortillaville, our customers, and Hudson, that we would only sell to the person or place who we feel fits the bill. It's not just about dollars, and it never was. And, if you want a lovely home to go with the business (that has an authorized a prep kitchen), that might be available too. The business: $150K to $225K > depending. And the house www.49greenestreet.com > asking $239K. Or, business and house together, $375K or $450K combined (pretty firm). Thanks people. Please spread the word.

Just to clarify: we will DEFINITELY be open for business in Hudson for the 2012 season, even with an expanded menu and hours. But, it might also be the year that we mentor and partner with the new owners. We shall see.

We're Heading South

2011-11-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

The final details have been taken care of. The trailer is packed up, Tortillaville Hudson is cleaned up, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and Thanksgiving is upon us. There is one more thing that we have to do before heading south to the FL Keys. And, it's always a nail biting last minute affair. And, that is to get our house ready and find a tenant who we can trust, and who will pay us to take care of our house while we're away for five months. I am happy to report that we are three for three. This year we found a lovely tenant who we are confident will take good care of our home. But, what matters most perhaps, is that we won't have to worry about pipes freezing while we're away. I actually don't know if I could leave the house with no one in our home. But, now we can! We can enjoy five full months in the FL Keys. WE can look forward to fishing, and swimming, and relaxing a bit. We look forward to returning to the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge where we will serve our fare Mondays and Tuesdays. We plan to find another spot too, because we need to save up some money beyond covering our expenses, because there are always other expenses. And, we want to come back ahead, not behind. While we're in the Keys, Brian hopes to get his Coast Guard approved captains license. Allison is busy planning ; sewing, art, jewelry and design projects, aside from her yoga, swimming, and windsurfing lessons. So, 2011 has wrapped up, or is wrapping up quite nicely. We will spend TD in NYC. I will also photograph food trucks and the like for my book, Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success. The book is coming along fantastic. It is beyond my expectations. I look forward to seeing family and visiting the 10th street baths in the city. Then, it's off to Phili, where we will see the other side of the family. We might even buy a boat there to bring down to FL. We'll see. We very much look forward to FL and to our return in May. We wish you all a great holiday season and Winter months. Here's hoping that 2012 is a great year for all of us. Cheers!

Another Season, A New Opportunity (for you?)

2011-10-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Another season ends. Our third in Hudson. Once again, it was, amazingly, the best of times. Up 30% from previous years, a new screen door added to our brand, now the most photographed screen door (in the world), and over 10 thousand burritos sold (again).

The book, Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success is shaping up. It looks to be a fine and fun project. The hope is to get it out there while it's still "the first food truck book, authored by a food truck cook."

Then, there's next year to consider. Do we do a fourth year in Hudson? Do we open a cafe? Do we move to a new territory, having had experienced the Hudson Valley? It is all up for consideration. Anyone interested in buying a very successful taco and burrito business?

If done right, with the right individuals at the helm, it could gross $250K per year. I kid you not. Or, you might want to do what we do, and shoot for $75K over a five month period, working just three and four days per week. $175K takes it all. You can learn more at www.tortillaville.com. But, you're already there.

Or, we can set you up in Hudson or elsewhere, for far less, as consultants. This arrangement does not include the trailer or the name. It does include, our recipes, mentoring, and a guarantee that if done right, you will see a complete return on your investment within the first year.

Now it's time, once again, to set our sights on the Florida Keys. We still have to rent our Catskill, NY home from Thanksgiving 2011 to May 2012. At $1100 per month. But, it includes $500 of heat and electric, and free wifi, phone and cable. This fully furnished beauty is a steal. See for yourself at www.49greenestreet.com.

We sold a boat that we've had for twelve years. A lot of good memories there. But, we bought the same kind of boat, a few years newer, and in pristine condition to replace it. We added a bicycle trike with an ice cream box on the back with plans for helados next season. And, we have orders for over two hundred Winter Stash burritos for our Hudson customers. So, things are looking good.

All the while, our home and business is available for purchase. For real. Anyone out there want to start anew? This sort of opportunity doesn't come around too often. For just $425K you can have our beautiful home and incredibly successful business. This is an opportunity to jump on. The house is beautiful and convenient to work - just 8 minutes. The business alone CAN cover the ENTIRE investment in just two years time - if you put your mind to it. With a good down payment, we'd even consider owner financing. Come on, leave the city, get a home, own a fun and successful business. I'll leave it there.

