Today we’d like to introduce you to Kallin Harrison.
Kallin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well the first important thing you should know about me is that I come from a very large family of 9 boys and a new baby sister, myself being the oldest. Growing up, my family loved taking vacations to the coastal areas of California. Aside from the fun in the sun and playing at the beach, we’d never miss the opportunity to grab one of our favorite local treats. Frozen bananas! They were gourmet, handmade, and delicious.
Yet, coming back to Utah, we were deprived of the ability to eat them because they were nowhere to be found. As a result, an idea was born! And we became inspired and motivated to bring frozen bananas to our home state of Utah. We then began asking ourselves, “Where do we start? And how?” To us, it was a miracle. Sometime earlier while passing through St. George, we noticed this super cool food truck that sold handmade popsicles. Later, I took a shot and sent a message to the owner, asking if they’d be willing to sell. Which, to no surprise, the answer was no. After a few more dead ends, my Mom and I got together to talk about what we should do.
We decided to pray together for guidance in finding our path. Immediately after our prayer, the owner of the popsicle food truck messaged me asking if we’d still be open to purchasing the truck! So the way was shown! And we followed it. But we still had a ways to go! So we got thinking about our brand. Something that would be chill, fresh, and represent our family. So I reached out to my artistic aunt, Megan Liljenquist, and together she helped us design our logos and create the imagery that would represent Bro Bro’s 9. At the same time, I began working on the interior of the truck and taking care of any loose ends.
Then, our bodacious banana truck was born! Our dream was coming true, and Bro Bro’s 9 was ready to go! Brothers proudly serving “Chill Treats for Chill Peeps.” And since then, we’ve been able to bring our treats all across Utah Valley catering for weddings, private events, carnivals, and fairs. Looking to the future, we have plans to expand into the mobile business and will be building a permanent location in Bear Lake, UT!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new business is never easy. Keeping it going can be even harder! However, I’m very grateful for the fact that much of what we’ve done has felt guided by divine providence. I recall one event in particular during our first season that was almost a disaster. We were on our way to sell at the Utah county fair, which would likely be one of our best events of the year.
Then, all of a sudden while driving the truck, our engine completely died while approaching an intersection. I tried to start the truck to no avail and became worried not only because we might miss the event entirely, but while driving there was no power connected to our freezers. This meant that if we stalled like this for too long, we’d also lose our frozen treats because they would begin to melt. I was very concerned, but then, a man named Cory suddenly pulled up in a white van and offered to tow us the rest of the way to the fair! I was astounded and gratefully accepted. After we showed up at the fair, he mentioned that he was a mechanic and asked if he could take a look at our truck! I agreed and to make a long story short, he found the problem and fixed our truck! I was taken aback by his kindness as he wouldn’t accept anything back in return.
He was our good Samaritan, and saved our day! Other challenges such as finding good locations for our truck, and deciding how to best move forward have always been present. But I’m grateful for the many mentors I’ve had along the way, and those who’ve helped us get started. My family is a busy one, so often it is challenging to have all hands on deck in growing Bro Bros! But everyone has been able to contribute in their ways, and we always strive to help each other out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bro Bro’s 9 is a family-run frozen treats food truck and catering company. There are 9 brothers in our family and a new baby sis! Our food truck is as cool as they come! It’s a 1965 international metro van that was once a milk delivery vehicle.
We’re best known for our gourmet frozen bananas, but we serve a variety of frozen treats including, handmade popsicles, Ice cream bars, and frozen fruit kabobs!
All dipped in chocolate with delicious toppings and drizzles. Our unique treats selection and retro food truck help us stand out a lot! We’re Utah’s Original, and only food truck serving frozen bananas and are the perfect dessert caterer for any wedding, party, or private/corporate event.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was an independent kid who loved spending time with my brothers and friends, playing music and sports, and being outside. I most enjoyed basketball and snowboarding. During school, I was hardworking and learned to love business and entrepreneurship through my parents.
I love to travel and be out camping, boating, or fishing. Before starting Bro Bro’s frozen treats, I served as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ for 2 years in Brazil and Washington State, and I am currently attending Brigham Young University as a Marketing Major.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brobros9.com
- Instagram: @brobrosfoodtruck
Image Credits
Todd Jackson
