Meet Justin Ingold

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Ingold.

Justin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m from an Italian family that cooked for every occasion – primary influences in the kitchen were my grandmother (Jeannie) & Uncle “V.” Early exposure to the kitchen led to a desire to work in a restaurant. At age 13, I began washing dishes & bussing tables at a small family-owned Italian restaurant (Judice’s Magnifico Kitchen) owned by a good friend’s parents in Covington, Louisiana. For the next eight years, I’d learn the fundamentals of customer service, the craft of cooking, and all the preparation that goes into providing consistent quality. Judice’s restaurant featured classic Italian, Asian, Creole & Cajun influenced dishes, Louisiana seafood, breakfast, lunch & dinner. I got exposure to a lot of things which provided me the foundation to cook almost anything. I took a hiatus from the kitchen after my college years as I took on a career in construction, working in sales and management for the world’s largest equipment company, United Rentals. Doing project management work for UR, I traveled all over the country. It became a hobby tracking down the best bargain eats in town. It didn’t matter where I went – Austin, Atlanta, Portland… some of the best food I found was being served off of a truck. I took on some project work in Denver, fell in love with the entrepreneurial spirit I found here, the vibe, the sunshine, the mountains, so I packed my bags and left the only place I’d ever really “known” for 33 years. Burnt out & unfulfilled, I left a lucrative management job and decided to start my own business – transportation company. In my search for vehicles, I kept running across trucks advertised as possible food trucks – old Freightliner step vans. I bought one & the journey began!

Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not.

The person who I purchased the truck from made multiple promises/commitments that weren’t honored; crushed our first three months, delayed licensing, permits, scheduling – a true domino effect.

More challenges learning the “laws of the land,” building relationships, finding profitable revenue opportunities, developing our niche (Cajun & Creole), all the varying factors to success – weather, location, clientele; all while sharing kitchen space with 30+ other food truckers.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Crescent City Connection – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a New Orleans style Creole & Cajun mobile restaurant & catering company. We aim to provide our guests with the same Southern Hospitality we’ve been nurtured by most of our lives, all while creating dining experiences that build lasting connections no matter the locale. We specialize in serving Louisiana-sources seafood, New Orleans classics, and rotational specials to keep a fresh, but consistent menu offering. We’re known for what most New Orleanians are- partying! Catering for events of any size, small or large – Crawfish boils, Cochon de Lait (pig roasts), fish fries, tailgate parties these are the specialties that set us apart, aside from the way we treat ALL of our supporters & guests.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Bests – Sunshine, inclusivity, small business support, the platform provided by the environment

Leasts – Access to large bodies of water. 🙁

Pricing:

• Food truck menu items $4-$15
• Custom catering packages from $10pp
• Affordable special events offering

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CCCeats.com
• Phone: 720-282-9611
• Instagram: @CrescentCityFoodTruck
• Facebook: @CrescentCityFoodTruck
• Twitter: @CCCeats

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.