Local St. Armands Restaurant Owner Launches Food Truck to Fund Rebuilding Efforts

For many longtime residents and business owners around St. Armands Circle, it’s a chance to begin anew. Take Le Colonne, for example. This beloved restaurant has served the community since 1998 but suffered damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

As the rebuilding begins, owner Simone Salustri had a lightbulb moment: why not start a food truck? Thus, Buonissimo Mobile Italian Food Truck was born. “We thought, why not create a pasta truck? It’s like a restaurant on wheels,” Salustri said. His team’s goal is to raise funds to restore their sit-down restaurant.

Switching from a traditional restaurant to a food truck has been a wild ride for Salustri. “I had to buy a truck for the first time. I went from driving a BMW to managing a food truck! Life is full of surprises,” he quipped.

With this new venture, the landscape has shifted. The team went from bustling with 15-20 staff to running the food truck themselves, traveling through Sarasota and Manatee counties. “Every dollar we earn goes toward rebuilding the restaurant,” Salustri said.

So far, the food truck is thriving. It represents more than just a business; it’s a family legacy. “My father worked there too, and he’s now retired at 85,” Salustri added. “He entrusted me with this dream, and I won’t give up. I’m committed to reopening, whatever it takes.”

According to recent data from the National Restaurant Association, food trucks are on the rise globally, with over 35% of consumers reporting they’ve ordered from one in the past year. This trend highlights that food trucks can be a lifeline for restaurants during tough times.

For those wanting to taste delicious Italian flavors on the go, you can check out Buonissimo on their Facebook page.

In tough times, stories like Salustri’s show us the resilience of small businesses. It’s about more than food; it’s about family, tradition, and a community rallying together.

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