We have started getting used to the sight of a virtually empty McDonald’s store in Tecoma, but tonight that fact was greatly amplified when Tecoma locals stood 15 – 20 deep waiting to order from two enterprising food trucks at the other end of the Tecoma strip.
Digging for Fire (BBQ) and Ivs Burritos (Mexican) didn’t attract a crowd by offering free vouchers, they simply offered a product and service that locals are happy to get behind. There was no advertisement in the local paper offering on-site parking, toddler friendly play land, nor did they “beg” for the community to “Come in and meet the team”. Instead this event was promoted via word of mouth. As locals they knew exactly how to tap into community networks and the result was a text-book example of why the store at the other end of the strip slowly dies.
Tonight’s crowd was huge, so much so that both food trucks ran out of food within 90 minutes. Meanwhile the corporation who bullied, sued and disrespected the community that they now ask to “come in and meet the team” wonders why they are virtually empty on what should be the busiest night of the week.
Thanks to the staff of Digging for Fire and Iv’s Burritos, Tecoma hopes to see you again soon. Once again our community supports each other and shows again we are the “little town that roared”