Meet Lexi Novack | Food Truck Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Novack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always had the drive to be an entrepreneur. After working in different areas of the food industry for years, I decided it was time to take the leap. I have a note I wrote to myself years ago that I keep on my mirror in my bathroom that reads: “My goal is to grow and create food for others, because it makes others happy. My goal is to build a sustainable lifestyle for myself and my family.” After culinary school in Denver, I told myself that I would learn all parts of the food industry, from the soil to the plate, so that I could one day meet those goals on that piece of paper. So, I tried just about everything. I traveled to Italy, graduated from a second culinary program at the Barilla Academy. I worked in restaurants and as a private chef. I was a manager. I was a farm hand. I became a home gardener. I started a food blog and did menu development. My experiences so far have taught me to understand and appreciate all parts of the industry. This is why, on my food truck, we are sourcing from local farmers and bakeries, and operating within my community. I wanted to be a part of something bigger, even if it’s just a small food truck. Over the last year, I did so much research and brain storming on how I could put all my crazy ideas and experiences into one. With Covid rocking the food industry, I had to think outside the box. And, I landed on a food truck! I am an entrepreneur, I can make use of my skillset, support farmers and local businesses, create food for others and set some new goals. So, here we are! We’ll be launching the food truck in April 2021. Keep an eye out!

What should our readers know about your business?
Ting’s Things, a Fresh Pasta and Italian Cuisine Food Truck! I’m super excited to be doing what I love, supporting my community and learning so much. Getting here took a lot of trial and error, getting uncomfortable, patience, consistency and hard work. Most importantly, I never settled. I always had goals, and still have more, in mind and figured out what the next right step was to get closer to those goals. What started as a food-I-cook-everyday instagram 7 years ago, has turned into a business! I love that what I do can bring others together, be a part of and support other businesses, and make people happy. I’m all about that and want my business to reflect the same. We are here to have a good time and eat good food!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooh, this is fun. For a great hang out plus good food: Rayback Collective in Boulder, Improper City in Denver, Mountain Cowboy Brewing in Frederick. We love going to Made By Us pop-ups that feature food and local makers (@madebyus_denver). You get to hang out outside and enjoy some rotating food trucks, local creators, and drinks, if you’re into that. Some of my favorite food trucks: Big Trouble Eats for the best Ramen, Chimichurri Bros for the best birria tacos ever, The Arepa Joint, Best One Yet for an Ice Cream Truck everyone can enjoy, and Big Stuff Food. Mile High Pizza Pie sells pizza from his home in Erie and it’s delicious. Find him on instagram. For a great sit down vibe, Blackbelly in Boulder is at the top of my list. Avanti in Boulder (and Denver) is a super fun food hall with incredible restaurants. We love Rye Society, and all of the other restaurants in there. For an adventure, Strawberry Hot Springs, hike St. Mary’s Glacier, photoshoot and/or hike at Chautauqua in Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park for some beautiful hikes. We love a good drive to Nederland or Estes Park for a picnic. Stop at Cured Boulder to get a picnic basket filled with all the best cheese, sandwiches, charcuterie, and more!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely have to shout out my parents first. They have always supported my crazy ideas and taught me from a young age that I am capable of being a strong, independent and successful woman. They mentor me and give me all of the encouragement. As well as the rest of my family. My sister, Dani, helps out with all of my marketing and advertising! My boyfriend, Chris, has been a huge part of this journey. He’s supported and pushed me to go after it. Catch him on the food truck too! Barbara Jaurequi has been a huge support, mentor, and given encouragement to me since I was in high school. Amanda Adare, with Table Mountain Farms in Longmont, has been my friend and mentor over the last couple of years. From teaching me about farming and business, to working together, to supporting one another, to being BFF’s! A huge shoutout to her. Katie Fischer, another incredible mentor and friend of mine. And, an amazing local photographer! She supports me outside of the business and I wouldn’t be here without her! The internet – articles, videos, books, social media – has taught me a lot and put me in contact with so many like-minded people.

Website: tingsthings.co

Instagram: @tingsthings.co

Image Credits
Katie Fischer