The FL Keys are looking real good right now. We are booked to work every Monday and Tuesday at the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, Dec - Mar. It's a beautiful campground right on the water, and just 30 miles to Key West. We might do an odd day here and there, at festivals and the like during the run of the Winter season. We really look forward to our days off too; fishing, boating, swimming, and enjoying our home life.

If all goes as currently planned, we hope to start up again in May 2012 in Hudson. I'll tell you one thing, we have some amazing customers. We know that they appreciate what we do. And, we very much enjoy cooking for, and serving them. We enjoy the great conversations, and we love the laughs.

Thanks again for another great season.

Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success

2011-09-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Recipe:

A heaping spoonful of fortitude

Several dashes of patience (per day)

A good amount of rest

Ample preparation

A pinch of humility (pinch daily)

An inordinate amount of dedication

Another tablespoon of discipline

A good food truck (that is sensible to your needs)

A great menu

Consistent good food

A good foot traffic location

On time, rain or shine

Good prices

A website, Facebook page and contact number

Time off

Like all good recipes, success comes later

Do You Need Income?:

This is not a soccer mom or dad’s story about how to start a kiosk or food cart in a mall as a way to gain a second income. This is instead, a solution for the artist, business person, or sophisticated soul, foodie, or soon to be foodie, who is perhaps in need of a plan B. It is a solution, hopefully, whereby, an individual, couple or family can find a way to; keep their home, have a job, pay their bills and balance their lives. But, it is not an easy way. It is the food truck way. And, it requires, discipline, dedication and kick ass product. If done right, you stand to make a very good living.

The Rubber Meets the Road:

But, first you must decide, or figure out, if the food truck business is right for you. How would you know? Because you scout out a few food trucks, you see what they do, you see what it takes, you ask a few questions, and you should get a pretty good idea. This book is a good starting point. It offers a real life, inside the food truck, behind the scenes description. It is a week in the life and then some. It will tell you what you need to know to decide if the food truck business is right for you. And, then it will tell you how to succeed.

Fortitiude:

It’s not so much about permits and licenses, unless you’re hoping to work where licenses are limited and expensive, like New York City or Key West, FL. It’s not even so much the investment, but this too plays a role. And, it’s not about you’re needing to make money either. All important factors indeed, but we have yet to establish the heart of what it really takes to succeed in the food truck business. In a word, it takes fortitude; a day in and day out, rain or shine, stick-to-it attitude. It means being able to overcome hard work, exhaustion, a slow day, or a very busy day. For, here is what the food truck business is not: easy. Here’s what it is: challenging. So, you don’t want to make the investment, or get the permits and licenses, or start counting your money, if you don’t have what it takes in the first place. Fortitude.

What Happens Now?:

If you come to the conclusion that the food truck business is right for you; that you like the idea of working for yourself, dealing with people, cooking and prepping and cleaning, perhaps as much as twelve to fourteen hours a day, then good for you, welcome to our world, and best of luck. If you don’t mind taking on a new identity, hauling coolers around, buying ice on a daily basis, changing propane tanks, and taking the pressure that comes with a line of people who want your delicious food, you just might be the right candidate. But, don’t forget about cleaning up the food truck and the containers at the end of the day. If you’re still the right candidate, you can now; look into the permit and license requirements, check out insurance quotes, decide what kind of food you want to serve, and research food trucks and trailers designed for said food. You can now; create a menu, pick a name, and find a location. You can now; purchase equipment, including a vehicle, generators, refrigerators and a freezer. You can now secure your purveyors and purchase food. Now, you can get to work.

Telling Like It Is:

I don’t mean to sound negative, or to burst your food truck dreams. I only want to tell you like it is. This book does not glorify the food truck business. If it turns on as many people as it turns away, then its done its job. For, this book is to act as a mentor of sorts, or to advise responsibly. There are days when I want to quit, sell, and move on. But, where else can you net $700 on average, everyday? So, I stay, and get immersed, and even write a book on the subject. The food truck business has been good to me. It can be good to you too. That is my hope. But, first Id like to invite you into my world; Tortillaville, Hudson, NY.

