A well-established metro Detroit restaurant chain is flipping the script on the traditional food truck narrative. For quite a few years now, the food truck has been celebrated as a cheaper way for young restauranteurs to establish a customer base, to bring their food to the public. Food trucks have also been painted as a nuisance to the traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants that spend the time and money necessary to establish roots in a neighborhood.
The Andiamo Restaurant Group is proving that maybe you can have your cannoli and eat it, too. Last year, the popular chain of Italian restaurants debuted the Andiamo Food Truck, adding the mobile kitchen to its nine restaurants and a pastry shop found around southeastern Michigan. The food truck will return to its stops around metro Detroit again this year.
Fans of Andiamo will be able to order many of their same favorites. Items like the calamari, deep fried cheese ravioli, and steak sandwiches range anywhere from $5 to $11 and are prepared fresh in the truck. Dominic Vicari, Andiamo Director of Operations, says the truck is fully equipped with kitchen equipment that includes pasta cookers, fryers, and a panini press.
"People are very surprised that the food we produce on the Andiamo Food Truck tastes just as it does when they order it in our restaurants," says Vicari. "They are able to order some of their favorite dishes."
In addition to parking the food truck in public places, the restaurant chain is also making it available for hire at private events. A customizable menu is offered for such occasions.
The Andiamo Food Truck can be found at major events and festivals throughout metro Detroit this summer. Email foodtruck@andiamoitalia.com for more booking information.
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