From Lima to Louisville: A Friend's Fusion Food story

From Home Kitchens to Food Truck Stardom

For Saul Terry and Yolanda Barahona, the love of cooking and sharing their Peruvian heritage with others laid the foundation for what would become Friend's Fusion Food. It all started in their home kitchen, where they prepared meals for their nephews and friends. Word of their culinary talents spread quickly within their church community. A fortuitous conversation with a fellow church member, who owned a food truck, opened the door to a new and exciting opportunity. With faith and determination, Saul and Yolanda decided to take their home-cooked flavors to the streets, marking the beginning of their food truck adventure.

Turning Necessity into Success

Friend's Fusion Food emerged out of necessity and perfect timing. With a passion for sharing their Peruvian roots, Saul and Yolanda introduced Peruvian flavors to the American food scene. While their food truck's name doesn't explicitly mention Peru, it symbolizes their love for blending flavors and cultures. Since October 2021, they've been serving their unique dishes, starting in an Autozone parking lot and gradually expanding to local spots like Ford Company, Norton Hospitals, and universities.

A Unique Blend of Cultures and Flavors

Specializing in Peruvian cuisine with a creative twist, Friend's Fusion Food offers a delightful mix of Peruvian, Mexican, and Texan flavors. Their standout dish, Peruvian Chicken Fried Rice, is a customer favorite, rooted in traditional Chaufa Rice. Other hits include Lomo Saltado, served in its classic form or creatively wrapped in quesadillas and burritos. Seasonal specials like CHICHA MORADA, a refreshing Peruvian drink made from purple corn, add an authentic touch to their menu.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Wins

Running a food truck isn't easy. Saul and Yolanda faced the challenge of introducing their Chicken Fried Rice in a market crowded with Chinese restaurants. Winning over customers who now fondly call the dish “The Princess” has been a sweet victory. Dealing with Kentucky's unpredictable weather has also tested their resilience, especially after coming from Lima's mild climate. But their customer service skills and warm personalities keep patrons coming back, even during long lines and busy days.

A Day in Their Life

Their day starts early, with prep work beginning at 6:00 am to ensure everything is ready for the lunch rush. By 11:00 am, they're set up and serving customers with a smile. After their shift, they clean up and head back to their prep center to get ready for the next day. It's a demanding routine, but their meticulous approach ensures that every dish meets their high standards.

Choosing where to park their truck involves careful planning. Saul and Yolanda focus on busy spots and collaborate with local businesses to serve their employees. They also participate in seasonal events like fair markets and neighborhood gatherings, although the long hours can be exhausting.

Connecting with Customers

Saul and Yolanda engage with their customers both in person and online. Their website and Facebook page are the main ways they communicate, with Saul managing social media between shifts. Balancing cooking with maintaining an online presence is tough, but they strive to keep their customers informed and connected.

Looking Ahead

As they plan for the future, Saul and Yolanda are excited to expand their culinary journey with the opening of FRIEND'S PERUVIAN CULINARY, a restaurant offering a more extensive menu of traditional Peruvian dishes. They're deeply grateful for the support they've received and invite everyone to explore their food truck and upcoming restaurant to experience the rich flavors of Peru.

For more information on Friends Fusion Food and their journey, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

God bless and buen provecho!