Ricky Smith bores easily. Every five to seven years, the comic, philanthropist and social media star finds something new to catch his attention.
“I just go for these career paths, or these obstacles that I have no experience in, no background in but they become passion pieces,” he says.
This time, it’s a food truck.
Launched in April, The R.A.F.T. — or Really Amazing Food Truck — is Smith’s newest project. Smith’s truck offers a Barrio-style, build-your-own menu of grilled cheese and tater tots developed by Mabel’s BBQ chef Michael Symon. Through the end of August, the truck parks every Friday and Saturday near the entrance of The Farm, the new country music bar in the Flats from Chase Rice and Forward Hospitality. Smith also expects to pop up in various locations during the week, including at charity events.
“Since college, I’ve wanted to be a chef, so it’s crazy that it’s all coming together,” he says.
The best part is that everything is free. With a pay-what-you-want concept, donations are encouraged, and for every meal that’s served, Smith will feed a family in need.
Contributions go to Smith’s charity, R.A.K.E., or Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere, which is a Cleveland-based nonprofit known for things like DJing at retirement homes and feeding first-responders during the pandemic. Smith started his charity work when he was just-divorced and nearly homeless, and he used his last $20 to buy pizza for homeless people in Los Angeles. Since that viral moment, his stand-up comedy, charity work and candor on Twitter has earned him a following.
In addition to popping-up at his regular spot, unexpected locations such as nursing homes and charity events, Smith is also sharing his truck with philanthropic partners or small businesses looking for a low-cost food solution for their events.
“I was looking everywhere just to borrow a food truck. Offering money. Nobody’s letting me use their truck. Understandably,” he says. “That’s what the RAFT is all about. You want to do a fundraiser? Cool. Let’s pop up. I got the DJ equipment. Let’s have some fun and raise money for your nonprofit. The truck itself to me is minor. It’s all about the experiences.”
During a weekend romp through Miami (an experience we would’ve loved to be a part of), Smith and Symon created the menu concept.
“He called me the other day just to talk about the Browns. We’re, like, friends now. It’s shocking to me,” says Smith, who Symon first discovered through RAKE. “He loves the food truck idea and wants to help people in Cleveland.”
Smith’s “very sexy grilled cheese” includes the choice of three cheeses, multiple breads and toppings like brisket, onions and spaghetti. Knowing there is no better grilled cheese than the one you make yourself, Smith opted for the choose-your-own adventure model of service.
“Grilled Cheese is very, very personal,” he says.
In typical Ricky fashion, the truck also has a backstory. Struggling to find one, Smith scoured the internet and even trekked with his friends to Michigan, where the 5-foot-5-inch ambulance wasn’t going to work for the 6-foot-2-inch sandwich artist. His family joked that he’d have to serve tiny food.
Finally, he found one in Atlanta, where a family familiar with the work he does with RAKE offered him a truck they’d been reluctant to sell. The only catch was that he promised to continue the legacy of their mother, who had served her community through the truck.
“I have this weird warped sense that no matter what I do in life I'll be successful,” Smith says. “That’s just me.”
We all have hobbies to humor us — few of them reach these heights. Why does Smith approach massive projects with such reckless optimism?
“Because it's fun, man,” he says. “Ultimately, life is short, right? I have a fear of not trying.”
More info:
instagram.com/thereallyamazingfoodtruck, twitter.com/rickonia
