Linda's Luncheonette at the Friends of Brookside Garden's Orchid Show
We were super happy to be at Brookside Garden's 2015 Orchid Show. It was lovely, though a tiny bit chilly!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
We've rolled out in MoCo! And, get your own LL gear!
April 29, 2013
The Linda's Luncheonette truck has rolled out and started serving in Montgomery County, Maryland. On a day like today - a rainy, cold Monday - I'm so glad to be able to share comfort food with our community!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter so you don't miss a beat! @LLuncheonette.
Check out some fun LL Gear and stop by the Merchandise Page for ordering info:
Monday, March 2, 2015
Linda's TV Debut on WUSA 9
This afternoon, Linda made her TV debut at WUSA9. If you missed the live spot, don’t worry! You can watch the video here.
We had lots of fun making Sloppy Linda Jo’s with Mike Hydeck - who was a great helper in the kitchen! - and joking with Howard Bernstein between sets. The entire staff was so super friendly and amazing. We were shocked at how welcoming and nice everyone was! What an incredible work environment!
Thanks, WUSA9, for making us feel like super stars today! We cant wait to come back and cook up some more yummy comfort food for you all!
http://bcove.me/tp8149kb
Linda's Luncheonette Sponsors Race for the Stripes 5K on November 8, 2014
Linda's Luncheonette Sponsors Race for the Stripes 5K on November 8, 2014
Linda's Luncheonette is proudly sponsoring this year's Race for the Strips 5K, a race to fundraise for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) research. The race's director, Jan Eisner, was diagnosed with NET in 1999, at 37 years old. Since then, she has been battling not only to beat the cancer and the subsequent illnesses associated with cancer treatment, but she has been working to help - and inspire - others. Running is one of her many successes.
Please join us at the Philadelphia Zoo to help raise funds for NET research - and to have a great time! We look forward to seeing you there!
Thanks for all of your support so we are able to give back to the community in meaningful ways!
Linda's Luncheonette is proudly sponsoring this year's Race for the Strips 5K, a race to fundraise for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) research. The race's director, Jan Eisner, was diagnosed with NET in 1999, at 37 years old. Since then, she has been battling not only to beat the cancer and the subsequent illnesses associated with cancer treatment, but she has been working to help - and inspire - others. Running is one of her many successes.
Please join us at the Philadelphia Zoo to help raise funds for NET research - and to have a great time! We look forward to seeing you there!
Thanks for all of your support so we are able to give back to the community in meaningful ways!
Washingtonian Recognizes Linda's Luncheonette as one of the best food trucks in 2014
Washingtonian Recognizes Linda's Luncheonette as one of the best food trucks in 2014!
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Linda Jo Kushner has learned a lot in her first summer on the Montgomery County food truck circuit
New Montgomery Food Truck Having Successful First Summer
Linda Jo Kushner has learned a lot in her first summer on the Montgomery County food truck circuit.
On Friday, her Linda’s Luncheonette truck (Twitter account here) was at the Beco Management building on Edson Lane for the first time. Kushner met the owner of the company a few months ago and he almost immediately asked her to bring the truck by.
“The challenge of starting somewhere new is getting the people educated that we’re here. It helps when a building invites you because typically they’ll advertise for you,” Kushner said. “I’m on my fourth month and it feels like my 15th year. You learn a lot really fast.”
Kushner will occasionally push into Bethesda. She stopped at Wisconsin and Norfolk Avenues last Friday. But drumming up food truck business in Montgomery County is easiest when people know you’re coming.
Her truck does comfort foods. The turkey meatloaf and tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad sliders are both big sellers. The truck also features homemade mac and cheese, sandwich wraps and a GLT — guac, lettuce, turkey and cheese sandwich.
“It’s comfort food, but it’s a little bit healthier,” Kushner said. “It’s not 20 sticks of butter per every item we cook.”
In the fall, she’ll switch in some soup and chili offerings.
Kushner said that so far, the truck has been successful. She’s also happy the truck has been able to join the close-knit network of food trucks that operate in Montgomery. This year, the trucks have started a websiteand established a working relationship with county government, which is putting together a pilot program that will establish ”food-truck friendly” locations.
