Embracing Flexibility: The Lintelmans' Culinary Journey Expands with a New Food Truck
Seth and Elizabeth Lintelman, the owners of the beloved Cup N' Saucer, have embarked on a new chapter in their culinary journey. After nearly a decade of serving breakfast and lunch in their brick-and-mortar restaurant, the Lintelmans have decided to expand their business with the addition of a custom-built food truck, the 'Cup Truck.' This move not only allows them to continue providing their community with their signature dishes but also offers the flexibility they need to prioritize their family's well-being.
Adapting to Family Needs: The Driving Force Behind the Cup Truck
Balancing Business and Family
The decision to open the Cup Truck was largely influenced by the Lintelmans' desire to spend more time with their children, particularly their daughter Parker, who has been dealing with chronic kidney disease. The brick-and-mortar restaurant, while successful, presented challenges in terms of flexibility, making it difficult for the family to step away when needed. The food truck, on the other hand, offers a more adaptable solution, allowing the Lintelmans to continue serving their community while also being able to prioritize their family's needs.
Customizing the Cup Truck
The Lintelmans worked closely with Chameleon Concessions, a Minneapolis-based company, to custom-build the Cup Truck to their exact specifications. The result is a state-of-the-art mobile kitchen that boasts a refrigerator, freezer, deep fat fryers, a six-burner stove, an oven, a sink, two 36-inch griddles, and a 60-inch sandwich prep table. The exterior of the truck is wrapped in vibrant imagery that reflects the Lintelmans' commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their cooking.
Expanding the Cup N' Saucer Brand
While the Cup N' Saucer restaurant will remain open for private events and tasting menus, the addition of the Cup Truck allows the Lintelmans to expand their reach and bring their culinary creations to a wider audience. The menu will be ever-changing, showcasing Seth's innovative and versatile cooking style, with the promise of familiar favorites like smash burgers alongside new and exciting dishes.
Embracing the Food Truck Lifestyle
The Lintelmans are excited to venture into the world of food trucks, recognizing the unique opportunities it presents. They plan to keep the Cup Truck primarily in the local area for the first season, allowing them to become accustomed to the new format and navigate the various permitting and inspection processes required in different cities. However, they are also prepared to take the truck to neighboring communities, such as Jackson, as they continue to explore the possibilities of this new venture.
Engaging the Community
The Cup Truck will not only serve as a mobile extension of the Cup N' Saucer brand but also as a platform for the Lintelmans' eldest daughter, Addison, to contribute to the family business. Addison will be selling cupcakes, with a portion of the proceeds going towards causes that are important to her, fostering a sense of community involvement and social responsibility.
Embracing the Future
As the Lintelmans embark on this new chapter, they remain committed to maintaining the high-quality standards and locally-sourced ingredients that have made the Cup N' Saucer a beloved establishment. The Cup Truck represents an exciting opportunity to continue serving their community while also providing the flexibility they need to prioritize their family's well-being. With a focus on innovation, adaptability, and a deep connection to their roots, the Lintelmans are poised to take their culinary journey to new heights.
