Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Weidner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m the owner-operator of Falacos, a 100% vegan, and gluten-free food truck. Falafel on a taco = FALACOS. My husband Ben is the brainchild and inspiration for Falacos, he created the recipes and the name and I used my amazing support system of coaches, mentors, family, and friends to bring Evelyn (the truck) into existence.
It’s been a WILD RIDE these first 2 years, having ZERO restaurant management experience, I’ve been learning everything on the fly and it’s been an adventure!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth? Not at all. LOL… knowing the food industry would have been a big advantage but I didn’t worry about all that – I knew Houston needed more vegan options and I was determined to put Falacos on the scene. In the first year, I’ve learned all about what it means to have a restaurant on wheels. I’ve had mishaps and accidents and big learning lessons. Maintenance and repairs on a food truck are CONSTANT and it’s been a learning experience! Let’s see… things I’ve done… Overfilled water tank, driven away with menu sign still out, driven away and side window pops open, drove off with truck still plugged in and ripped plug out, lost hood vent on top of truck to a low tree limb… oh, and my entire engine had to be replaced 8 months after I opened, which put me down for nearly 5 months… but dammit, I’m not giving up!! This is #foodtrucklife!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Falacos – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We were nominated for the Edible Houston 2017 Local Hero awards (didn’t win but was cool to be nom’d!), I attended the 2017 Food Truck Championship of Texas in Graham TX in June of this year and I also WON Mobile Cuisine’s 2017 Vegan Food Truck of the Year. Sweet, eh??? https://mobile-cuisine.com/contest/falacos-2017-vegan-vegetarian-food-truck-of-the-year/ I also got a total random and impromptu segment on the Michael Berry show – I had NO clue who he was when I called in but we had a great time! LOL… and I can’t tell you how many hardcore meat eaters tried my balls because of it. “Heard you on the Michael Berry show and had to find you!” “Oh wait, you were on the Michael Berry show? Well shit, imma just have to try these then!” https://ktrh.iheart.com/media/play/27555107/ the food truck segment starts at about 40 minutes. I’m at 57 minutes.
Read the full Falacos story here: http://www.falacos.com/about
What makes us special? Loads of things! I make all the falafel and hummus and sauces from scratch with love, using organic ingredients as often as possible. I purchase organic spices, tahini, produce and non-GMO chickpeas. We are also 100% gluten free so for folks with serious gluten allergies or sensitivities, they can eat ANYTHING on the truck without risk of cross-contamination. Also, we fry everything in peanut oil, so it tastes bettah!! Oh, and did I mention? We are ALL ABOUT BALLS. People will try anything when it’s fun, right?? #YouWantTheseBallsInYourMouth Oh yes, you do… and it’s on the t-shirt. LOL
What am I most proud of? The fact that despite all the crazy shit that’s happened since I’ve opened, stuff that may have shut other people down, I have embraced and learned from the experiences every time. I’ve created a business from NOTHING, with zero experience in food management, and I’m still here today, rocking and rolling balls! Hella proud of that!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Plans for the future include ROAD TRIPPIN!! I LOVE traveling and going to cool festivals and it’s our dream to hit the road and travel the country and bring our balls to music and flow festivals. Also, I’m currently looking into mass producing our hummus to sell – cuz we keep getting requests! 🙂
Pricing:
- Falacos are $8 each or 2 for $15
- Combo – choice of Falaco or Amazeballs, side of fries or veggies & hummus and a drink for $13
Contact Info:
- Address: 945 Sgt Ed Holcomb Blvd S, Conroe TX 77304
- Website: falacos.com
- Phone: 936-443-5807
- Email: info@falacos.com
- Instagram: @falacosballs
- Facebook: facebook.com/falacos
- Twitter: @falacosballs
- Other: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/falacos-conroe-71933
Image Credit:
Main Photo: Erica Danger @ericalikescats
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