Hudson, NY:

Imagine, if you will, an Edward Hopper painting in a William Kennedy novel. You know, fantastic bold colors and a quintessential American motif as its subject. The mood is brilliant yet dark. That, is Hudson, NY. No one exactly knows why the light is so special, or why the bold colors of the buildings match so well, especially in afternoon light, but they do. As for the dark, that’s another story. Officially a city, Hudson has all the earmarks of a small town; a two square mile argument and celebration at the same time. It is an artists enclave and a political battleground. The people of Hudson are; kind, spiteful, progressive, conservative, gay, straight, black, white, rich, poor, warm, cold, gossipy, supportive, young and old. It feels like a slice of Brooklyn in a country setting. It is, Upstate’s downtown, or so they say.

Hudson is clearly, to be kind, dynamic. It is both gifted and riddled, depending on the day. It is a place where one meter maid will put a quarter in your meter, and another one will ticket you for the slightest infraction. Everyone is a character in the play, for they are its cast. Creative minds don’t always think alike. In fact, a painting in a local bar, probably sums it up best; real eyes ~ realize ~ real lies. Hudson is certainly a place to be realized. And, we love it, most of the time. Let’s just say, Hudson folk can be interesting, but conflicted, and they seem to like it that way. For, that is their nutrition.

But, Hudson has a softer side too. There is the symphony of heartfelt well wishers who greet us upon our return each Spring. We are always taken aback by it, but never tire of it; “it’s good to have you back, Tortillaville” one passerby will say. “You’ve been gone too long”, says another. “Welcome home”, says a customer, and “We missed you” yet another. Or, the emphatic; “You have no idea know how much I missed you guys.” Even though it happens every year, I still find myself looking for who they are talking to. But, it is me, or our food truck anyway, and I am touched by it. So, every coin does indeed have two sides.

Synopsis:

This is the adventure of a Manhattan couple’s move from New York City to the Hudson Valley. The era? The Great Recession. The place? Hudson City, NY. The couple’s Hudson, NY gallery business, opened in 2008, only lasts a year. The economy proves too challenging. Former artists in economic meltdown, a new canvas appears on their horizon. They need a Plan B. The answer: Get a food truck. ... So, they did. Truth be told, one found them. Then, three years later ...

Thank You In Advance

2011-08-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Man-o-man-o-man, or is it an omen, this incredibly busy Hudson, NY Summer at Tortillaville. Blistering heat meets blistering sales. We are once again on pace to sell over 10,000 burritos in five months time. All this from a little taco and burrito stand. Business is up over 40%, but so is the work load. And, we're both feeling it. The business is growing, which means, time to hire help while we make an effort to expand. We hope to grow the original location in Hudson, NY, but to also see Tortillaville stands pop up throughout the entire Northeast, screen door and all. That's the dream anyway. Tortillaville is in the process of licensing out its name and recipes, acting as mentor to those who qualify. Yes, qualify. This is not for the faint hearted. The applicant must be capable, understand all that is involved, have a good foot traffic location, a truck, trailer or cafe, and have the financial means prior to becoming a licensee. We won't take a dime otherwise. In the meantime, the Tortillaville book and companion video project; Food Truck 101: A Recipe For Success, is coming along nicely. We hope to make it available ASAP.

t-shirts in available in adult sizes s, m, lg, xl

frozen burritos - last year's stash

We now have T-shirts for sale too. And, we have two raffles in the works; one for a case of Mexican Coca-cola and the other for a dozen "Winter Stash" burritos. The ticket for each is just $2, with the drawing taking place on Saturday, October 15th. So, we are busy in Tortillaville, both from a business and marketing standpoint.

It is still early, with a lot of season to go, but we wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks again for another great year. We'll be slinging tacos and burritos through October 29 this year. Post Labor Day weekend, our days of operation will shorten to Friday - Sunday only. We need the rest. That, and our dog sitter is returning to school. But, please do keep the Winter Stash burritos and Tortillaville T-shirts in mind. And, if you happen to be looking for work next Summer through Fall 2012, we're looking for a few good reliable workers. Enjoy the rest of your Summer. We look forward to a restful Hudson Valley November, and then, a FL Keys December thru April. For now, we will savor each day that we're open, and await your arrival with gratitude.

The Silver Screen:

2011-07-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

There are several things to report as we cruise into mid Summer at Tortillaville, Hudson. First of all, Tortillaville is equally happy to be back, as all those saying as much to us. And, business is better than ever. We are up an astonishing 40% since last year. We are serving 700 to 800 people each four-day week, and making approximately 400 tacos and 600 burritos. That's over 1500 tacos and 2000 burritos every 16-day month. We are looking to hit the 10,000 burrito mark again this, and perhaps sooner. Tired? Si. Mucho. But, we recover pretty fast after just one day off, and we have three - sort of.

