So after following the Twitterverse for new food trucks, I came across Marked5, which fires up “Japanese Style Burgers.” I sent them an email to get the inside flip. The photo above is of Marked5′s general manager, David Ly. Answers were provided by the company’s marketing guy, Wayne Chang.

1) What’s Marked 5 all about? How’d it get started? And what does the name mean? Who is behind it and what’s with the Japanese-ish burgers?

Marked 5 is a gourmet food truck with the mission of creating high quality burger/sandwiches with innovation and care. By focusing on three very important key points, quality, innovation, and convenience, we strive to provide the best experience for all of our patrons.

The name Marked5 actually is a literally description when a person is experiencing our burger, the rice patty imprints all five fingers as the patron making his or her own mark/claim on the burger!

David Ly is the founder of Marked5, who traveled extensively in Asia and decided to come up with this burger concept with a spin on our Asian American heritage and started his own Burger Revolution. In fact, the only Japanese-ish influence is showcased by the Katsu Pork Sandwich, and you will find that all four of our main items are really awesome in their own rights.

2) What’s the most expensive thing on the menu? How did you determine what’s on the menu?

All four main items are priced at $5 each, and we created the menu with the thought of being able to offer something for everyone! In experimenting with the menu, we had three criteria; unique, withstands the test of time, and transcend between all borders. We hired a chef consultant to come up with all our sauce. We didn’t want any store brought sauce. Everything is from scratch. We started with the (Torraku Beef) angus beef which we thought to be the most symbolic of the asian and american. Then we had (torraku) veggie which is a tofu patty mixed with egg, cheese and veggies. We had to do a Katsu pork. Lastly was our Chicken Curry which turns out be one of our best sellers. We do have occasional specials (burgers) ham & egg, Torraku Salmon and Spicy Tuna. Special prices varies.

3) How much of an influence was Kogi or other existing taco trucks? How long did it take you to get from concept to road?

Marked5 is really the only few trucks on the road that is completely original in its food offerings, you will not find any tacos near our truck Its all about the Burger Revolution!!

The pain staking process of developing Marked5 was a six-month journey from concept to road, and we have been officially in business for a little over three months. We are still actively searching for new ways to improve our items, and we will not rest until perfection is achieved; unlike most of the trucks out there we also operate out of a central kitchen to ensure the quality of our food.

4) What is your route and how did you determine it? What did you have to do to convert an existing truck to the Marked5? Did anything surprise you about this process?

Routes were a trial and learn process. It took a long time to figure out which location works. And some locations works sometimes and not others. We are still in the process of figuring that out. If you or anyone else have any suggestions on additional routes, PLEASE email me. We had to do so much to convert the truck. When we first saw the truck, it had no engine (it was just being tune, i didn’t know you had to remove it to do that). We had to add a fryer and fix the compressor. But riding on it, brings a sense of history. We are reminded everyday, of what this truck use to sell and how long it has come to be Marked5. we appreciate and give it a little kiss goodnight every morning before we head home for four hour sleep, then back to the kitchen to prepare for the day.

5) Asahi or Sapporo?

Asahi

Share on Facebook