HEALTHY VEGAN TACO TRUCK SERVING SAN FRANCISCANS

[Guest guest]

Whoever thought a taco truck could solve all the worlds' problems? Well this

isn't a taco truck, but it is close, and it isn't solving all the worlds'

problems, but is addressing key issues on a local level, which can later be

expanded as a model for other businesses.

 

Entrepreneurs can succeed in today's market through hard work, passion and

dedication, especially when the new business is good for the entire community.

Solving real issues in a cost-effective way is crucial for emerging businesses.

 

With persistence and passion, Craig Gold is moving forward on his new business

venture, Sunny Vibrations, LLC, serving delicious, healthy, vegan food to the

residents of San Francisco.

 

They will be educating the public on just how easy and delicious it is to eat

healthy, and help people understand the connection between health and diet.

 

Gold became vegan about 2 years ago and was so amazed by the personal benefits

he was experiencing, that he became inspired to show others a better way.

 

Gold was the type of person who loved to sink his teeth into some BBQ pork or

beef ribs, and now he sinks his teeth into vegan meatless loaf, vegan pizza and

other specialties.

 

Part of his inspiration came from attending a raw food potluck in the Mission

District, where he became excited about the options that were available outside

of meat.

 

On his vegan truck, entrees and snacks will range from spinach artichoke salad

w/herb vinaigrette ($5) to chard wraps with portabella mushroom ($6) to garlic

fried plantains w/toasted almonds ($2). Various beverages include ginger

hibiscus tea (chilled or warm) ($2) to The Gone Banana's Fruit Smoothie

Sensation ($5) to The Think Green High Energy Octane Smoothie ($5).

 

San Francisco seems to have it all, but they have yet to see a bright yellow

solar-powered vegan truck offering not only great food, but also volunteering

opportunities. Sunny Vibrations seems to be gaining popularity, and they haven't

even opened their doors yet.

 

They have a solid business plan that seems to be unlike anything a business has

attempted to do, even in San Francisco.

In a city with such a high cost of living and where the price of everything

seems to be going up, even in the current economy, many San Franciscans will

finally get to eat wholesome, nutritious vegan food without it costing them an

arm and a leg.

 

And others who have never eaten vegan food will get a first time mind-shifting

experience.

 

In fact, this business is so unique that they will be giving away free smoothies

and snacks. Yes, this is correct, Sunny Vibrations will be giving away treats as

part of a pilot volunteer appreciation program.

 

Gold is attempting to work with the Parks Department and has addressed the Park

Commission and met with park GM, Phil Ginsburg. In his proposal, Gold is asking

Parks to work with him to coordinate the efforts of volunteers, which he will

sign up at his cart via their roaming WIFI hotspot.

 

This pilot proposed program will supply Parks Department with an estimated

average of 230 monthly volunteers at Dolores Park. This proposal Gold submitted

to Ginsburg and Mayor Newsom outlined a monetary benefit in volunteer hours to

Parks of $3.6 million over 2 years.

 

Perhaps the most enticing part of this proposal is that it will not cost the

Parks Department anything, only their coordination of Park employees/gardeners

that will lead the volunteers on scheduled dates. With many departments facing

federal and local cuts, Gold hopes Parks will be receptive to his ideas " which

will help alleviate some burden that increased traffic at the parks create in

terms of trash and park use.

 

By giving our residents an opportunity to contribute in a positive way " , Gold

says, " Sunny Vibrations will attract people that are part of the solution, and

not the problem " .

 

Another unique aspect of this business is that Gold is incorporating many of his

personal beliefs around environmental issues. Sunny Vibrations' solar powered

kitchen will be serving food in returnable, reusable biodegradable containers,

where customers will be required to leave a deposit.

 

Gold is learning about solar power incentives and other county programs in

efforts to educate the public on the benefits of going eco, and will distribute

information to the public on some of those programs.

 

Sunny Vibrations has been a work in process for over 1 year and the business can

open as soon as November 2009. Gold has submitted his application with SFPD to

obtain a permit to operate adjacent Dolores Park.

 

Catering to both meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters alike, Sunny will not only

serve food that nourishes the body, but will also be promoting issues around

environmental sustainability and serve as a resource to inspire others to adopt

more earth-friendly business practices, and hands on learning.

 

Gold is attempting to work with his local government and San Francisco

Department of Environment to get the message out and deal with any challenges

that may lie ahead. He has plans to work with Mission High School students to

teach them about gardening and healthy food preparation.

 

In a city that is leading the world in environmental policy and issues related

to healthy foods, a city where there are many vegetarians and vegans, and in a

city where people love to contribute, Gold is confident that his business will

appeal to the many demographics.

 

One of the main reasons that Gold decided to have the volunteer component to his

business is because he knows many San Franciscans are proud of their local parks

and want to get involved on a grassroots level.

 

Gold says " People want to help out, but need to be called into action, and a

person walking their dog at beautiful Dolores Park on a Saturday morning will

probably be open to volunteering, especially if they get a treat. I want to give

people an opportunity that I have been given to learn about gardening, and to

realize the impact that each one of us can have " .

 

Contact Craig Gold at craiger13_2006