Do you have an interesting story idea or news tip to share about a local business? Ideas can be shared with business reporter Grace Nieland at grace.nieland@thmedia.com or 563-588-5647.
Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In addition to this update from Hazel Green, Wis., we will share additional developments in Tuesday’s edition.
HAZEL GREEN, Wis. — A new food truck has hit the streets of southwest Wisconsin with a focus on international offerings.
The Rice is Nice held its soft launch this weekend in Cuba City. The Hazel Green-based food truck serves a variety of international cuisine with a focus on rice bowls and similar dishes.
“I grew up in a bigger city, in Milwaukee, and something that I really miss from back there at home was the opportunity to go to restaurants from cultures all over the world,” said co-owner Tomas Weber. “I really wanted to bring that (opportunity) here.”
Weber, now of Hazel Green, has nearly 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He worked most recently at Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar in Dubuque’s Millwork District until purchasing the food truck earlier this year.
He will run the truck alongside his wife, Sara Weber, who also works as a special education teacher at Southwestern Wisconsin School District.
The menu ranges from Korean barbecue and pork fried rice to pork carnitas and chicken curry, and it also offers a variety of appetizers and desserts. The plan is to rotate the menu a few times a year, Weber said, to keep customers engaged.
“Instead of having a customer go to four different restaurants, I’m trying to bring all four (menus) in one place,” he said. “That’s kind of unique for a food truck, where it’s usually all about finding one thing you’re really good at and making a lot of it.”
Weber’s plan is to bring the truck to a variety of public and private outings ranging from school sporting events to business luncheons and community festivals. The mobile unit is licensed in Wisconsin and Iowa, so it can operate in Dubuque.
Weber said he and his wife are considering the truck’s “soft opening” this fall with plans to really ramp up operations next spring. Looking even further out, the goal is to add event catering and cooking classes.
“I’m excited to see people and share my food with them,” Weber said. “I’ve always felt like I had a gift when it came to cooking, … so this is a way to give a part of myself to the community.”
Regular updates on the truck’s whereabouts, menu and schedule will be posted on The Rice is Nice Facebook page.