Tortillaville: Seeking Partners

Well, the grill has barely cooled over at Tortillaville, Hudson. It was a scorching Summer season, both literally and business wise. To cap it off, we sold the food truck operation at the last possible date we could have. While we wish those folks only the best for success, and will do everything in our power to assist them, we are already thinking of our immediate future. Due in large part to the fact that we retained the Tortillaville name, brand, domain and recipes, we are thinking of starting anew, but on the other side of the river. We are looking into purchasing real estate where we can operate the brick and mortar Tortillaville. We may also have a small food cart for parties and events as well. We are currently exploring the concept of working partners. In doing so, Allison and I would like to hear from you - two partners, individuals or couples, who are willing to invest $50K each to own 25% of the business (only) not the real estate. This arrangement would allow the business to stay open more days per week, and to have the dollars earned go to the principals, rather than several employees. We would still have employees perhaps, but not as many with partners. The idea is that the partners get a salary while they work, and don't work, but that their full investment should easily be recouped within five years time. If you like the idea of living and working in a lovely community, and at a busy business - but one where the emphasis is to enjoy life, and part time work, knowing that you have other interests, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. If all goes well, we might even open in the Summer of 2014.

Tortillaville Lives:

We had a good run. 5 years, 40K burritos, 25K tacos, over 20K drinks, and a book, www.foodtruck411book.com. So, we have everything to be happy about. And, we are. Truth be told, five years of food truck life is enough. It is one of the hardest jobs that I have ever experienced. But, I would have changed little. On the most part, I am very pleased with our business. I made some mistakes along the way, but such is life; live and learn. I was telling a Yelp sales person who called me just today that with food trucks, customers do not just get good, affordable, food - they are invited into the kitchen - literally. This is not as much a good thing as it is a fact. Can you imagine a typical restaurant kitchen that is slammed with business, lunch time, weekend, "in the weeds" and all, have a customer come into said kitchen for a causal conversation with the chef? How long have you been doing this? Where are you from? Did you go to school for cooking? And, on and on. I mean, it is enjoyable to a point - until the breaking point that is, but that is what working in a successful and busy food truck can be like. It is only disappointing when you are overwhelmed, and said customer walks away thinking, Boy, is that guy uptight and rude. It can be a no win situation at times. Fortunately, that is only a small percentage of the time. The rest of the time is a pretty good experience. I just never expected to be so totally consumed by it all; order food, pick up food, distribute food, store food, prep food, cook food, cut food, freeze food, (all this on your days off). Then, buy ice, buy propane, ferry food, heat up food, cook food, and open for business. Of course, there is; gather garbage, rid garbage, recycle bottles (300 per week), recycle cardboard, and the all important - rest. Because, it's all going to start again after your two day break. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The season is only 5 months and 90 days long. But, if you count the prep days, and you have to, it is really a 120 day season - straight. Then, you get 6 glorious months of unemployment to; enjoy, get in debt, and start your season all over again. If you start mid May like we do, you are not "in the black" until July. But, for whatever reason, it worked out for us. We worked for it, but it worked enough for us where we were able to; keep out of debt, pay insurance and taxes, purchase a mobile home and boat, a couple of kayaks, and live off the business for 5 incredible years. Then, one day, those magic words came flowing in through the back door. In the book, those magic words were, "that was the best burrito I've ever had, thank you." but in this case, after 5 complete seasons, and 7 if you count the two we spent in the FL Keys, the magic words were this; "I think that I would like to buy your food truck." Actually, it was more like, "Are you the owner?" And I'm like, "Maybe, who's asking?" He continues, "My wife has been following your posts, and I think that we would like to buy your food truck." And, I'm like - "please if there is a god up there... ... don't be cruel to me at this point of the season, or life." And, it seems that there is, because they did, (buy the food truck), and we are now unemployed - in a whole new way. For just several thousand dollars more, they could have opted to own the name, brand, business as well. But, they chose not to. They chose to go with a different name, and just keep the cuisine - Mexican. So, this is not the good bye post that I thought I might be writing after all. It is even better. We are still Tortillaville. We still own the name, brand, business, domain, recipes and screen door. We still have wholesale and franchise options. Our book still follows a week-in-the-life of Tortillaville. We have another opportunity to rise again - either as food truck or brick and mortar. And, we get another chance to sell the business (and name) if we want to. Tortillaville lives! We still have a Plan B to fall back on. And, (coming up to Thanksgiving) that is something to be very thankful for. And now, we have five glorious months in the fabulous Florida Keys to enjoy. Thank you customers - sincerely. BTW, just in case you need a gift idea, may I recommend Food Truck 411 (Amazon). Or, perhaps 4 nights for two in the FL Keys (private trailer, private bath, AC, wifi, laundry, bicycles and kayaks), just $400 total is something to treat yourselves to, www.8palms.net. A day of fishing and snorkeling is just another $150.00. Just putting it out there. As we ourselves learned on a recent late Fall day - one never knows. Call 518-291-6048 for reservations.

