Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese trucks are a popular food truck concept, with several entrepreneurs launching their own versions. The Grilled Cheese Truck, launched in Los Angeles in 2009, became a successful business, attracting long lines of customers and generating substantial revenues. It was founded by Hollywood chef and entrepreneur Michele Grant and celebrity chef Dave Danhi, and was later sold to TRIG Acquisition at the end of October 2012. The concept has also inspired others to consider starting their own grilled cheese food trucks, with some sharing their plans and progress on social media and Reddit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Grilled Cheese Truck |
| Founder | Dave Danhi |
| Co-founder | Michele Grant |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Specialties | Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Tater Tots, Cheesy Mac and Rib Melt |
| Awards | "10 Best Grilled Cheese Trucks", "Top 10 Sandwiches in LA" |
| Television Appearances | The Price Is Right, Unwrapped, House of Food, Be Our Guest, The Rachael Ray Show, The Joan and Melissa Show, The Cooking Channel, Unique Eats, Food Truck Paradise |
| Social Media Followers | 170,000+ on Twitter and Facebook |
| Revenue | $624,000 to $780,000 annually |
| Net Cash Flow | $112,000 to $156,000 annually |
| Sold To | TRIG Acquisition |
| Sale Price | $1.4 million |
| Owner of Brand | Big Cheese Inc. |
| Planned Grilled Cheese Trucks | Daniel's $1 Grilled Cheese Truck |
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What You'll Learn
The Grilled Cheese Truck in Los Angeles
The Grilled Cheese Truck was launched in Los Angeles in 2009 by Hollywood chef and entrepreneur Michele Grant and celebrity chef Dave Danhi. It quickly became a hit in the Los Angeles Gourmet Food Truck scene, and within six months, Grant and Danhi had expanded their business to include a second truck, increasing their physical reach within the greater Los Angeles area. The Grilled Cheese Truck became a popular destination for tourists visiting Los Angeles, with several couples reportedly meeting while waiting in line to buy food from the truck. The truck has also garnered a significant social media presence, with over 170,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook by its third anniversary.
The Grilled Cheese Truck has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the "10 Best Grilled Cheese Trucks" and offering one of the "Top 10 Sandwiches in LA". Grant, Danhi, and the truck have made several television appearances, showcasing their grilled cheese recipes on shows like "The Price Is Right", "Unwrapped", "House of Food", and "The Rachael Ray Show". The truck has also been featured on The Cooking Channel. Danhi's grilled cheese recipes have been featured in various talk shows, magazines, blogs, and cookbooks, further contributing to its popularity.
The Grilled Cheese Truck offers a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, allowing customers to choose their cheese and bread. Some of their signature combinations include sharp cheddar cheese with southern-style macaroni and cheese, and caramelized onions on French or wheat bread. The truck has generated significant revenues, with weekly gross revenues of $12,000 to $15,000 reported during its early years. The success of The Grilled Cheese Truck in Los Angeles led to its expansion and the development of additional trucks operating under the same brand.
In October 2012, TRIG Acquisition 1, Inc., a Delaware Form 10 company, acquired The Grilled Cheese Truck brand. Subsequently, Big Cheese, Inc., the owner of The Grilled Cheese Truck brand, raised capital through JOBS Act securities regulations on Microventures, successfully closing the first-ever Reg CF equity crowdfunding campaign for a food truck, with 332 investors investing $199,186. While The Grilled Cheese Truck appears to have closed down, as indicated by an Instagram post, its impact on the Los Angeles food scene and the popularity of grilled cheese sandwiches remain significant.
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Dave Danhi, co-owner of The Grilled Cheese Truck
Dave Danhi is the co-founder of The Grilled Cheese Truck, a food truck company that serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Danhi is a Los Angeles-based chef who has been in the restaurant and food business for over 30 years. He is also the owner of California hospitality recruitment firm dd factor, which he bought in 2005.
The Grilled Cheese Truck was launched in Los Angeles in 2009 as a joint venture between Danhi and Michele Grant, a chef and entrepreneur. The idea for the truck came about when Danhi competed in the 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational in Los Angeles and saw the potential for combining grilled cheese with mobile food service. Within six months, the business had expanded to two trucks and was growing its social media presence. By its third anniversary, the truck had over 170,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook worldwide.
Danhi's grilled cheese recipes have been featured on television shows, in magazines, blogs, and cookbooks. The Grilled Cheese Truck has also received numerous accolades, including "Best Food Truck" from various media outlets and review guides. It has been listed as the 3rd most influential 'tweeter' in Los Angeles and is one of the most-followed food trucks on social media globally.
In terms of the menu, The Grilled Cheese Truck offers a range of grilled cheese sandwiches with different types of bread and cheese, as well as add-ons like barbecue pork, macaroni and cheese, bacon, and avocado. There are also sides available, such as tomato soup, macaroni and cheese, and tater tots. Danhi has considered franchising the concept but believes that the climate plays a role in its success, with people less likely to line up in colder locations.