The franchise effort (but really a licensee effort) has not yet taken flight. But, it is a slow process that should be considered carefully. We are fine that it is going slow, because it is a major step, with a considerable investment. That said, when all the right things come together; a capable person, a good location, and our recipes, we are absolutely confident that the licensee will make a return on his or her investment within the first year. By the way, Hudson would love to have a year-round Tortillaville cafe. We might even do it, or licensee it, or partner in it. Stay tuned.

A Tortillaville cafe would offer a warm bohemian vibe decorated tastefully, with an equally tasteful extended menu. We would include "free" chips and salsa. We would offer a side salad with the burrito. And, we would serve other things like; tostadas, tomales, sweet plantains and desserts to name a few. Oh, and in addition to jarritos and Mexican Coke, we would offer horchata, lemonade, iced tea and beer and wine - and sangria if possible.

Photo thanks to Carol Osterink

The addition of our screen door has had a tremendous positive reaction. Is it an actual door? Is it an installation piece? Why is it there? What is it for? Keep asking and wondering and coming through, for it is all. Mostly, it is a great conversation piece. I find many answers to the queries we get. So, here are my top ten reasons that the screen door was installed: #1 "It is a barrier that we installed, so to attract people", People like barriers. #2 "it is the beginning of the a larger construction project. walls next", " #3 I did it, because it makes me feel like we have an establishment, #4 "it is, of course, to keep the flies out", #5 "it is there for the customer, you, to make your best entrance", #6 "we did it so you can open a door for a lunch or dinner companion" #7 "it is so I can say that ... the line was to the door", reasons that the screen door was installed #7 "it is so we can enjoy all the many reactions it gets", #8 "it's a great place to put and Open and Closed sign", #9 "because if Tortillaville doesn't work out for us, we can open a new place called, The Screen Door", and the #10 reason that we put the screen door there is... "because we felt like it." And, we're glad that you all like it too.

Now, there are a couple of other things in the mix on the 7/11/ 11 blog entry day. Brian has been working on a straight to You Tube documentary project entitled; "Food Truck 101; A Recipe For Success". There are high hopes for this project, as it is intended to inform and entertain it's viewers. It is also intended to help extend the Tortillaville brand, and attract some licensees. But, more that that, it hopes to be the first fully comprehensive, behind the scenes expose of the new hip food truck business. Early indicators, based of the script length and shot list are estimating the documentary to be a half-hour in length. The goal however is for one million You Tube hits. Now the hard part, finding the time to shoot it. Wish us luck.

On the home front, we are looking for a new home. Our time in Catskill may be coming to an end, but it is a nice, quiet, and affordable place to live. We just want a change of scenery, or perhaps to be able to drink and walk home, as oppose to drink and stay home. Hudson is high on our list. But, we are not expecting anything to happen anytime soon, because we are trying to "trade" spaces, our home for another. You can see our place at www.49greenstreet.com. It's nice to dream.

OK, here's my latest concept gift for Hudson; house boat hotels. Place six house boats on the river and make it a hotel. The name? The Hudson Floatel. I hope to be a part of this Memorial Day thru October endeavor. That came out of nowhere people - sorry. But, it would be sure to put the Hudson waterfront, and the Hudson River on the map - in a big way. I am sure that others will steal this idea, so good luck to you who do. I would love for one of these house boats to be our seasonal home. And, so, I just bought the domain name www.hudsonfloatel.com. Who knows?

Finally, as we approach mid-season, we have some "to do" things that we make public. First, we will be offering frozen "Winter stash" burritos again this year. We will even take orders for our Mon - Wed days off for those of you who might like to have a Tortillaville burrito when we're not open. Our burritos are vacuum packed, and reheat to perfection. So, please get your orders in. Note: you must pre-pay. We make these burritos in early October, vacuum pack them, label them (with defrost and cooking instructions), freeze them and deliver them to you - frozen. The report from last years purchasers was ALL positive.

In closing, with just fifteen or so weeks left in this 2011 season, we want to stop to appreciate where we are. I definitely appreciate that we have the day off today. I appreciate that we have a job, and income. I especially appreciate your taking time to read this muddle. As I always said, "I have a lot on my plate. I just hope to do half of it". Other than that, I can't think of anything to say :o)

Keep in touch.

