Pivot from food truck to predictable catering

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood are joined by Scott Kaplan of Jerry's Kitchen, a mobile catering service that specializes in feeding large-scale construction projects, including data centers and remote job sites. Scott shares the journey of how Jerry's Kitchen evolved from a traditional food truck to a high-efficiency, mobile catering solution for industries that require food service at scale, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

With a unique focus on feeding construction crews efficiently and at scale, Jerry's Kitchen has become a game-changer for companies looking to keep their workforce nourished and productive. Scott talks about the challenges of feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes and how they use technology to predict and plan their catering operations.

Key Takeaways

• How Scott transitioned from a traditional food truck to providing large-scale, mobile catering solutions
• Why predictability and efficiency are key in delivering high-quality meals for construction workers
• The concept of a "micro niche" and how focusing on the construction industry led to success
• How Jerry’s Kitchen helps boost productivity and morale on construction sites by providing nourishing, timely meals
• The positive side effects of construction projects on local economies and communities

Timestamps

[00:43] - Introduction to Scott Kaplan and Jerry's Kitchen

[02:50] - Scott shares his background and how Jerry's Kitchen started

[04:47] - Transitioning from food truck to catering and the importance of efficiency

[08:51] - Focusing on large construction projects and the data center sector

[11:40] - Feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes: logistics and planning

[15:52] - The importance of predictability in food service and construction

[17:40] - Parallel between food service and construction operations

[19:56] - How Jerry’s Kitchen improves employee culture and community impact

[27:25] - Scott discusses the impact of data centers on local economies and education

[31:17] - Scott's pitch: national presence and custom catering for construction sites

Follow the Guest:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_iamnotachef_/

Follow the Company:

• Website: https://www.jerrys-kitchen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrysfoodtruck/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerrysfoodtruck
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@scottkaplan5721?si=gRpD5dP_J_xTSMhM

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
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