Last week we visited The Roving Lunchbox – a Boston Food Truck specializing in hand pies.

We decided to sit down with Melissa Lynch, owner of The Roving Lunchbox, and ask her a few questions about Food trucker life!

1. Tell us a bit about The Roving Lunchbox – what are you guys all about?

We have a great time coming up with new and interesting flavors to stuff into crust.  I rarely go out to eat these days without saying “how would this taste as a pie.” I’m a little obsessed.

 2. What inspired you to open a food truck?

I came from the software industry before starting my business and was acutely aware of the daily lunch dilemma of most offices.  I was always searching for something new and delicious.

So when I struck out on my own, I initially had visions of selling packaged lunches from the back of my SUV.  Once I started investigating I quickly found out that approach was not going to cut it from a regulations and safety standpoint, but a mobile food business was always in the background.  Luckily just over a year later, we achieved what I call our “roving destiny.”

3. What is your favorite street location and why?

City Hall Plaza is one of my favorites.  There is so much going on and great energy.

Being a transplant to Boston, I’m still excited by everyday life co-existing with so much history.  While it is true there’s is a lot of construction right now with the Government Center T Station upgrades, the food truck site overlooks both Fanueil Hall and out onto City Plaza.  There are lots of folks sitting out at the tables and Adirondack chairs in the sun, enjoying their lunch and time away from work.  It’s so much fun to get to be part of all the action.

4. What’s your most popular menu item?

Our Cornish Pasty is always a big seller and the pie our company was founded on, but the Roasted Pork Cuban and our new Jamaican Jerk Beef fight weekly for most popular.

The Salted Caramel Apple is our most popular sweet pie.  Because its name is part of our truck graphic, people even ask for it when it’s not on the menu.  Luckily it’s back for the Fall, so you can get it now!

5. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve faced as a new food truck?

Getting our name out there.  Our first day on the road was June 1st so we missed the start of the Food Truck “season” in Boston.

We’re working hard to get our name out there and make sure people know what we’re all about.  Thanks to great blogs like yours, an article in our local paper and lots and lots of great customer word of mouth, we’re getting a reputation for good and unique food.  We also plan to be on the road all winter so by next April we’ll be in full swing.

6. Do you have any advice you would offer other aspiring food trucks?

Know yourself and your business before buying your truck.  Food trucks are cool and fun but a LOT of work.

Great advice Melissa! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us and share your experience!