Opening Weekend

2011-06-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

photo by thefeast.com

What can you say about opening on Memorial Day weekend? Very intense comes to mind. But, very rewarding too. It's great to see familiar faces and satisfied customers. My only worry when it gets so busy is that quality is compromised. I know that I burned a few burritos, and I apologize for it. Let me know and I'll make it right, because I only want satisfied customers. The weekend was our busiest to date. The line was long and seemingly endless. We went through 70 lbs of chicken, 80 lbs of meat, 22 lbs of fish, 16 lbs of shrimp and approximately 900 (taco and burrito) tortillas in just three days. By the time Monday rolled around, we didn't have enough supplies to open. But, we were tired too, like crash out on the floor tired, so a good excuse to rest. Is this what we should expect for future weekends? I imagine not, but Hudson seems busier than I remember, so perhaps a banner season is in the making. I only wish that we could be open seven days a week. And, I am looking into that possibility as I try to line up some reliable taco and burrito makers to help make it happen. Are you the next Tortillaville taco and burrito maker? We will only allow five hour shifts per team, which will include prep and open hours. Allison and I can do three days on our own, but we'd like to find four other people to share the other four days in shifts of; 9AM to 2:30PM and 2:30PM to 8PM. That's the idea anyway. Seasonal businesses like ours should be ope everyday Memorial Day thru Labor Day (if possible). So, if you think you have what it takes, please contact us.

It's Good To Be Back!

2011-05-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

We are back in Hudson, NY. This 2011 (Memorial Day weekend thru mid-October), marks our third official season of Tortillaville, Hudson.

The City feels hopping with good energy. We are once again humbled by the embrace upon our return, with many locals commenting how good it is to have us back. We feel the same, and will do our best to live up to the hype, or should I say, to deserve your business.

We miss the perfect weather of the FL Keys, and the friends that we've met there. But, we're very happy to be back in Hudson. We especially love to share our year between here and there, and to connect our Hudson, NY and Big Pine Key worlds, with folks from there visiting us in Hudson, and Hudson folks visiting us in the Keys, ... and maybe even staying in our guest trailer at www.8palms.net. But, enough about that.

The 2011 season has yet to officially start, but we have some big plans in mind, including; menu additions, (plates, quesadillas and maybe even tostadas), desserts, music, more days, longer hours, etc.

It looks like our opening day will be Friday May 27th. We will do Friday- Monday for the Memorial Day weekend, and then Thursday - Monday thereafter, through Labor Day.

After that, we'll probably go back to Fri - Sun, but that's a ways off, so let's keep with the business at hand; Tortillaville: Thursday - Monday 11:30 - 7:30PM. We hope to have some guest DJ's, live music, guest art shows - and you.

Please tell your friends, bring your family and otherwise spread the word. Check out www.tortillaville.com (which you're probably on), and visit us often. We're only here for a short four-and-a-half months.

As for us, we'll be cooking all Summer :o)

The Best of Both Worlds

2011-04-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Our dream of bringing Tortillaville to the FL Keys has been realized. That is to say, ... we did it. But, Hudson, NY is still our main home base for Tortillaville. It is where we call home, and earn a hard fought living ~ while having fun.

The FL Keys is where we call home and try to break even. But, if done right, you don't break even in the Keys. It is just too darn beautiful here. It's a win / win no matter what. It amazes us to see that many of the locals in the Lower Keys work five and six days a week to get by, and sometimes with two and three jobs. It's even even more amazing to hear of those who rarely get out on the water. I mean, we understand with the economy and inequality and all, we just wish that they, the locals, could enjoy more of the beauty.

We need to do more too, as it's been much about work; Tortillaville and home improvements up to this point. But, we get out often enough, and we look forward to exploring more in the coming years.

Given the opportunity, the Keys is all about; the water and birds (flora and fauna) and snorkeling and swimming and fishing and kayaking and discovery and history. It's a place to recharge, and learn, and work, and work out (a little) and play a lot. That is why we only work two to three days a week, January through March.

But, it is also a place where we've worked tirelessly to make our humble property as comfortable as possible. It might only be a trailer with another little trailer as a guest house, but it is one sweet spot. Whoever thought that a 50' x 100' lot could be made so efficient? We are compounding it in too, and nearly complete for privacy, so to keep our outdoor life; tables, hammock, outdoor shower, boat and parking spaces all to ourselves. It is humble, but it is home away from home every November through April.

