Conversations with Tanesha and Meshell Newsome

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanesha and Meshell Newsome.  

Hi Tanesha and Meshell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Gravy spoon Inc. was established in 2018 by My mother and I. The gravy spoon Inc. originally was an idea and a business long before we actually brought the truck. We both enjoy cooking and preparing new dishes, and our friends and family enjoy our food as well. Chef Meshell is an established chef graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UCF Rosen college of hospitality and management. My mother has been a chef for over 40 years. My maternal grandfather and grandmother were also chefs so quite naturally Chef T fell in love with cooking, (Chef T) Although I did not attend college for hospitality or culinary, I do have a degree in Business. I am a self-taught chef who believes if the food is cooked properly with flavor and presentation then we can make it work. So, with the passion for cooking and eating good food that we both share we both decided to put our funds together and buy a food truck. We searched for months for a Food truck that was suitable and affordable for us. Nothing was out there and then almost a year went by and finally came across a truck that was practically new but out of budget and still required additional work. After negotiating and going back and forth we walked away as the price was out of our budget. 

A week later the seller called us back insisting she is going to sell the truck to us and said to us ” GOD wants you to have the this truck” we were taken aback when the seller called and asked do she know God and she replied “yes and I am doing what he has told me to do” so we met back up with the seller they came down substantially on the price and we met at the DMV and sealed the deal and the rest is History the GRAVY SPOON INC. was born. The road has not been easy however it has been a road worth traveling. Being business partners with my mother is an added bonus. The gravy spoon Inc. will celebrate our 3rd year anniversary Operating) in July of this year. We went from only serving about 5 people a day to serving 50 or more per day. We are a fully functioning restaurant on wheels accepting uber eats as well. Running a food truck business requires long hours, hard work and dedication, and a passion for cooking. We have shown that we are built for this. WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES US STRENGTH!!!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As mentioned earlier it has not always been smooth sailing however in order to be experienced in something you have to go through the trials. Being business owners was new for the both of us. Learning the ends and out of licensing, inspections, zoning, and just getting the business operating was a challenge in the beginning but we are here, we have learned so much in the industry and admire anyone that’s out here running their business because it’s definitely not for the weak. We have established a great supportive customer base whom we love and appreciate and they help keep our business afloat. Our original location was off Hiawassee and colonial after being there for 8 months found out we were not in a food truck zone so operations were ceased aside from events until February of the following year searching for another location. Zoning was something we had to educate ourselves on for our protection. We met with the owner of the store and now have been at this location off pine hills and old winter garden road for 2 years now. My mother is a chef at her church Macedonia M.B.C of Eatonville and I also work Full time so as of now the Gravy spoon do events as well as operating at the pine hills location on Friday and Saturday evenings for now. We are open 2 days a week but we make it work the anticipation from our customers is established. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Gravy spoon Inc. Is a mother/ Daughter food truck business servicing the Orlando, Pine Hills area as well as other events in the greater Orlando and surrounding areas. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The gravy spoon inc has a great variety of pallet pleasers. Our food is cooked with Love and we are serving up good food with great flavor. We have something for everyone. We have pork chops, chicken, fish, and shrimp just to name a few. Our fish and chicken is a customer favorite and for dessert, our customers Love our banana pudding delight as we make it with a hint of REAl Bananas. Our food is authentic and carefully crafted. Although we are often referred to as a soul food truck, I remind them that we cook food for the soul. 

Suggest a Story: OrlandoVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.