The Only Food Truck in Town is Using Social Distancing

MEET ALOHA TACOS FOOD TRUCK

Aloha Tacos & More is a family-run food truck serving a fusion of Hawaiian and Mexican food. Greenfield, OH has less than 20 restaurants in a town of 30,000 people and it's the only registered food truck. Restaurant closings, mandated by the state, have pushed Aloha Taco forward as one of the few eateries in town allowed to stay open.

Local, state and national guidelines for food service and gatherings differ from city to city. Greenfield is between Cincinnati and Columbus. Aloha Taco serves the surrounding communities of Hillsboro, Washington Court House, and Chillicothe.

When serving multiple communities, it's necessary and smart to implement regulations from the strictest location. Check with local officials and CDC Coronavirus Updates which include a link to interim rules set out by the President.

KEEPING CUSTOMERS & STAFF SAFE

“Outside the food truck, we are minimizing close contact between customers and our staff. To create social distancing in front of the truck, we place orange cones a minimum 10 feet apart. When an order is ready, orders are placed one-at-a-time on a table for pick up. The separate pick-up table for ready orders also helps keep congestion from new orders at the window to a minimum,” explains Heidi.

“While in line, we also offer hand sanitizer and Wet Wipes to customers as they order. Credit card purchases are handled by the customer, and I wipe the machine after each transaction.”

“After every service, we strip our trailer down and sanitize from floor to ceiling. The fridge and every piece of equipment is cleaned daily. Our food trailer looks brand new at every service,” says Heidi.

BIGGER ROLE FOR FOOD TRUCKS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The family has been creative and practical about how to keep the food truck window open. Of course, big city food trucks may have different rules and laws per state. But Heidi wants the public and the lawmakers to have a broader view about the role food trucks could play in serving essential workers during lock down situations.

“Food trucks will serve a very important role going forward. Serving our healthcare and military is important as they are the front line of this pandemic.”

Aloha Taco is also looking into serving at large truck stops in the area. “Truck drivers moving across the state making deliveries aren't allowed to pull through or walk up to drive-thru windows. Dine in areas are closed now, so our nation’s truck drivers have no option but to ask strangers to help them buy food while on the road.”

Heidi has been busy figuring out how to make the food truck work for the community and for the family. At the same time, she's juggling grandkids who need homeschooling.

“For us, we are very concerned about staying healthy and not bringing this home to our household. We want to be together during these uncertain times. We have 9 grandchildren and 7 of them are with us since schools are closed. We love doing this business together as an 'Ohana. We're just getting started!”

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