Food Truck 411 hits stand, (and offers a free taco).

The journey took two years time, and at the end of the road, a new book, Food Truck 411. The book will be available this coming weekend at Tortillaville – where if you purchase one, you get a free taco with it. In a few weeks time, it will be available on Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com. Initially intended as a video script, for a series of You Tube videos to market our food truck, Tortillaville, my idea instead morphed into a book. The script is still in tact, and perhaps one day, it will see the light of computer screens across the globe. But, the book has already surpassed any expectation that I had for it. Getting a positive review was accomplishment enough, for which I am grateful http://rogovoyreport.com/2013/05/26/food-truck-411-brian-branigan-review/. Being invited as a guest with Joe Donahue on WAMC’s Roundtable, (6/28 11:40 AM) is really icing on the cake. WGXC has had us on, and I have been asked to come in as a guest with Philip Grant, (during his morning show) in the near future. Hudson Valley Magazine will be doing a feature story for the July issue, and The Valley Table, for their Fall issue. I have most recently signed with an agent at Random House, who is shopping the book around. Aside from a marketing vehicle, the book was very much inspired as a way to archive this chapter in our lives. We feel very fortunate to have such a robust business, but it is not easy – this I can tell you, and have. The book loosely follows a week-in-the-life of Tortillaville, while sprinkling helpful information throughout. It is book as mentor, and begs the question; Are You Ready To Roll? It hopes to discourage as many people as it encourages, for food truck life is no place for the faint of heart. It is a cook book too, offering over 30 winning artisanal recipes. And, there are over 200 photos peppered throughout the book. The book focuses on food safety, food allergies, and first aid. There are actually many lessons in the book that can apply to any small business, cafe, or restaurant. There is good information on marketing and branding too, all wrapped into a story of a little city and a tiny food truck. It is my ultimate hope that the book will reflect very kindly on Hudson, NY. And, I believe that it will. In fact, there is a chapter titled, Welcome To Hudson, and mention throughout the book about the relationship between food truck and community – and how important that relationship is (to many). Next, the movie; just kidding. But, perhaps one day we will do some videos. I hope to shop the book around, visiting food truck hot spots, trade shows, and do something that I really had little intention – sell lots of books. I have learned much during our now five seasons in Hudson. I have made mistakes, but I have learned from them. I invite anyone to try a day (or even an hour) in the food truck to get a taste of this life. You will surely see what I mean. But, you will learn a lot too; about patience, balance, friendship, and community – things I never imagined come from working in a food truck. It is my hope that you purchase Food Truck 411, if only for the recipes. But, I think that you will find the story to be an interesting read. At least, I hope so. If you can’t make it to the stand, you can visit our website, www.foodtruck411book.com > Buy The Book. It will bring you to a Pay Pal screen. This is not kick starter. We are doing it the old fashion way instead – earning it. Did I forget to mention that it makes the perfect gift? Thank you for your support.

Tortillaville Is Celebrating Five Years (and a book)

How time flies. Tortillaville is celebrating Five Years in Hudson, (and a book) this 2013 season. And, we can't wait! Who would have thought, what started out as a Plan B, is still going strong? And, we are still having fun. Sure, the recipes will be played with, and our menu selection will change, if only a little, but that is what a healthy and happy food truck does. The important thing is – we made it to 5 years! And, if that were not enough, we have a book to help bring in this momentous occasion, Food Truck 411: The Essential Information To Run A Successful Food Truck(Eat Words Publishing). BTW www.foodtruck411book.com is well worth check out. So, we have decided to open five days per week, rather than just weekends.Our official opening day is May 17, 2013 at 11AM. There are parades, events, and weddings to feed. There are the locals too, some of whom are forever memorialized in the book. Food Truck 411 is a book for the budding food truck entrepreneur, but it is a photo book too, a wonderful cook book, and a first hand account of life – inside the box. It is also the first comprehensive food truck book written by a food truck cook. In true teamwork fashion; Brian wrote and photographed the book. And, Allison designed the cover, interior layout, and cook book section. Allison also designed the website and facebook page for the book. Food Truck 411, will be available at the Tortillaville food truck, and on Amazon. This much, we know. Our winter in the Fl Keys has worked wonders yet again. It is the right antidote to be sure. We are rested, tanned, and ready. We are ready to roll as many burritos as it takes to make up for lost wages. As Hudson looks forward to another wonderful Summer, so too do we. We look forward to seeing everyone, working hard, selling books, supporting causes, offering mentorships, and hiring staff. So, get ready people. We're coming back, and at 5 years old, we're looking to have some fun!

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

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 Heading South

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!

Opening Weekend

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!

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

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 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

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

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

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.