“People have been really kind to us, both the people who eat from us and the people we work with, the fellow truck owners,” Kushner said. “They’re the nicest group of fellow workers I’ve ever run into.”
How Linda Jo Kushner used Kickstarter.com to secure $20,265 for a food truck
Welcome to episode #3 of the Food Truck Empire (FTE) Podcast. In this FTE exclusive, Linda Jo Kushner of Linda’s Luncheonette shares how she secured a $20,265 investment for a food truck using KickStarter.com.
For those unfamiliar with the website, KickStarter.com is a crowd-sourcing website that allows users to vote with their pocket books on creative projects they feel could be worthwhile or personally connect with. Funding for numerous food trucks have already been raised through KickStarter along with thousands of other eclectic projects from comic to cook books.
If you’re struggling to find cash for your dream food cart, you don’t want to miss this episode. Also, in today’s quick tip I’ll share a resource that will help you launch a successful crowdsourcing campaign.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
- Why KickStarter is such an incredible opportunity for aspiring food cart entrepreneurs
- How Linda Jo Kushner acquired over $20,000 in funding in less than 30 days
- How to generate awareness for a campaign
- Advice for launching your own crowdfunding initiative
Mentions During the Show
Linda’s KickStarter Profile – Take a look at Linda Jo Kushner’s submission to KickStarter. This is the campaign that raised $20,265 for Linda’s truck. You can also watch Linda’s video here as well.
LindasLuncheonette.com – Keep tabs on where Linda’s food truck will be next.
Linda’s Luncheonette Facebook Page – Connect with Linda’s Luncheonette on social media.
Ready For Lunch? 9 Delish Food Trucks To Track Down, Stat
Saving up for a summer vacay, a pair of new statement sandals, or something practical, like a down payment? If so, you're probably getting used to pinching pennies and scarfing down PB&Js at your desk. But your foodie future doesn't have to be so bleak! We've got the go-to list for the DMV's newest and tastiest food trucks, where you can score lunch for a song. So, go ahead — make it a combo meal!
Linda's Luncheonette
A new (and super colorful) arrival to the Montgomery County food-truck scene, Linda's Luncheonette is theplace to go when you're craving comfort food. Sample offerings include mac & cheese and turkey meatloaf, and the sherbet-hued truck is hard to miss. The verdict? It's the next best thing to a home-cooked meal.
Crepe Amour
This Vienna-based operation has just secured a license to operate in Arlington, so you can catch it in NoVa if you happen to miss it in the District or the Maryland 'burbs. Expect a mix of savory and sweet options (yes, that means you can have two), and keep an eye out for specialty crepes like the margherita, made with lemon-herb roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella, plum tomatoes, baby spinach, tomato-basil sauce, and cracked pepper.
Cream Cycle
While it's technically not a truck — it's actually a big tricycle with a mobile freezer attached — Cream Cycle is well worth tracking down on a hot summer day. Chef Carlos Delgado whips up the perfect remedy for a sweet tooth with some pretty intriguing ice cream sandwiches, from jalapeno-chocolate to coconut-lemongrass-basil. Look out for the mobile operation at weekend markets and special events around town.
Sundevich
The mobile extension of Shaw's popular SUNdeVICH sandwich shop, this truck dishes up signature gourmet sammies at a variety of downtown locations. Try the Kingston, a crowd favorite loaded with jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, spicy slaw, and garlic mayo.
Kushi-moto
The Kushi-moto truck has been on the streets since last fall, but if you haven't yet tracked it down, make plans to do so, stat. The roaming iteration of one of our favorite izakayas, the truck serves fresh sushi and rice bowls, making for a healthy alternative to that fast-food lunch you were considering.
Far East Taco Grille
We can speak from experience about the addictive qualities of this truck's fusion fare — one bite, and you'll be craving it for weeks. You can customize your Asian-style tacos by choosing among four proteins and a variety of slaws and sauces. But if you're overwhelmed with options, stick with the recommended combos. Just try not to dream about the spicy pork taco every time you feel hunger pangs.
Go Fish
Serving up fresh, tasty seafood to Marylanders, the Go Fish truck is one of the most unique on-the-go options around. Discover it parked in Bethesda, Rockville, Germantown, or other MoCo towns, and you might dig into anything from a crabcake melt or lobster roll to a big plate of peel-and-eat shrimp. Sounds like the perfect summer meal, right?
