GNTC graduate realizes dream of operating a food truck

Kayla Crabbe’s education at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has positioned her to open her own food truck business.

Crabbe, a mother of four, received her associate degree in Culinary Arts last month. She lives in Rome and attended classes at the Floyd County Campus in Rome.

“Food is my love language,” Crabbe said. “I’ve always been in the kitchen with my mother and my grandmother. I love cooking and making people happy.”

Crabbe said she prefers to cook but also enjoys baking.

“My favorite cuisine is Cajun because I love the spices and herbs they use,” she said.

In October, she purchased a food truck, which she mostly operates along Redmond Road in Rome; she also caters events and sets up at pop-up shops and festivals, she said. Her top sellers are ribs and soul food.

She plans to have more events in 2025. Her long-term goals are to pay off the food truck, which she financed, and to travel.

“I want to travel with my kids and share our love of food with others,” she said, hence the name of her business, Chef Mommy.

Crabbe selected GNTC because the college is local and she had heard great things about its Culinary Arts program.

“Being at GNTC has opened so many doors of opportunity for me,” she said. “My classes at GNTC taught me to think outside of the box and not to be afraid to be creative.”

Crabbe explained that her instructors prepared her for the paperwork associated with business in the food service industry and also prepared her for challenging situations because students prepare meals in class. Students learn not only how to bake, plan and cook meals, but also the basics of restaurant operations, including how to work during a rush, adapt to being short-handed and overcome other obstacles that can arise.

“Kayla was a fantastic student. In the kitchen she was a natural leader” said Chef Anna Ray, instructor of Culinary Arts at GNTC. “She always wore a smile and came in with a positive attitude.”

“Kayla always pushed to better herself and others around her,” Ray said. “When other students had a rough day in the kitchen, she was quick to lend a helping hand.”

Ray said she predicts Crabbe will be a “successful addition to the culinary field and will be great at wherever the road takes her.”

Crabbe credits the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA) as one reason her dreams did not fall flat and praises the WIOA staff for their continuing support for her.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA) is a federally-funded work training program that assists eligible students to learn new skills for tomorrow’s workforce.

“That’s an amazing program,” she said.

Crabbe reaped another professional development opportunity through GNTC by getting involved in the college’s SkillsUSA chapter, where she serves as an officer, she said.

She competed in the Culinary Arts category at the 2024 SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. Crabbe and Stephanie Follins, who competed in Baking and Pastry Arts, are the first students to represent GNTC in a culinary category at a state SkillsUSA competition.

“I know SkillsUSA builds my professional skills and presents an opportunity to network with like-minded people,” she explained. “I love the energy any time we do an event.”

Crabbe said she plans to compete Feb. 20–22 at the 2025 SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

“Competing in SkillsUSA has motivated me to do better,” Crabbe said. “Next time I plan to take home the gold.”