Momma’z Boyz: A dream turns into creating ‘food with passion’

Credit: Dayton.com

Listening to their mothers has paid off for the duo behind Mommaz’ Boyz food trailer.

Josh Chavez and Matt Black dreamed of starting their own business, bought a trailer and created “a menu that blends a love of family cooking with a twist on classic food truck fare.”

Matt Black (left) and Josh Chavez are the owners of Momma's Boyz, a Dayton food trailer. LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: Lisa Powell

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Credit: Lisa Powell

This week we feature Mommas’z Boyz in our food truck spotlight to help the community get to know the stories behind some of Dayton’s most beloved food trucks.

Name: Momma'z Boyz

When did business begin?

Momma'z Boyz joined the food truck scene in March 2019

What is your signature dish and why is it special?

We do not have a specific specialty dish. Every dish that we serve is created with the flavor profile in mind. Not one dish that we have is just a regular random dish. Each one is meticulously put together to ensure flavor explosion.

Josh Chavez and Matt Black are the owners of Momma'z Boyz, a Dayton food truck. LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: Lisa Powell

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Credit: Lisa Powell

Who are the owners?

The masterminds behind Momma'z Boyz are Josh Chavez and Matt Black. Each have worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years. Josh has worked in every facet of the food service business, while Matt is a professional cook who graduated from culinary school in 2001. Josh and Matt met in 2007 while working together and discovered they both dreamed of owning their own business. They made the dream a reality in November of 2018 by purchasing a food trailer.

What is the inspiration behind the name?

Why Momma'z Boyz? Josh was raised in a multi-cultural family that loved to cook daily, and Matt grew up helping his mother cook in the kitchen. This inspired a menu that blends a love of family cooking with a twist on classic food truck fare and unique items ranging from sweet or savory crepes to elote egg rolls.

What’s the make and model of your vehicle?

It’s a big blue 2003 RC trailer. The make and model really doesn’t make any difference. It’s all about what’s on the inside that counts.

Best thing about operating a food truck?

The best part about operating a food truck is we can ensure that every single person we come in contact with has a huge smile on their face and is craving to come back not only for our food but for our service.

The Momma'z Boyz food trailer makes PHAT Street Tacoz, a combination of corn tortillas, slaw mix, shredded cheddar cheese, onions and a protein that rotates daily. It is finished with avacado cream sauce. It can also be made with veggies. LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: Lisa Powell

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Credit: Lisa Powell

Hardest thing about operating a food truck?

The hardest part of operating a food truck is the uncertainty of this business. It’s ever-evolving, and if you’re not willing to adapt you get left behind. This world is all about being willing to adapt to every change that comes your way no matter if it’s something that you want or something that you don’t want. You have to smile and do it with pride.

Food truck or personal motto?

Our motto is "Food With Passion"

Do you have gluten free/vegetarian/vegan options?

We have gluten-free and vegetarian options and can customize dishes.

Matt Black and Josh Chavez are the owners of Mamma'z Boyz, a Dayton food truck. LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: Lisa Powell

icon to expand image

Credit: Lisa Powell

What is the best way people can find you/contact you?

Go to our Facebook page at Momma’z Boyz or our website, mommazboyzft.com.

Can organizations or neighborhoods hire you? What are the details and the cost?

We are always willing to try out just about any event once and see how it goes. Some events we charge a minimum and some we do not it depends on the popularity of the event and how much promoting the event organizer is going to do. Feel free to reach out to chat about the details.

Other dishes on your menu

Nachos and tacos are among the Mamma’z Boyz “Phat Boy Specials” but they also make sweet and savory crepes including The Elvis, made with peanut butter, banana and honey and The Ole Hammy, made with pan-seared ham, cheddar cheese, fried eggs and lime cream sauce.

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