Heartbroken in Suburban Chicago: Woman Loses $390 Deposit on No-Show Food Truck for Party

A graduation party in Lake County, Illinois, took a disappointing turn when the food truck the family hired didn’t show up. Kim Koukal shared her experience, wanting others to avoid the same heartbreak.

Kim had arranged for Arnold’s Taco Truck after finding it through a food truck Facebook group. She signed a contract, paid a $390 deposit, and felt excited for the big day. But as the party approached, communication faded. Her last call to confirm went unanswered. "The day came, and I was sick with worry," she recounted.

When CBS News Chicago contacted the food truck owner, he claimed he missed the event due to being hospitalized but promised a refund. However, the station uncovered past complaints about the same vendor dating back to 2022. The Better Business Bureau had also investigated previous no-show incidents involving Arnold’s Taco Truck.

Kim’s daughter, Madison, tried to make the best of a tense situation. "Mom did great despite everything. We still had fun," she said. Friends echoed her sentiments, describing the day as a memorable story, even without the food truck.

Despite the disappointment, Kim’s main goal now is to warn others. "I just don’t want anyone else to lose their money or face this kind of letdown on a special day," she said. Moreover, as of the latest updates, she still hadn’t received her refund.

This situation serves as a reminder to check reviews and ensure vendor reliability when planning events, especially in the current age where convenience can sometimes lead to disappointment. In 2023, about 30% of consumers reported online scams related to event planning, according to recent surveys. This trend highlights the need for vigilance in ensuring such important occasions go smoothly.

For more information on protecting yourself from similar scams, visit the Better Business Bureau’s resource page on avoiding online fraud here.

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Scam Alert, Lake County