Food Truck Series: Roman’s Kitchen
Even on a regular Humboldt rainy day, customers line up to get a bite of Roman’s Kitchen signature burgers or sandwiches. A man with charisma or his sweet wife’s face will pop out the food truck’s window to greet and take your order.
The mobile food industry in Arcata has been increasing, allowing the town to get a taste of delicious and affordable food through food trucks. Andres Mendez is the owner of Roman’s Kitchen, a successful food truck located on I St in Arcata. He was born in Mexico City and has been a resident of Humboldt County for the past 14 years.
The idea of running a food truck emerged from his upbringing in Mexico City where his parents own a local food business. However, his experience at his first job, as a dishwasher at a Denny’s restaurant, was what really motivated him to pursue his own food business.
Mendez saved money little by little to fulfill his dream of having his own business and being his own boss. His ultimate goal was to open a restaurant but instead decided to invest in a food truck.
An essential part of running his business is his wife, who has been very supportive throughout the process of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
“My wife is very hardworking and honest,” Mendez said. “I shared my idea with her about my vision of a food truck business and since then we’ve been working together.”
He is very impressed by the positive reviews he’s received from customers and how successful the food truck has been.
“We try to keep our business simple yet provide good quality and stay consistent with our menu and specials so people can be happy and come back,” Mendez said.
Find Roman’s Kitchen food truck at 681 I St. every day except Sunday. They are open from 10:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
El Lenador will be providing a food truck series, stay tuned for the next one.