From the Road to the Water
By Kristi Antley
Mobile food outlets have revolutionized the traditional American takeout experience. As an emerging amenity, these eclectic eats promote community while providing the convenience and satisfaction of fine cuisine or everyday comfort food—on the go. So, the next time you are hankering for a full, heavy meal or a light, delicate treat, track down these amazing portable kitchens through your favorite social media outlets.
Alsies Ice Cream
Melissa Schramm and her husband, Justin, are United States Air Force veterans who discovered the pleasure of running a food truck and serving others together. “We were looking for our next chapter and came across the Alsies franchise. We really connected with the founders, and the rest is history,” Melissa remarks. Their tech-enabled, mobile-first platform has been a huge benefit for local customers and businesses, instantly upgrading any celebratory experience with premium, novelty ice cream products.
Of course, ice cream is a favorite American tradition for any activity, and Alsies never fails to deliver, especially for intimate, private occasions such as birthday parties, customer and employee appreciation events, conferences, anniversaries, weddings, etc. “Our gourmet ice cream sandwiches are our best-selling product—they are decadent and delicious,” says Melissa, whose personal favorite is banana pudding.
Family is always first with the Schramms, and that warmth extends to their business practices, procedures, and protocol. “Our youngest son came down just to help with our grand opening; our
oldest son and daughter-in-law have helped work events, stock inventory, office work, etc.,” Melissa explains. “Even our five-year-old grandson, Taylor, loves working the ice cream truck with us. It is
truly a family affair.”
When asked about the most daunting obstacles in this industry, Melissa shares, “Inventory is our biggest challenge, since we travel to acquire everything we carry. Obtaining business licenses in
each respective town has been a struggle, but getting the brand to be well known has been the most difficult. Being a new business is always tough, but once people know who we are and what we bring, they love us.”
Regardless of where you are in the Midlands, the Schramms will be there at some time in the near future, and they cannot wait to see how consumers react to their upcoming launch of “ice-cream-on-
demand” deliveries, as well as several new new flavors!
Mama’s Taste of the World
Peter and Edna “Mama” Hanti began their mobile food service in 2016 from the glistening shores of Florida, securing multiple festivals and events as they worked their way up and down the coast, while building an eclectic, mouth-watering, global menu of delicacies. Now Lexington-based, this food truck has created quite the buzz in South Carolina, being best known for phenomenal lobster rolls—Mama’s Style!
To operate a successful food truck that will stand the test of time, Peter says, “You need to do your due diligence, cover all the bases, and remember not to lose focus when things get slow.” Although mobile food service providers are at the mercy of the weather, they do have a slight advantage in planning
techniques. Scheduling stops in preferred locations with familiar and predictable temperature patterns, as well as prime tourist destinations, annual holiday gatherings, and music festivals, ensure the venture will be lucrative and worth the effort.
Ten years of experience, surviving the pandemic as a business, maintaining impeccable records and continuous training have resulted in insider knowledge, professional skills, amazing food combinations, and a solid love for Mama’s Taste of the World customers. Whether you are craving Mediterranean classics, traditional entrees, or Chinese cuisine, there is something for everyone on Peter and Edna’s truck, including conch fritters, cheesesteak, burgers, lobster Rangoon drowned in grilled cheese, and dishes with interesting signature twists, such as Connecticut, Maine, and Mama’s Styles.
SunDogs of Lake Murray
Not all food trucks roll the same way. In fact, some even float on the water, as is the case with SunDogs of Lake Murray, LLC. As co-owners of this unique food outlet, longtime local residents, Tom and Langley Shealy, have been manning this restaurant’s helm since 2020, after the original owner, Steve Jones, passed the torch to them.
“Designed with the look and feel of a classic street-side stand mounted right onto a boat deck, it carries a bit of Americana out onto the water,” explains Langley. “Onboard, you’ll find chili hot dogs served hot off the grill, coolers stocked with Coca-Cola products, freezers filled with ice cream, and one local favorite that draws a loyal following: ‘bawled’ peanuts.”
“The menu is simple, but that’s part of the charm,” continues Langley. “SunDogs isn’t trying to be a full-service restaurant—it’s meeting boaters exactly where they are, offering the perfect mix of convenience, nostalgia, and summertime flavor.”
Beginning in early spring, this cuisine craft typically makes its rounds on holidays, Saturdays, Sundays, and some Fridays throughout Lake Murray, hitting hot spots like Goat, Bomb, Spence, and Bundrick Islands, where people are known to gather. Their upcoming schedule is regularly posted on social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram, so the community can follow their route plans.
“In many ways, SunDogs represents something timeless—a simple pleasure, shared in a beautiful place, with people who genuinely care about their community,” Langley adds. “It’s a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t found in elaborate plans or formal settings, but in spontaneous moments:
a hot dog on the water, an ice cream in the sun, and the laughter that follows.”
Whether sunning on the lake, enjoying a concert, or visiting the farmers’ market, open-air events are the perfect occasion for gathering with the community around the food truck caravan— or boat. Take a chance by trying something different, and you might just find a new favorite food, but more importantly, you’ll have a great excuse to stay outdoors a little longer with your local neighbors and friends.
Alsies Gourmet Ice Cream
www.facebook.com/ColumbiaAlsies
www.instagram.com/Alsies_Columbia
803-200-2089
Mama’s Taste of the World
www.facebook.com/MamasTastesOfTheWorld
www.instagram.com/MamasTasteOfTheWorldOfSoFlo
954-681-5131
SunDogs of Lake Murray
www.facebook.com/SunDogsBoat
www.instagram.com/SunDogsOfLakeMurray
803-261-8585 or 843-478-7373
