By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Higher gas prices are taking a bite out of the profits of Central Illinois food truck owners.
Tony Williams owns ‘Uncle Tony’s Food For The Soul’ and has served barbecue and soul food on weekends in the Twin Cities for six years.
Williams said he’s never had to change his prices since starting the food truck until now.
“I’m gonna have to post a sign saying ‘Hey, due to the increase in cost of food and now gas also, I have to increase my prices,’” Williams said.
He said he only raised food by one dollar so he can continue to make quality food at reasonable prices, but it’s needed to pay for food and gas to get around to different locations.
“To fill up for gas is about 90 bucks,” Williams said. “ I’m thinking it’s gonna be close to about $200 dollars to fill it up,” he added.
Christie Collier has run the ‘Healthy in a Hurry’ food truck in Bloomington for over 10 years and said filling up her truck has gone from $130 to more than $200.
Collier said the higher gas and food prices left her no choice but to raise the prices on her popular tacos by $3 and limit some of the events she goes around Central Illinois.
“I have not been there before, I don’t know how busy it will be. Is it worth the gas to drive over there,” Collier said.
Williams and Collier both said customers have been understanding and dedicated.
“I’ve gotten so many phone calls, emails, Facebook messages saying hey could you do this, could you do this?” Williams said.
“My regulars and customers have come out in huge support,” Collier added. “Even with the increased prices, they understand.”
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