“…I think it’s relatively hard to find a food truck that doesn’t have  great food.”

-Gabriella Corya-Pace

Gabriella Corya-Pace has not only worked in a food cart, but has had the luxury of dining at one free of charge since 2006. Her father, Anton Pace, has been the owner of the food cart LeRoy’s BBQ (located in Portland, Oregon) for the past eight years give or take. In fact, both of Gabriella’s parents have worked in the food industry for quite some time; leaving Gabriella with a lifetime of behind-the-scenes knowledge of owning a successful restaurant and food cart.

Q: Tell me about your parents’ jobs.
A: My parents owned a restaurant together for 13 years; and then when they sold it, they each opened their own businesses. My dad has a food cart and does catering, and my mom opened another restaurant.

Q: Have you ever worked for either of your parents?                                                   A: I’ve worked for both of them, but I mostly worked at my moms restaurant. When I worked for my dad it would only be every once in a  while. It was a good job because you learn skills and get work experience that is helpful to have when you’re young.

Q: From your experience, what is the best part about working in a food cart?
A: The best part is probably the atmosphere. When its summer and you get to be outdoors all the time it can be really nice. It’s also usually a lot more relaxed than working in a restaurant. When you work in a restaurant, you are dealing with lots of people at a time. But when you have customers ordering one at a time, its easier to keep track of what’s going on and it’s a far less formal setting.

Q: What kind of food does your dad sell at his cart?
A: His food cart is pretty much all barbecue. My favorite thing on his menu is the pulled pork sandwich. I could live off of that for the rest of my life.

Q: In general, do you enjoy eating at food carts?
A: I love food carts. I really enjoy the atmosphere of them, and all of the choices that you get. I think it’s a really good way to experience food.

Q: Do you have a favorite food cart? If so, which one is it?
A: I’ve got to say, my dad’s is probably my favorite. That being said, the PB&J stand on NW 23rd and Irving [in Portland, OR] makes some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. But to be honest, I think it’s relatively hard to find a food truck that doesn’t have great food.

Q: Would you say your dad is living his dream?
A: I don’t know if I would say he’s living the dream, but he does what he loves and I think he has a fun time doing it. I think he’s pretty happy with it.

Author: Aimee Griswold