Episode 74: The Food Truck Scholar w/ Ariel D. Smith

In recent years, the United States has experienced a revolution in the food service industry with the rise of food trucks. The mobile food movement has not only taken over cities across the country, but food trucks are also increasingly becoming a staple in popular culture. Today we interview Ariel D. Smith, The Food Truck Scholar, about her research on the growing food truck movement, especially among Black entrepreneurs. During the interview, we discuss Ariel’s research on the Black food truck movement (20:21), the distinguishing characteristics of Black food entrepreneurs (22:18), and regional differences and cultural fusion in Black food truck cuisine (25:22). We also have a conversation about the rise of food truck culture in Black popular media (27:52), the link between hip hop and the Black food truck movement (33:53), collaboration and competition among Black food entrepreneurs (39:21), and Ariel’s favorite food trucks (49:58).
Other Topics:
00:30 - Catch Up with Ty and Daphne
04:40 - BhD “Oh Lawd” News
14:24 - Introduction of the Topic
15:45 - Learn more about Ariel D. Smith
42:32 - Ariel’s Next Steps
53:58 - Ty and Daphne reflect on the interview
Resources:
Ariel D. Smith Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamariel_smith/
The Food Truck Scholar Website - https://thefoodtruckscholar.com
The Food Truck Scholar Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-food-truck-scholar/id1456602492
The Food Truck Scholar Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefoodtruckscholar/
Cuisine Noir - https://www.cuisinenoirmag.com/black-food-trucks-community-activism/