It's been hard to break-in as a business here in the Keys, and harder when you only work two or three days a week for a few months. It would be easier to establish ourselves working full-time / year round, but that is not our intention here. And, that's why our Hudson business is so important to us, and why we especially appreciate our customer support. So, thank you in advance, We'll always do our best to deserve your visit time and again. And, we like to think that our seasonal status in Hudson makes Tortillaville that much more special.

Speaking of which, it is time that we head back north once again. We are looking forward to an extended work week and extended hours Thursday - Monday 11:30AM - 7:30PM for Hudson Summer of 2011. Opening day, weather permitting, is May 21st. We want to have lots of fun and serve only great food. We truly look forward to seeing everyone. Four months goes fast, so please visit us often. There promises to be good times and great food.

Be sure to visit our new website too, if you're not already there, at www.tortillaville.com And, check out our store products. Have a wonderful Summer 2011. After this past Winter and Spring, you deserve it.

Now, not to speed things up too much mind you, but when Winter plans do roll around again, please keep in mind that Tortillaville has a very comfortable FL Keys guest trailer www.8palms.net for only $55 per night for individuals and $65 for couples, (tax included) maximum five night stay. Enjoy the grounds, bbq, use the outdoor shower, bike, visit a local restaurant or bar, write your novel, do laundry, go online, come and go as you like, relax. This is not a B&B. You're on your own here.

You can fly into Key West from Miami, or get a cheap one-week car rental in Miami and drive. It's a 3-hour drive from Miami to Big Pine Key. The guest trailer is available for customers and non-customers alike, and even complete strangers from wherever, every January - March. We especially love people from wherever. Your quarters promise to be; very clean, very cozy, very quiet, and include; a private stand-alone trailer, a double bed bedroom, AC, a 3/4 bath, linens and towels, an office area, wifi, laundry, 2 bicycles and kind hosts. Sorry, no pets, as we have two dogs.

Consider it an open invite, and please spread the word. One of Americas best beaches, Bahia Honda, is just a few miles away and Key West is just 30 miles away. There is no shortage of things to do. Kayak, bike, snorkel, swim, take in a day of Key West, dive the reef, see live music, shop, sail, sunbathe, go out on a schooner, bird, fish, dine, chill.

Back on Big Pine Key, key deer and iguana wander about openly. Ibis, egret and heron abound. Porpoise and sea turtles are here too. This is the tropics! Or, as close as it gets to the U.S. anyway. In any case, it's the best of both worlds for us, and we're confident that you will love it too.

On another topic: we are bringing our very special Key Lime Pie recipe back with us, as well as some other great menu additions.

Thanks for keeping in touch, and please take time to visit us in Hudson, NY. Upstate's Now town.

2011 FL Keys

2011-01-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

2011 in the FL Keys has started to take shape. It has been a long road from Hudson, NY to Big Pine Key, FL, and equally as much an effort, fighting the fight through the bureaucracy of Monroe County (the Keys), but we have persevered.

We are the only legitimate food concession in the Lower Keys outside of Key West. We have three locations and work four days. And, we have the option of blowing off two days if something better comes along. Our goal is modest. We simply hope to establish ourselves to the local community and tourists alike. And, we want to (hopefully) cover our expenses. And, so far? To our surprise, things are going very well.

We have had to take a departure from our Hudson, NY practice of staying in one place, and instead move around to three different spots a week, but all considered, it's working out. We are finding our own, getting into a groove, and making it happen. That is to say that we have three days for ourselves. And, some weeks, we will even work just three days and take four days off. It's the perfect balance, and "balance" is a key ingredient to our purpose; of why we are here. We want to enjoy life and live in the present. We want to experience the Keys in all of its beauty. We want to succeed both in business and play. We want to cover our expenses. And, we also want to enjoy our boat, go swimming, make it down to Key West, have time with our dogs, get healthy, decorate our modest home, and just enjoy life. Otherwise, we've messed up our mission.

The word on the street is good. We are a "go to" place. But, it still takes a while before Keys folks get to you. So, the RV parks that we cater to make up for the slack. In fact, if we had our druthers, we would gladly become the full time restaurant for the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. Or, at least two days a week. It's such a nice environment, and almost an island unto itself. For now, we will gladly take Thursdays and hope to earn more days as time passes.

