The extreme weather experienced across the North Island over the summer has wreaked havoc across the hospitality industry, from supply chain issues to property damage. Food trucks were no exception.
Shani's
Shani's, a food truck known for its famous ribs, steaks and burgers based in Hawke's Bay, experienced severe power outages that resulted in significant stock loss.
"We were unable to power many of our fridges and freezers. Our lost stock and ingredients have become increasingly difficult to replace due to road closures, as well as supply chain and delivery issues," explained owner, Shani Ehlers.
Ehlers' food truck events scheduled during the rest of summer have also been cancelled as the local community focuses its efforts on helping those impacted by the cyclone and floods.
"We consider ourselves lucky as flooding and damage to our property was minimal. Power has also since been restored to our business. We have suffered minimally in comparison to those who have lost all of their worldly possessions, and for many, their lives," added Ehlers.
To help aid their local community, Ehlers will be using one of their food trucks to feed the Civil Defence Force as they assist in cleaning up the Hawke's Bay region.
Indolicious New Zealand
Indolicious, an Indonesian-Kiwi fusion food truck, also experienced power outages. However, their onsite generator was able to continue running all of their fridges and freezers.
However, the food truck's income has taken a severe hit following the cyclone.
"What events and functions we did have were either postponed to March or cancelled. Then, recently all of the events we had booked for March were also cancelled. Currently, we have no events scheduled and no form of income for the business," said owners, Sherly and Jarrod Galbraith.
For the Galbraiths, although they applaud the many food vendors that are offering free food to the community, this creates a challenge for other vendors, whose income is derived from operating their food truck full-time, as they have less opportunities to sell their products.
Catch'ya Cookout
Auckland-based seafood food truck, Catch'ya Cookout, experienced a landslide while catering for a wedding on January 27.
Held at the French Bay Yacht Club in Titirangi, all power was cut during the middle of the wedding's service, making it difficult for owners Luke Gardiner and Mitin Wong to continue serving normally.
"We were lucky that no one was hurt from the accident. As it was so miserable and dark, we tried to help the couple by bringing the food inside so the guests could stay warm and dry," said Gardiner and Wong.
After the duo finished serving, they were informed that there had been a slip outside the venue, resulting in a road closure that prevented vehicles from exiting.
"We were super stressed because we still had another wedding to cater for the next day. We had no choice but to inform the couple that there was a very high chance we were unable to cater for their event. It turns out that the couple's venue had also been flooded on their special day," added the owners.
Gardiner and Wong decided to abandon their vehicles onsite, going home soaked from head to toe after calling a friend to pick them up on the other side of the slip. After some discussion with the owner of the yacht club, they followed his suggestion to tow their food truck across the beach the next day during low tide.
Fortunately, a handful of locals came the next morning to help tow their vehicles and the food truck. With their help, Gardiner and Wong miraculously were able to rescue their cars and the food trailer, making it to the next venue just in time to cater for the second wedding.
"This will be a story we both never forget. It was truly a mixed bag of feelings - we were scared, stressed, but also grateful and thankful for the outcome. We've learnt never to take anything for granted and offer help whenever we can."