Capitol Chicken & Waffles
The DMV's biggest food craze takes to the streets with this new truck, which serves up fluffy waffles and crispy chicken tenders with your choice of maple syrup or hot sauce. It makes stops at special events and popular lunch spots throughout the District, NoVa, and Maryland, so keep an eye out if you get a sudden, quirky craving.
Peruvian Brothers
A new venture from brothers Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone, this mobile operation dispenses tasty Peruvian food — and everything on the menu is under $10. Expect sandwiches of slow-roasted meat served on custom-baked bread, empanadas, quinoa salad, and desserts, too.
Linda's Luncheonette
A new (and super colorful) arrival to the Montgomery County food-truck scene, Linda's Luncheonette is theplace to go when you're craving comfort food. Sample offerings include mac & cheese and turkey meatloaf, and the sherbet-hued truck is hard to miss. The verdict? It's the next best thing to a home-cooked meal.
Crepe Amour
This Vienna-based operation has just secured a license to operate in Arlington, so you can catch it in NoVa if you happen to miss it in the District or the Maryland 'burbs. Expect a mix of savory and sweet options (yes, that means you can have two), and keep an eye out for specialty crepes like the margherita, made with lemon-herb roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella, plum tomatoes, baby spinach, tomato-basil sauce, and cracked pepper.
Cream Cycle
While it's technically not a truck — it's actually a big tricycle with a mobile freezer attached — Cream Cycle is well worth tracking down on a hot summer day. Chef Carlos Delgado whips up the perfect remedy for a sweet tooth with some pretty intriguing ice cream sandwiches, from jalapeno-chocolate to coconut-lemongrass-basil. Look out for the mobile operation at weekend markets and special events around town.
Sundevich
The mobile extension of Shaw's popular SUNdeVICH sandwich shop, this truck dishes up signature gourmet sammies at a variety of downtown locations. Try the Kingston, a crowd favorite loaded with jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, spicy slaw, and garlic mayo.
Kushi-moto
The Kushi-moto truck has been on the streets since last fall, but if you haven't yet tracked it down, make plans to do so, stat. The roaming iteration of one of our favorite izakayas, the truck serves fresh sushi and rice bowls, making for a healthy alternative to that fast-food lunch you were considering.
Far East Taco Grille
We can speak from experience about the addictive qualities of this truck's fusion fare — one bite, and you'll be craving it for weeks. You can customize your Asian-style tacos by choosing among four proteins and a variety of slaws and sauces. But if you're overwhelmed with options, stick with the recommended combos. Just try not to dream about the spicy pork taco every time you feel hunger pangs.
Go Fish
Serving up fresh, tasty seafood to Marylanders, the Go Fish truck is one of the most unique on-the-go options around. Discover it parked in Bethesda, Rockville, Germantown, or other MoCo towns, and you might dig into anything from a crabcake melt or lobster roll to a big plate of peel-and-eat shrimp. Sounds like the perfect summer meal, right?
Capitol Chicken & Waffles
The DMV's biggest food craze takes to the streets with this new truck, which serves up fluffy waffles and crispy chicken tenders with your choice of maple syrup or hot sauce. It makes stops at special events and popular lunch spots throughout the District, NoVa, and Maryland, so keep an eye out if you get a sudden, quirky craving.
Peruvian Brothers
A new venture from brothers Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone, this mobile operation dispenses tasty Peruvian food — and everything on the menu is under $10. Expect sandwiches of slow-roasted meat served on custom-baked bread, empanadas, quinoa salad, and desserts, too.
Bethesda Magazine's Review is in: LL is Delish! and DC Food Truck Regulations Rejected
Bethesda Magazine's Review is in: LL is Delish!
