How a Husband and Wife Team Opened a Thriving Food Truck in Under a Year

Restaurant Engine Podcast, Episode #1

We’ve revamped and relaunched our Restaurant Engine Podcast!  This is the first of many interviews we’ll be doing with restaurant owners to hear the stories of how they started and grew their restaurant business.

Be sure to subscribe to the show in iTunes by clicking here.

In This Episode…

We spoke with Steve Perlstein and Jennifer Block, who started Simmer Milwaukee food truck a year ago. You’ll hear all about:

• Why Steve and Jennifer turned to Kickstarter to fund their food truck


• How local press and community engagement started their business with a loyal fanbase


• Why Steve left a successful career in journalism to pursue his dream of being a chef


• How they manage their food truck while planning their brick-and-mortar restaurant

We also learn why Steve and wife Jennifer made their decision to start with a food truck instead of a traditional restaurant. The pair expand on their menu strategies, specialty bakery items, a focus on sourcing ingredients locally and the process of delegating management so they can continue to expand their business.

Specializing in freshly-made soups and paninis with a daily selection of both vegan and gluten-free options, Simmer offers something unique for everyone – and it’s paying off. In addition to Simmer Truck, Simmer Catering is a major part of the business also – from weddings to street block parties, office lunches to charity dinners, Simmer makes the most of its’ mobility!

In fact, things are moving quickly – this November they will be opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Simmer Café, while keeping their food truck business going strong. We had a lot of fun talking with this creative team and know they’re only just getting started! Tune in to the podcast to hear all about Simmer’s rise to success!

Find Simmer on the web at:

www.simmermilwaukee.com