By Sydnee Gonzalez

MURRAY — The 1986 truck doesn't look like much.

There's a crack down the front windshield, one of the rims is broken and the inside is covered in a layer of dust. Its silver exterior peaks out in splotches from underneath the remains of a red vinyl wrap thanks to an attempted DIY removal that was cut short by last year's summer heat.

A few signs of its former life as a Mexican food truck still linger: a partial website URL on the outside, a collection of bumper stickers above the driver's seat and, most obviously, the sinks, flat top grill and stove inside.

But for Erika and Ellie Yagi, the truck represents a dream and the community that's helped launch their dumpling business to this point. The married couple hopes to transform the vehicle into a fully functional food truck by July.

If all goes according to plan, the truck will soon be outfitted with new tires, a slate blue vinyl wrap and some additional kitchen gear. The Yagis hope to bring the vehicle to life with a cartoon version of Ellie Yagi on the main door, a design of dumplings on the back of the truck, the Yagi name spelt out in Japanese on the hood, a pride rainbow that will wrap along the truck and a funky horn.

Starting from scratch

Yagi's Dump Truck launched in 2021 in the Yagis' home kitchen, where Ellie Yagi makes thousands of dumplings by hand. Erika Yagi calls herself the "back of the house" and focuses on the administrative tails and ends of the business.

Although Ellie Yagi always wanted to have her own food spot, a pandemic-forced layoff gave her the push to finally pursue the dream.

"During COVID shutdowns, it just seemed like the right time to take advantage and make some extra cash on the side," Ellie Yagi said.

Starting from scratch

Yagi's Dump Truck launched in 2021 in the Yagis' home kitchen, where Ellie Yagi makes thousands of dumplings by hand. Erika Yagi calls herself the "back of the house" and focuses on the administrative tails and ends of the business.

https://www.ksl.com/article/50652504/from-home-kitchen-to-food-truck-dumpling-business-offers-blend-of-experimental-flavors