In Japanese, the word genki means “joyful,” which accurately describes Cameron Burr, owner of the Genki Asian Street Food truck.
Burr was called to serve an LDS mission in Nagoya, Japan, in 2005. When he returned in 2007, he decided to combine his love of Asian culture with his passion for food. After receiving a degree in culinary arts from Utah Valley University, Burr opened his food truck.
“A food truck is the lowest risk in the restaurant industry, but the idea can develop and eventually grow into a restaurant,” Burr said. He mentioned that he would like to open a restaurant based on his food truck some time in the future.
Tonkatsu, a breaded pork dish, is Burr’s personal favorite dish sold at the truck because it originated in Nagoya. Burr added that ramen is another favorite because “it’s filling, cheap and healthy.” Japanese ramen includes eggs, meat and vegetables and is nothing like the Top Ramen found in the United States.
When asked about his name choice for the truck, Burr explained, “Genki means joyful, happy or good health; that’s what my food is, and that’s how I feel.”
Customers of Burr’s products feel happy after eating his food. Amy Graves, resident of Heber City, said she enjoys the Genki truck because the food is always fresh. “It’s never a hit or miss with his (Burr’s) truck like it is with some others. It’s always consistently good,” Graves said.
Burr’s employee Colin Parker, who also studied culinary arts in school, said working on a food truck is different than the experience of being an employee at a typical restaurant. “It’s fun to travel around, and there’s not as many people, so communication is definitely better and easier on the truck than in a regular kitchen,” Parker said.
The Genki Asian Street Food truck is set apart by its open design. “People can watch us make their food. I don’t have anything to hide,” Burr said. Another aspect that differs from other trucks is that all food preparation is done on site, on the truck, rather than beforehand in a separate kitchen.
Burr imports several ingredients from Japan and is committed to the quality of his food and the satisfaction of his customers. “We look to customers for comments so we can grow and improve, but I’ve been spoiled because my customers give positive feedback,” Burr said.
Burr mentioned that any constructive criticism he receives is taken seriously and applied to his business to ensure all his customers have the best experience possible.
The future hopefully holds expansion for the Genki Asian Street Food truck. Burr said he hopes to add additional menu items in the fall, including sushi.
Visit genkifoodtruck.com to learn more about Genki Asian Street Food.
