Mississippi Monday | LurnyD's Grille

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How did you get started and what was the inspiration to take the small business leap?

Lauren and I opened the food truck in 2012 after we found out that the ordinance had passed to allow food trucks in Jackson, MS. We were at a crossroads in our life at the time with a couple of options. We knew that we wanted to own our own business and 2012 was the year to do it. Lauren has always had a talent and desire to cook. Cooking on the grill is his passion. Creating unique food combination is his gift so we found a builder in Atlanta and went all in. I also have a passion for cooking and EATING good food!

Mississippi plays a huge role in our business. We basically launched the food truck scene in Mississippi, an area that was basically untapped. Jackson, in particular, has embraced us and we see more and more cities allowing the operation of food trucks because of Jackson. Lauren and I founded the Mississippi Food Truck Association (MSFTA) to be a resource for other Mississippi food trucks and the association is growing. No, we're not food truck capitols like Austin, Portland or New York City; but the scene has caught on in places like Tupelo and Oxford, just to name a few and the excitement grows more and more each day.

What are your goals for your brand?

Our goal is to open LurnyD's - The Restaurant. We've been thinking about this for a while now. We just need to find the right location. People love our unique burgers, and I think a restaurant would be very successful.

Lauren has a background in marketing and retail, and I have a business background. I also handle the social media for LurnyD's and the MSFTA, which is a lot of fun.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in my husband, Lauren. I love his ideas for new burgers and the southern twist that he puts on his creations. I love to take these ideas and promote them to our customers. It's a huge boost for me!

Lauren loves to golf but hardly ever finds the time. I love to "veg out" at home with my 2 sweet dogs and watch Netflix!

What are your favorite places to shop and dine?

Lauren and I both love to eat and are self proclaimed foodies. Some of our favorite local restaurants include, The Strawberry Cafe, Mr. Chen's, Sal and Mookies and Babalu. I like to shop at Shayna's Boutique for clothing and accessories, browse Rainbow Co-op, and always grab a green tea from Cups!

Lauren and I both grew up in Mississippi, and our families live here. There is something about the south that keeps you here. The love, support and hospitality of the people, I guess. I moved to the BIG CITY for a brief period but felt Mississippi pulling me back. Life is about family and friendship. There is nowhere else I'd rather be.

How do you think what you are doing is helping to shape your local community as well as the image of Mississippi?

We are definitely helping shape the image of Mississippi. Mississippi is no longer behind the times with food trucks. Google "Southern Food Trucks" and you won't have to look far to find something about Mississippi - we even have our own food truck association! The community has embraced LurnyD's. You can 't go to a major Jackson event without seeing us or another Jackson food truck there. There is a need for great food on wheels, whether it is private catering or parking our colorful truck at a local event. Food trucks are fun, and Mississippi has opened their arms to us and proudly accepted us and we couldn't be happier.

Find out more about LurnyDs here!