ROBBIE Herreich has built the ultimate food truck that he plans to drive around Australia, offering support to areas that have been affected by the likes of fires, floods, storms and other crisis.
The Eurocargo ML 160 was built in conjunction with specialist Brisbane-based bodybuilder, Van Demons Vans. To save potential transport costs from Melbourne, the cab chassis itself was purchased locally at Brisbane IVECO, and the resultant creation is as much visually-stunning as it is functional and fit-for-task.
The Eurocargo’s body sits at 9.2 metres in length and despite the 50s diner theme, was designed to produce a variety of cuisines, according to Mr Herreich.
“We wanted the truck to be able to cater to a wide range of customers, from corporate clientele through to people attending events or festivals,” he said.
The truck is fitted with a range of equipment which allows it to serve café-style food, a range of pasta, baked breads, vegetables and roast meats, through to your more traditional food truck dishes like hamburgers and kebabs.
Other features of the body include a slide-out, step-down bain marie serving area large enough for three staff members, an automated slide-out awning, flat screen televisions and sound system that can provide menu details or alternatively, promote corporate messaging, and a separate shower and toilet.
Along with its custom livery, the truck is equipped with an aluminium bull bar, chrome wheels, roof-mounted aero kit and under vehicle LED strip lighting.
Having spent some 18 years as a professional driver and another 14 years operating a successful charcoal chicken outlet in Cranbourne, south east Melbourne, Mr Herreich was able to combine both chapters of his previous working life in establishing ‘Robbie’s Roadside Diner’.
Robbie said that the last 14 years of working in the takeaway food industry had seen him interact heavily with the general public and allowed him to better connect and empathise with others.
“I’ve done well over the years and have been quite lucky in life, so I thought it was time to give back where I could,” he said.
“The truck is quite self-sufficient, we have generators on board, can carry 1,000 litres of water and we also tow a 5.8 metre freezer and cool room trailer – we could travel to a crisis site when required and be there for several days without needing to replenish.”