So, for a first year, we are happy. We see two sides of a coin, and we see that our efforts have not been wasted. So, for January through April, we are here, doing this. And, come May, we will look forward to a great Summer in Hudson, NY. Really great! So, people of Hudson, get ready. We certainly will be.

We Have A Dream

2010-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, here we are...

... about to embark on another year, 2011, and a new location for Tortillaville too; Big Pine Key, FL. This is us realizing a dream, not THE dream per se, but a dream. It was a many years back, while vacationing in the FL Keys, during the long drive, when my stomach yearned for a fish taco.

The memory of it is still imbedded in my psyche. But, there was no where to find a fish taco. Why??? So, we took our chances and stopped at a US 1 restaurant, only to have a mediocre experience.

Then, several years later in 2009, the year of the great recession, we took a contemplative drive to Rhinebeck, NY. Stopping at a red light, and the intersection of Fear and Hope Boulevards, we came across a shiny new concession trailer for sale. "Fear and Hope, meet Chance." said a voice in my head. “Nice to meet you Chance, I need a favor.” I said. And, so it went.

It took us a month to figure out what we would sell from this shiny fun kitchen on wheels before deciding on tacos and burritos. Then, a new road to navigate; a name, recipes, a location, etc., and alas, Hudson, NY and now Big Pine Key, FL. Who would have thought?

Travelers will no longer have to go hungry with 30 miles left to go to Key West. For we, are the roadside haunt that will rescue them. And, our big beautiful sign, "Fish Tacos", is hopefully a lucky lure to sway them over. Lucky for them too, if they do.

It is wonderful down here in the Keys. And, we equally enjoy our five + months in Hudson, NY.
We are trying to find balance, and to make a living at the same time. I can't say what “THE dream” is just yet, other than it has something to do with; community service, less work, more money, and greater reward.

We have an idea and we hope to make it happen one day. It's a simple concept actually, and one that everyone could use; friendship, conversation, meals, perspective, and experiences together.

For now, it is all about Tortillaville South. The signs are painted, the food is prepped, the vehicles are loaded. And, by noon time new year's day, 1/1/11 to be exact, we will have the entire year ahead of us to attempt to make each day better than the one before it, but to forgive our misses. We wish the same for you.

So, we have a dream, but it is also our hope that the dream of MLK will continue to see the light of day, starting with - stopping all wars. We have another dream. May 2011 be good to you, and you to it.

go gently,
B, A, S & D

Florida Keys

2010-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tortillaville is very happy to announce that on January 1, 2011 or 1/1/11 we are to open our Florida Keys location at Sea Center on Big Pine Key, a.k.a. mm 29.5. Everything is complete and the licenses are issued. After an exhaustive effort to overcome the red tape odds of Monroe County, and become a legitimate business, we can proudly say, “yes we did”, and celebrate. This, being the year of the ones, we can also celebrate that Tortillaville is currently the only existing licensed food trailer in the Lower Keys outside of Key West.

So, the new year will tie Tortillaville, Big Pine Key with our Hudson, NY location as a sister island city of sorts. Hudson people can feel a sense of pride when they make a pilgrimage to Big Pine Key for their long awaited Tortillaville taco or burrito. And, Keys folks can do the same when they visit Hudson, NY during the Summer months. Either way, we’ll be sure to make it special and worthwhile.

We’re excited about the new year, and we only hope that the FL Keys likes us as much as Hudson, NY does. For our home, is where Tortillaville is. And, we love being an important part of the community.

Happy holidays everyone!
Be good, do something different, fight the odds.

Brian and Allison

We've Extended Our Season

2010-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tortillaville has extended its season to November 14 except for the weekend of October 22, 23 when they will be closed to attend weddings. Other news is that "winter stash" frozen burrito orders have topped 100. ORDER YOURS NOW! The Tortilla Villa a.k.a the travel trailer guest suite on Brian and Allison's Big Pine Key property in the FL Keys is available for sun seeking vacationers; $55 for one and $75 for two. Go to www.8palms.net to see photos. Meanwhile, their Catskill home www.49greenestreet.com is for rent Dec - Mar. And, if that weren't enough, Tortillaville is looking to expand, and is seeking licensees for both stand and cafe business opportunities. Gossip has it that they hope to dot the Hudson Valley with several healthy, affordable, delicious fast food cafes. This, all from the little taco stand that could.