Lataoya Jett's Street Food Munchies has caused quite a stir in the heart of town. Located near Hug Your People Park, Zachary Farmer's Market, and City Hall, Street Food Munchies is the first food truck with a permanent location within Zachary City Limits.  Jett is a New Orleans native, and her vision for her food truck was to bring a bit of the flavors of the city to Zachary.

Growing up in NOLA, food has been a part of her life from the beginning. "In New Orleans, the way we show our love is through cooking. If we want to show you that we love you, we make something for you," she explains. She started cooking with her grandma and aunt when she was just a little girl, just stirring sauces and making candy. Soon though, her competitive nature took over and she started having contests with her aunt about who could make the best version of a dish. It wasn't long before Jett was being asked to bring the big meals to family get togethers. 

Opening up a food truck business wasn't easy. There was a lot that had to be done to bring the innovative business model to Zachary. Thankfully, she had the support of the owners of Z Market who were very excited about her idea. The community too was a huge support for her in setting up a permanent spot. 

When I talked with Jett, she had just returned from the 225 Fest in Baton Rouge, a community festival celebrating the greater Baton Rouge area's culture with music, local vendors, and an exclusive selection of food trucks. Among the 500 hopeful applicants, Street Food Munchies was one of the 12 chosen to participate, highlighting its unique offering in a crowded field.

The significance of food trucks in modern communities can't be overstated, and Street Food Munchies stands out for its combination of accessible, high-quality meals and standout customer service. Her menu, featuring popular items like Seafood Flatbread, Seafood Loaded Baked Potato, and Bourbon St. Flatbread, draws crowds. Additionally, the introduction of Street Food Munchies seasoning lets customers take a piece of her culinary expertise home.

 

As Street Food Munchies approaches its one-year anniversary, Jett's roots in New Orleans remain evident. Cooking, for her, has always been more than just preparing food, it's an expression of love and tradition, lessons learned from her grandmother and aunt. This foundation has propelled her from stirring sauces to becoming a local favorite, recognized for her contribution to family gatherings and community events alike.

Street Food Munchies isn't just about the food, it's about the connections it fosters. Jett knows her customers by face and order, a small-town touch in the growing city landscape. Her food truck has become a meeting point for those seeking not just a meal, but a taste of community. People can shop at the Farmer's Market and Lee Street Boutique and then head to Street Food Munchies for lunch. 

We might be nearly to Mississippi up here in Zachary, but thanks to Lataoya Jett, it's easy to get a taste of the Crescent City. Street Food Munchies posts on social media each week to share their hours. Today, they're open from 11-1:30 for lunch and then again from 5-9 for dinner. I know where I'm going tonight!