Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh & Zanna Aaron.
Hi Josh & Zanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Josh has been in the food industry for over 25yrs. He was given the opportunity to work in a mom & pop restaurant and worked his way to the top. Throughout that journey, he found a passion for food and coming together/ celebrating around food.
Josh and Zanna would host parties and share Josh’s most recent food creations with family and friends. They are both truly foodies at heart.
Josh knew he wanted to continue to share his love of food, and started “Schawarmin’ Up” in 2022. Zanna is the marketing brains (and humor) behind the business, and Josh is the vision and food genius.
What started out as a couple setting up with equipment, a tent and a dream, has turned into a thriving small business they are both proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is never smooth. But, we made an agreement that when announcing this new endeavor, we are all in. Before even attending our first event, we made sure to have a logo, business cards, uniform and menu. While we may have looked like the “Beverly Hillbillies” pulling up to an event with a truck full of cooking equipment, tables, ice chests and tents, we made it happen. Slowly gaining repeat customers, and word of mouth started to spread.
Our biggest hurdle has been bringing a new flavor profile to our area. Once people give us a try, they are hooked!
The other struggle has been consistency. While we frequently post on all social media platforms, informing people where we are set up and having our fans know where we are each week is a challenge. Both of us work full time jobs and try to keep a consistent set up schedule.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We’re a middle eastern/ Mediterranean food truck that leans more to Lebanese style of cuisine. We are known for our big flavors and lage portions. It’s just the 2 of us so we also pride ourselves in our customer experience. We know our “regulars” and appreciate each person that chooses us.
We are most proud of recently winning “The Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Awards” for best food truck. We’ve only had this trick up and running for about a year. We both pulled money from our 401Ks to get enough for the down payment. When we say we’re all in, we really are.
Josh’s ability to turn an idea into a flavorful dish is inspiring. His eggplant dish was published in an Indian food magazine, and he created it from an idea, without even tasting it first. To understand flavors in that way, is true talent.
What makes you happy?
When it comes to the business, getting people to try something new and coming back for more. Josh gets joy from seeing others enjoy his food.
Our son, Russell (11yrs), is finally realizing ‘dad makes delicious food’, and is starting to venture out in what food he tries.
Food has no limits and no prejudice. It spans across cultures and brings people together. Being a part of that, bringing people together, is incredible.
Pricing:
- $15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schawarminup.square.site/
- Instagram: schawarmin_up
- Facebook: Schawarmin’ Up
- Yelp: Schawarmin’ Up
- Other: schawarminup (Tiktok)
Image Credits
Zanna Aaron
Lori Morgan w/Gulf Ranch Studios LLC
