Express Melts & Sandwiches
Feeding The Heroes Who Heal Us
Mobile Food Truck With A Purpose • Hornell, NY
Feeding The Heroes Who Heal Us
Mobile Food Truck With A Purpose • Hornell, NY
Express Melts & Sandwiches (EMS) is our plan for a mobile food service business designed to serve medical and healthcare workers in Hornell, NY. Operating from a converted retired ambulance, we will provide fresh, made-to-order meals in under 5 minutes—faster than sit-down restaurants, better than fast food.
I drove ambulances during COVID-19. I watched healthcare workers grab whatever they could during short breaks because fast options were limited. Here in Hornell, the problem is the same: McDonald's or gas stations. We are the solution.
I know the odds. Most food businesses fail. But I've spent two years studying this industry, costing every recipe, and learning what separates success from failure. This isn't hope—it's calculated preparation.
Every recipe has been costed to the penny. Our average meal COGS of 29% is well below the industry target of 35-40%, giving us cushion for unexpected costs while maintaining competitive pricing.
| Item | Meal Cost | Sell Price | Meal COGS % | Profit/Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E&C Bagel Meal | $2.02 | $9.00 | 22% | $6.98 |
| BEC Bagel Meal | $2.61 | $9.00 | 29% | $6.39 |
| SEC Bagel Meal | $2.50 | $9.00 | 28% | $6.50 |
| Triage Melt Meal | $3.85 | $12.00 | 32% | $8.15 |
| Stat Melt Meal | $3.40 | $12.00 | 29% | $8.60 |
A complete, line-item breakdown of all menu costs is available in our COGS Spreadsheet.
The Market Gap: In Hornell, the only fast options are McDonald's and limited gas station food. Healthcare workers, college students, and working families deserve better, higher-quality, convenient food.
Our primary focus is hospital staff, but the market extends well beyond. With a co-owner managing the gas station across the street, college campuses nearby, and a robust event calendar, we have multiple revenue streams from day one.
A food business is only as strong as its team. Our owners bring a balanced blend of formal culinary training, real-world kitchen experience, and professional retail management.
Michael brings over a decade of hands-on food service experience from both mom-and-pop diners and corporate chains. As an EMS driver during COVID, he lived the problem this business solves. His two years of intensive research and resilience in overcoming personal homelessness twice form the foundation of the company's grit.
Krista provides the team's core operational and people management expertise. Her experience includes serving as a Store Manager for Sweet Frog (KCK) and Yum Frozen Yogurt (Hornell), and as a Shift Lead for Dollar General and Kwik Fill. Her leadership ensures the business will be run efficiently, professionally, and profitably.
As the team's culinary lead, Trevor Grove brings formal training from his BOCES Culinary Arts certification. This expertise ensures menu quality, kitchen discipline, and food cost management will be executed to professional standards from the moment we open.
We are seeking a **$20,000** loan, which represents the minimum viable capital to launch. Every dollar is meticulously budgeted, covering all build-out, equipment, licensing, and operational costs, plus a dedicated contingency fund.
| Category | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Purchase | Sourcing a reliable, pre-2000 7.3L Ford ambulance | $4,000.00 |
| Truck Tax & Registration | NYS sales tax, registration, and title | $620.00 |
| Construction & Conversion | Electrical, plumbing, insulation, FRP, and dumpster rental | $1,850.00 |
| Kitchen Equipment | All sourced equipment for launch | $7,014.50 |
| Permits, Licenses & Insurance | All county/city health permits and initial insurance binding | $1,500.00 |
| Operational Buffer | 6 months of estimated loan payments | $2,460.00 |
| Initial Inventory & Smallwares | Opening food inventory, containers, and kitchen smalls | $1,000.00 |
| Total Hard Costs | $18,444.50 | |
| Working Capital / Contingency | For vehicle repair, build overruns, & cash flow | $1,555.50 |
| Total Loan Request | $20,000.00 |
This lean budget is intentionally de-risked. If needed, a planned switch in equipment and process can free up approximately $500, increasing our contingency to over $2,000. While $20,000 is the minimum for launch, a larger loan would simply increase this contingency, providing an even more robust buffer for a strong start.
| Phase | Timeframe | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Build | Months 1-3 | Secure ambulance, complete conversion, pass health inspection, obtain all permits and licenses |
| Phase 2: Launch | Month 4 | Soft opening, establish 4-day weekly schedule at hospital, gather customer feedback |
| Phase 3: Optimize | Months 5-6 | Refine operations, test weekend events, assess demand for additional operating days |
| Phase 4: Scale | Months 7-12 | Expand to 7 days if demand supports, add regular event schedule, build catering pipeline |
We're building this business to last. Conservative growth, careful cash management, and realistic expectations will get us there.
Yes, this is a business. But it's also deeply personal. I've been homeless twice. I know what it's like to wonder where your next meal is coming from. I know what it's like to rely on the kindness of strangers.
Once we're stable and profitable, our social mission begins: we will provide free meals to first responders, veterans, and neighbors in need. We'll never forget where we came from, and we'll pay it forward.
"It's not about being a hero—it's about feeding them."
The real heroes are the doctors, nurses, EMTs, and firefighters who show up every day. We just want to make sure they're fed right—with fresh, quality food that respects their time and their work.
Express Melts & Sandwiches is more than a food truck—it's a commitment to our community, built on solid numbers, a proven team, and genuine need. We are ready to put in the work. We just need the opportunity.