‘Wild’: Why this couple quit their jobs to pursue food truck dreams

After guests raved over their secret recipe charcoal chicken at a family barbecue, one couple have quit their full-time jobs and committed to their lifelong dream of running a Peruvian food truck. Here’s the heartfelt reason they took the jump.

Toowoomba man Phill Routledge was driving heavy earth machinery in the coal mines, while his partner Melissa Valencia was a housekeeper, but now the driven couple has left their former careers to fully commit to their dream of running a Peruvian-style food truck.

When the pair first started dating almost four years ago, Ms Valencia served her homemade Pollo la Brasa charcoal chicken at a family gathering and it was an instant hit.

Mel Valencia and Phill Routledge are excited to share their love of Peru with their food van business Valicha. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It was like a completely new food adventure that we had never experienced and our guests went wild for it, so we started thinking about turning this into a business,” Mr Routledge said.

“Mel is quite shy and lacks belief in her capabilities, but once her confidence grew, we knew we were cooking with gas.”

Starting out in two 3m gazebos at various Toowoomba markets, Ms Valencia decided it was time to go all in and asked her partner to leave his job in the coal mines just two days before he was due to fly out to a new project in Moranbah.

A selection of options available from the Valicha food van. Picture: Contributed

A selection of options available from the Valicha food van. Picture: Contributed

Just three months ago, the pair purchased a 6m food trailer and have been serving the masses at markets and events including the Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets every Saturday.

Before moving to Australia in 2010, Ms Valencia grew up in Peru and said food was an integral part of her culture.

She said with many families facing issues of crime and poverty in her country, food was a key reason for the community to unite in times of distress.

“My mum taught me everything I know about cooking,” she said.

“Sadly she passed away last year and didn’t get to see us step into the trailer, but I believe she’s up there looking down at me and she’s proud.

“A large part of our drive to be successful was to make my mum proud because she was such a big influence on this business.”

The Valicha menu. Picture: Contributed

In honour of her mum, the couple named the business Valicha – a nickname for Ms Valencia gifted by her late mum and a word which also means ‘festival’ in Peru.

Cooking with traditional Peruvian ingredients including lime, chilli, potato and corn, the menu features Papa Rellena – Peruvian potato croquettes and the famous charcoal chicken, among other options.

The pair said while their transition from partners in life to business as well had resulted in minor clashes, they ultimately worked well together under pressure and were a great team.

Mr Routledge said he admired his partner’s ability to push herself out of her comfort zone and never give up, while Ms Valencia said she treasured his resourcefulness and support.

The pair hope to expand their business further in the future, by opening a Peruvian restaurant and gift shop, equipped with traditional homewares, fashion and tapestries.