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The $1 grilled cheese truck
Daniel's grilled cheese truck doesn't exist yet, but he is willing to award franchises to those who put in the work. He expects others to try to copy the $1 grilled cheese truck, but believes that the real ones will be identifiable by design and by the calloused hands of the franchise owner. Before being awarded a franchise, one must first complete months of yard work.
While Daniel's $1 grilled cheese truck is not yet a reality, there have been other grilled cheese trucks in the past. The Grilled Cheese Truck, launched in Los Angeles in 2009 by Hollywood chef and entrepreneur Michele Grant and celebrity chef Dave Danhi, was a huge hit in the burgeoning Los Angeles Gourmet Food Truck scene. Within six months, Grant and Danhi had added a second truck and expanded their physical and social media reach. The truck was awarded accolades including "10 Best Grilled Cheese Trucks" and one of the "Top 10 Sandwiches in LA", and Grant, Danhi, and the truck made several television appearances. The Grilled Cheese Truck was acquired by TRIG Acquisition 1, Inc. in 2012 and then by Big Cheese, Inc. in 2016.
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Grilled cheese trucks on Reddit
Grilled cheese trucks are a popular topic on Reddit, with several threads dedicated to the subject. Some users have shared their experiences of starting and running a grilled cheese food truck, while others have offered advice and suggestions for those looking to enter the business.
In one thread, a user seeks advice on naming a grilled cheese food truck, with suggestions including "Cheesed and Confused", "The Grilliam Shakespeare", "Cheesed Off", "License to Grill", and "Grateful Bread". Another user recommends choosing a more generic name, such as "Chowabunga!", to allow for a diverse menu in the future. The same user also suggests including soup on the menu, creating a classic comfort food combination.
Several users have shared their experiences of running a grilled cheese food truck, with varying levels of success. One user from Chicago shares that they worked 80-100 hours a week, making close to $80,000 a year, with a daily turnover target of $1,000. Another user cautions that food trucks are often glamorized, but the reality is dirty, sweaty, and greasy work. They advise that there are many challenges and considerations beyond just the food itself.
A thread in the r/Columbus subreddit discusses a grilled cheese food truck called "Grilled Cheese Gangsters", with some users expressing difficulty in getting in touch with them for event bookings. Other users chime in with recommendations for alternative food trucks in the area.
There are also lighthearted posts about grilled cheese trucks, with one user sharing a story about a friend who showed up at a Phish show with a truck full of bread and cheese, intending to sell grilled cheese sandwiches. Another user reminisces about their first grilled cheese sandwich from a food truck, which they remember fondly years later.
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The Original Grilled Cheese Truck's menu
The Original Grilled Cheese Truck, launched in Los Angeles in 2009, has been a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The brainchild of Hollywood chef and entrepreneur Michele Grant and celebrity chef Dave Danhi, the truck has garnered a lot of attention and praise over the years. The Grilled Cheese Truck has made several television appearances and has been awarded accolades, including "10 Best Grilled Cheese Trucks" and one of the "Top 10 Sandwiches in LA".
The Original Grilled Cheese Truck's signature sandwich, the Cheesy Mac and Rib Melt, has gained nationwide acclaim and has been featured on several TV shows. The menu also includes the classic grilled cheese, tomato soup, and tater tots. The truck offers an ever-changing menu and the option to build your own grilled cheese creation, ensuring that customers keep coming back for more.
The truck's success can be attributed to its delicious offerings and the innovative ideas of its owners. By focusing on social media and expanding their reach within the greater Los Angeles area, the truck quickly gained a large following. Within just three years of opening, The Original Grilled Cheese Truck had amassed over 170,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook worldwide.
The grilled cheese sandwiches are not only a delicious treat but also provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The menu items are simple yet indulgent, combining melted cheese with other classic comfort foods like mac and ribs. The result is a perfect blend of flavours and textures that keep customers craving more.
The Original Grilled Cheese Truck has left a lasting impression on the food truck industry and continues to inspire others to pursue their passion for grilled cheese. Its success has led to numerous copycat trucks and has even inspired people to start their own grilled cheese ventures, aiming to capture the same magic that made The Original Grilled Cheese Truck a phenomenon.
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Frequently asked questions
The Grilled Cheese Truck brand was acquired by TRIG Acquisition 1, Inc., a Delaware Form 10 company, in 2012. It was originally launched in Los Angeles in 2009 by Hollywood chef and entrepreneur Michele Grant and celebrity chef Dave Danhi.
The Grilled Cheese Truck was located in Los Angeles, California.
The Grilled Cheese Truck has received numerous accolades, including "10 Best Grilled Cheese Trucks" and one of the "Top 10 Sandwiches in LA". It has also been featured on various television shows, such as The Price Is Right, Unwrapped, and The Rachael Ray Show.
During its peak, the company operated 10 trucks, generating $3,650,021 in revenue with a net loss of $7,712,208, as disclosed in its last 10-K filing for the period ending December 31, 2014. The truck also successfully raised capital through equity crowdfunding, with 332 investors investing a total of $199,186.
The Grilled Cheese Truck offered a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, including their signature sandwich, the Cheesy Mac and Rib Melt, which was served with tomato soup and tater tots. They also had an ever-changing menu and the option to build your own creation.