and
DC Food Truck Regulations Rejected
and
DC Food Truck Regulations Rejected
City Council Rejects Controversial Food Truck Regulations
POLITICS— Food trucks in D.C. will live to serve up tacos and lobster rolls another day. The D.C. Councilunanimously rejected the proposed regulations today. "We're ready to work with the District and community to make the needed revisions to the current proposal," said Food Truck Association chairman Doug Povich in a statement. "We hope the Council will be able to consider an improved version of these regulations as soon as possible." [EaterWire]
NEW TRUCKS— Food Truck Fiesta has spotted two new trucks on the street. Neat Meat has launched in Dupont Circle serving up Sloppy Joe sandwiches and chips. Meanwhile, BurGorilla in Farragut Square is serving, unsurprisingly, burgers. [FTF]
REVIEWS— Bethesda Magazine pays a visit to two food trucks. L.A. Taco serves up a sampling of dishes that used to be at the former Tucson Cantina restaurant. That means tacos, quesadillas, queso and the like. "Good but not great," is the verdict from Carole Sugarman. Meanwhile, Linda's Luncheonette is a source for comfort food staples like mac and cheese and meat loaf, which the critic says pair perfectly together. [BM]
Linda's Luncheonette in the Gazette!
Home-cooked meals on wheels
Silver Spring woman starts new food truck business venture
Silver Spring resident Linda Jo Kushner has always loved to cook.
Now in her 50s — after more than 20 years working as an interior designer — she is following her dream and taking her down-home cooking to the streets of Montgomery County.
Linda’s Luncheonette, a brightly colored food truck that travels to different parts of the county every day, serves up a few of Kushner’s favorite recipes.
“We came right back to comfort food because that’s how I cook,” Kushner said, noting that she doesn’t deviate from being herself. “I cook every day what I cook for the family and enjoy it.”
Her daughter, Sara Kushner — a junior studying hospitality management at Ohio State University — has helped out on the truck five to 10 times. She said she is glad her mom has pursued this new venture, though she wasn’t too surprised.
“She’s been saying she is going to make a cookbook for my entire life,” Sara Kushner said. “I know she’s good at cooking because I’ve been eating her food for 20 years now.”
Linda’s Luncheonette serves up a baked five-cheese macaroni and cheese, a turkey meatloaf, a chopped salad certified as diabetic friendly and a trio of egg salad, chicken salad and tuna salad sliders. For dessert: chocolate chunk brownies.
Linda’s Luncheonette took off after 85 backers donated $20,265 between Jan. 9 and Feb. 6 through Kickstarter, an online fundraising website, surpassing her $20,000 goal. Through Kickstarter, Kushner could give gifts based on the amounts donors pledged.
For pledges ranging from $10 to more than $2,500, backers received free lunches, Linda’s Luncheonette window decals, T-shirts, mugs and lunchboxes, a Linda’s Luncheonette office party or a private party.
One gift from the fundraising campaign was an invitation to the Linda’s Luncheonette opening party, which Kushner said was attended by about 70 people. Attendees could tour the truck and try the food before the truck hit the road.
“A lot of people see food trucks, but it’s still new and novel for a lot of people, especially out in the suburbs,” Kushner said.
Kushner said she got her hands on a retired FedEx truck, which she brought to East Coast Custom Coaches in Manassas, Va., to have built up. The truck is equipped with a full gas range oven, prep tables for salads and subs, and a warming area for the food.
So far, Kushner said, she has been requested for neighborhood parties, horse shows and pool functions, in addition to visiting industrial parks and other office spots in the county that lack food options for lunch.
Last week, Kushner was joined on the truck by her sister-in-law, Sheri Rothstein of Potomac.
“It’s a dream of hers. She was just so motivated and excited, and it spilled over in everything she did,” Rothstein said. “I think it’s great. Linda’s Luncheonette is going to be a great success.”
After about a month of business, Kushner said the people pleaser in her is most excited about customers coming back for more. She is ready to make some changes to the menu.
While thinking about starting the new business venture, Kushner said, she took to the streets. She said the food truck community was “warm and welcoming” — people handed her a business card, should she ever need help or advice.
“We all do better if we all help each other,” Kushner said. “... There’s enough to go around for all of us.”
The food truck has allowed Kushner to draw on some of the creativity she channeled as an interior designer. Though there was a “learning curve” in her first couple weeks, Kushner said she has fun at the truck window interacting with patrons.
This business venture is just another chapter in the experience of life beginning again at 50 years old, she said.
“When I started this business, I picked something that I think would be fun and make me happy at the same time,” Kushner said. “That’s important to me: to not lose sight of the basics.”
Linda's Luncheonette is Diabetes-Friendly!
