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/