A new food truck will be cruising the Columbus streets starting in July. Chef Catie Randazzo and Business Manager Shoshanna Gross moved from New York City to Columbus to start Challah!, a Jewish deli sandwich truck. Columbus’ friendly food truck environment and local support from family and friends brought the pair to the area.
Gross and Randazzo had been bouncing ideas around for a theme for a food truck when Gross received a cookbook from the renowned Mile End Deli in NYC as a holiday present. Flipping through the pages, she became inspired and remembered the Jewish comfort food she had grown up eating. Her level of excitement indicated they had finally found their niche.
Randazzo grew up in Columbus and the pair recognized the popularity of food trucks in the area and the gap in the market for both Jewish deli food and cold sandwiches. Eager to be part of the scene, they moved to Columbus only two months ago and support has already been overwhelming.
“Whenever we’re out acquaintances will yell Challah!,” Randazzo says. “People are excited and supportive. It’s been really great to see.”
Challah! is doing their part to support local as well by sourcing most ingredients from local vendors. All of their proteins come from Ohio farms and Columbus-based baker Purple Sage provides all of their breads. They also plan to take advantage of the great local produce available during the summer months.
“We’re focused on not only making wholesome, passionate food, we want to focus on local vendors and minimizing our carbon footprint,” they say.
Chef Randazzo says all the food is made with love, from scratch.
“I was instilled to cook with integrity and be proud of what you do,” she says.
The truck’s from-scratch offerings will include Jewish comfort food favorites such as corned beef, latkes and whitefish with a mondern twist.
Look for Challah! during lunch time around the OSU campus starting in July. For more information visit facebook.com/ChallahFoodTruck.
