Food truck competition helps feed Brightline riders

Commuters visiting Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station can experience local minority-owned food truck concepts.

In partnership with Miami Dade College (MDC) and the Neighbors & Neighbors Association (NANA), Brightline launched in September a semester-long program that offered minority business owners in underserved communities the opportunity to compete to purchase or lease a food truck, complete with start-up funding.

The 14-week initiative prepared 17 competing participants in how to open and operate a food truck business. Out of those participants, only three chefs were chosen, and they are now stationed with their food trucks at MiamiCentral Station’s parking lot at 600 NW First Ave.

Serving weekly until 4 p.m., the three winners’ culinary concepts include Ty’s Hometown Café & Bistro Food Truck created by Tywanda DuPont. 13 Pirates Eat created by Clarence Davis, and ZOEMANGetItandGo by Nancy Guerrier.

“Brightline is committed to supporting our local communities, like Historic Overtown, through advancement opportunities for entrepreneurs who live and work here,”’ said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline.

Participants were judged by a panel of industry experts who selected the winners based on a business plan detailing the cuisine, menu, marketing strategy and designs for the truck as well as a final culinary demonstration.

Program participants took lessons in food safety and sanitation, business operations, marketing, restaurant service, kitchen skills, and entrepreneurship. They took industry-recognized exams offered through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.

“As part of MDC’s ongoing commitment to serve our community, we are pleased to provide training to residents in underserved areas to become small business owners,” said Shelly Fano, chairperson of the Miami Culinary Institute, part of Miami Dade College. “Along with the great food they will offer, these entrepreneurs also have the potential to bring jobs to their communities.”