Bad Rep is Good Rep

KGB Food Truck, aka Kebabs, Grill and Bread, is the new name.
I'm not going to bore you with the long decision process that I went through. In short, most people really liked the KGB name; they thought that on a sunny day I should park it downtown, across the FBI building on East ave. Other friends, who originally expressed reservations about the new name, said that there is no such thing as a bad publicity. So please welcome the brand new KGB Food Truck - it is here to stay.

Food Truck Opening -  June 14 
This summer, I am teaching a study abroad  course in Bolivia, so I will not be back till June 8th. Whether I will be able to raise the necessary money or not, $5000 kickstarter campaign info is coming soon, the truck will be ready by the end of May. If everything goes as planned I am planning to open on Saturday - June 14th, if not then June 21st. Regular weekly schedule depends on the location that we will choose, subject for the next post.

Breadnev and Grillbachev

When people ask about the food truck's name that we chose, I have to explain the meaning behind it. Initially, I was hesitating, but I need to pitch this idea to you, otherwise I will regret. I need your opinion on this. Feel free to post your quick response on the facebook or here on the blog. 

Judy Luna had an excellent point that it is not the name of the food truck that does the marketing, it is the quality of the food, and I get that; but food truck is a huge moving billboard and information displayed as well as clever design attracts more customers. You all know that early in the process of picking a name I've tried to avoid labeling the food truck only to sell kebabs or bread. But I think I have a solution and a new name suggestion: KGB - Kebabs Grill and Bread. 

This name has been the front-runner all along and many of you liked it. I had slight reservations about it, but after talking to  people and doing more research I'm inclined to say that this will be a better choice. Here is why: (1) it is memorable, (2) has that ethnic tie and (3) includes information about food that we offer. By the way, John Engleman's original idea was great and I recognize his originality. But I think, in the end this new name will be a better choice.  

Tom Hapgood, the designer likes the ideas as well, he even suggested this great idea to name menu items with "cold war" era names e.g. Grillbachev, Breadnev, Felafel Castro, AK(abob)47 and etc.  

Keep in mind, by naming it KGB, we are not making a political statement - it is going to be a soviet themed food truck. So, what do you think?  

Color Shine

Black is not a color, but it shines like a jewel.

OK, I have some great news to share.
- Our freshly painted truck rolled out of the body shop yesterday.
- Food Truck retrofitting company gave an estimate to finish it in 4 weeks.
- My friend and talented graphic/web artist, Tom Hapgood, agreed to design the logo for it.

Say My Name

Two Chefs  the new name for our food truck. John Engleman, is the winner of the contest.  

Naming Roundup

Thank you very much!
I didn't expect 1,200 page views on the blog, over 200 comments and likes on the facebook and lot of friends just stopping me in the hallway to tell me how excited they are about the Food Truck.
I'm very thankful that I have friends like you.

I am very divided about naming my Food Truck at this moment, there we so many suggestions.
You should understand that this is an important decision, because customers make decisions based on your name and how you brand yourself.

I've posted a poll on facebook, to see what everyone thinks about each name, become my friend to poll. Here are my top choices: 

Two Chefs (John Engleman) 
Very smart and witty, who could think that John would have an original idea. It is a play of words on my last name "Tuychiev".  I like it, branding it may be little challenging, i.e. no direct name association  to the kind of cuisine it is.

Caravan (Ilkhom Khamidov, Natalya Leahey)
Disclaimer, originally I wanted to name it Caravan. It would be easier to brand it and the name origin is close to kitchen we are planning to do. But I  wasn't sure if this concept will resonate with locals. What comes to an English speakers mind when you say Caravan Food Truck?! I don't know - help.

Pick-a-Pita  (Blanche)
This name may frame us as a food truck that only sells pitas, which we originally wanted to avoid. But hey, if the business model of people picking a pita to fill with kebab meat/salad works and people like it, why not? What do you think?

KGB Truck - Kebab, Grill and Bread (unknown) 
Why not - has that strong Russian connection:)

There were lot of great name suggestions, here are some that stood out:
Plov Through (Matt)
Grandfather's pot (Elena)
Palov (DeDe)
Family Yammy Food Truck (Ibrahim)
Glasnost' (Misha) 
Kabob and Burger (Ahmad-aka)
Sat Truck (unknown) 
Sputnik (unknown) 
The Vine (Anvar-aka)
Жил Был Пёс (unknown)
Владимирский Централ (unknown)
Abdullajon (unknown)

You Are What You Cook

What kind of food are you going to sell: 

- We will be making our own flat and pita breads in house - from scratch. 

- We will use fresh ingredients and during season and source produce locally. 

- Our menu will be simple, but not plain:

• chicken, beef and veggie kebabs wrapped in a flatbread.
• chicken, beef and veggie kebabs in a hot pita bread 
• hummus, salads and rice  
• weekly Uzbek and Russian specials 
• if there is demand, then we will include gluten-free and vegan options

Are you going to serve Uzbek and Russian food?

Yes we will, on a weekly basis.  But did you know that Uzbek cuisine, by origin is a mixture of West and East culinary traditions. Being right on the crossroads of the Silk Road route, for centuries, we have been exposed to some of the best Chinese, Arabic, Persian, Mediterranean and European flavors and techniques.  

Along the culinary journey, which is new to us as well, we will make changes depending on what you prefer and of course sales. We will let the crowd make the decision. 
    
Whether it is Gourmet Middle Eastern Street Food with an Asian Twist, or other way round, it will be tasty, healthy and something that will make you feel good.

Food Truck Name Contest

Please pitch your name idea(s) for a Food Truck name in the "comments" area of this post. 

This is a contest, so the winner will get a free meal and a t-shirt with our food truck logo.
Deadline is April 1,Tuesday.    

- Read the Food Truck Q&A  to get an idea about our food truck concept . 
- Catchy names are great. e.g.Tikka Tikka Taco's - an Indian food truck in St. Louis.
- Keep in mind that by having a Kebab, Taco or Pita in the name may signal to customers that we only do kebabs, taco or pitas, which is not the case.