Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Franco.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always loved to host and cook for people. In 2013 I was hired as a Food & Beverage Manager at Marriott Vacation Club, where I learned all logistic of catering, cooking, bartending and hospitality in general. Started that little fire in me to do more in the industry.
In 2022 I built a food truck called No Manches! right after Hurricane Ian, feeding affected people around Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Myers. And I quit Marriott to fully pursue the “Food truck life”.
On 2023 I was invited to be part of the new concept in Food truck park at Backyard Social with other 7 trucks.
After being the preferred caterer for grazing tables for Backyard Social, I started The Art of Graze beginning of 2025, a grazing and catering company specializing on Boards, Grazing Tables and Snack Mobile Carts.
Our future plans include: A tapas food truck called La Petite, a food truck/kitchen in a local brewery and plans of a small restaurant in SoFlo.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it hasn’t I heard a lot of “we need a man for this” or “women are too emotional”, but that actually helped me getting stronger and fulfill my dreams!
The start was rough as I put all my money in my dream, went from 9-5p to 24/7, lost friendships along the way but that never stopped my goals and we are still building a path for the future, but it has been all worth it !!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently own a food truck called Not Yo Mamas Tacos at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina in Cape Coral, where we do a lot of fusions and unique dishes.
We are starting a grazing/catering company called The Art of Graze where we do everything grazing, from cups to boards to tables as well as mobile snack carts.
Opening soon a truck Called Le Petite with tapas style and eclectic bites.
I’m known for my unique fusions.
I’m so proud of every single drop of sweat, laughs, and tears I shed that made me stronger. Im proud of the job as a mom of a type 1 diabetic son while trying to build a business.
What sets me apart from others? In my mind and heart I CAN DO IT ALL. No questions, no excuses
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Hiring my business for their catering needs. I also love to collab, with local small businesses and love to support each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theartofgraze
Image Credits
Not Yo Mamas Food Truck ‘The Art of Graze Boards The Art of Graze Mobile Cart