May 2013
Recently, Taking Diabetes to Heart declared Linda's Luncheonette's chopped salad - with a scoop of chicken salad on top - to be diabetes friendly! We couldn't be more pleased! We are proud to serve yummy heart-healthy dishes.
Soft Opening Party
May 4, 2013
To thank some of our donars, we hosted a soft opening party last weekend. It was super successful and we had a great time. We hope everyone enjoyed the food as much as we enjoyed the company! Thank you for all of your continued support!
To thank some of our donars, we hosted a soft opening party last weekend. It was super successful and we had a great time. We hope everyone enjoyed the food as much as we enjoyed the company! Thank you for all of your continued support!
The Linda's Luncheonette Truck has arrived!
The Linda's Luncheonette truck is FINISHED and has arrived in Montgomery County! We cannot WAIT to start serving you all up some yummy, gourmet comfort food! Here are some photos to hold you over until we are officially on the road...
Getting ready to roll out!
Just think of all the events Linda's Luncheonette can cater!
The Linda's Luncheonnette truck is finished - and AMAZING! SO EXCITED!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for helping make this dream a reality!
Linda's Luncheonette will officially be rolling out this spring - thanks to all of our supporters! We are super excited and cannot WAIT to start bringing comfort food to YOU!
Linda's Luncheonette in the Montgomery County Sentinel!
Published on: Thursday, February 21, 2013
By Donna Broadway
Linda Kushner’s home speaks volumes of her past profession. The front door is painted fuchsia, the walls are pastel colors – yellow, green, orange, purple and pink – and the walls are carved to become shelves. Kushner has been an interior designer for more than 30 years. This April, the only things she will be designing are food platters at Linda’s Luncheonette.
Kushner is transitioning from a successful career as an interior designer to become the owner and chef of a food truck called Linda’s Luncheonette. The menu will focus on gourmet comfort foods such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes, five-cheese macaroni and cheese, soups and chocolate chunk brownies.
Linda’s Luncheonette will also offer catering for weddings, showers, barbeques, parties and meetings.
“I’ve been an interior designer for 30 years and that’s all I knew I wanted to do since I was eight and I have done exactly what I said I was going to do. But I started to realize there might be something else that I want to do and if I was going to do it, I need to do it now,” Kushner said. “I have always cooked, and that is a true love and a true passion, as is interior design, and the idea of using my other talents is great.”
Several years ago, Kushner proposed the idea of opening up a food truck to her husband Jeff but after discussion, the Kushners decided it wasn’t the right time.
“I didn’t know anything about food trucks when we first talked about it but now seemed like the right time,” Jeff said. “It seemed to happen a little easier this time. If I didn’t think it was a good idea, I would tell her, but I think it’s a worthy bet.”
With her family’s support, Kushner decided to pursue her dream. Kushner purchased an old FedEx truck and began speaking to other food truck owners about their experiences. Kushner also raised more than $20,000 via a Kickstarter campaign launched this January.
“It’s been very rewarding. Every day for the last six months, I have felt like I have had a productive day. I go to bed tired every night. It has been a lot of confidence building and I enjoy working hard,” Kushner said.
Linda’s Luncheonette is expected to open in April.
Check out the latest on Linda's Luncheonette!
Meet the soon-to-be Linda's Luncheonette Truck!
December 19, 2012
Meet the soon-to-be Linda's Luncheonette food truck! That looks like a delivery truck, you say? That's because - right now - it is! We're working on renovating the truck to roll out Linda's Luncheonette in April 2013. Before we know it, this truck will be a distant memory and it will look something like this:
We are super excited to get on the road and serve you amazing comfort food this spring. Keep checking back for more updates as we work toward getting this baby on the road!
Dont forget, you can help by donating - and receiving awesome gifts in return! - at www.kickstarter.com/lindaluncheonette
Meet the soon-to-be Linda's Luncheonette food truck! That looks like a delivery truck, you say? That's because - right now - it is! We're working on renovating the truck to roll out Linda's Luncheonette in April 2013. Before we know it, this truck will be a distant memory and it will look something like this:
We are super excited to get on the road and serve you amazing comfort food this spring. Keep checking back for more updates as we work toward getting this baby on the road!
Dont forget, you can help by donating - and receiving awesome gifts in return! - at www.kickstarter.com/lindaluncheonette
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