ICYMI: Port Jefferson Man Developing LI Food Truck-Finding App

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — A Port Jefferson man is working on an app with eyes on connecting Long Island's food truck vendors with hungry residents. Evan Tousey, 31, founder of What The Truk, said his creation is in early beta testing.

The app will feature two versions: one for vendors and another for customers. It will display a map based on one's GPS coordinates and search for food trucks partnered with What The Truk in the area. Vendors will push a button to broadcast their location, and they can also use the app to update their menus. The information will be available in real time to clients who could then place orders through the app. Tousey said the screen is "very simple" to follow. He's aiming for the app to be fully launched within the next three to four months.

"I know that [the coronavirus outbreak] has been not easy, especially for customers right now, with limited dining options," Tousey told Patch. "We're hoping our app will be helpful for individuals in finding food trucks and really building that community between the food truck and the customer."

Tousey, who worked in New York City before the pandemic hit, said he got the idea for What The Truk when he'd run outside his office in search of a coffee cart. He's seen a coffee cart on a certain corner at one point only for it to have moved when he'd want a cup or snack.

"I started to speak to other people in my office who had the same problem as me," he said. "They would want to get a quick cup of coffee or quick bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in-between meetings or on their way to the office in the morning, but didn't necessarily have time to wait on line. Other than calling the cart owner directly, there were no options to view the menu or place an order. That was kind of the inspiration for What The Truk."

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