If you’re looking for delectable treats that are locally sourced, fun, and sweet, Junk Food and Friends is the name you need to remember. Meet Katoya Scott, the creative force behind Junk Food and Friends, Detroit’s favorite neighborhood food truck serving ice cream and beloved snacks. She came up with the idea when planning her daughter’s first birthday party in 2017. When she couldn’t find the right entertainment for the occasion, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Her creativity paid off, and Junk Food and Friends began to gain momentum.
Initially, the company focused on creating characters and mascots. However, Katoya noticed a shortage of ice cream trucks. As a result, the company redirected its focus. Funds raised from the mascots went into their first truck, which they still use today. Before setting their current ambitious goals of reaching corporate brands with their products, their primary and ongoing desire was to be Detroit neighborhoods’ go-to ice cream truck.
For the first two years, Junk Food and Friends sold the usual popsicle brands. Katoya, balancing her nine-to-five job, found it challenging to generate new ideas for the truck’s development due to a lack of business knowledge. After much thought, she decided to add a new item to the menu – hot Cheetos with cheese sauce! Recognizing kids’ love for this snack, she figured it would be a fantastic addition, and fantastic it was, making the transition from an ice cream truck to a munchie truck much easier.
Despite her efforts, she realized she needed additional support to fully realize her vision for Junk Food and Friends. Then, in 2019, an opportunity came her way. Through connections with other entrepreneurs and business owners, she discovered ProsperUs Detroit, which turned out to be the solution she was seeking.
Katoya expressed gratitude towards ProsperUs, stating that the organization was a great support to her. She lacked knowledge in financial management, business structuring, and planning, but ProsperUs provided her with the necessary support.
Katoya completed the Entrepreneur Training Program, honing her business skills and securing a loan that transformed her food truck and expanded her offerings. This played a significant role in her business expansion. The Entrepreneur Training program offered by ProsperUs Detroit includes modules on financial management, business structuring, and strategic planning. It aims to empower participants like Katoya with the tools and knowledge to successfully run their businesses.
Today, Junk Food and Friends has grown to the point they don’t just serve their local neighborhoods. They now receive calls from other cities and towns in the region. Among their offerings, their Superman cheesecake is a company favorite. If you have any issues with dairy, try their Italian ices – even the Superman flavor is a hit.
You can contact them by phone at (586) 431-1187, and they will come to your neighborhood. You will know it’s them by the distinct music they play. Follow them on social media to see their weekly schedule of events. Be sure to support local businesses like Junk Food and Friends and consider getting involved with ProsperUs Detroit to make a difference in your community.
