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Jacksonville, FL

Expanding operations by purchasing a second food truck to cater larger events and reach new markets.

• Established presence: Earned second place in “Best of Jax” for burgers in its first year.
• Event-driven success: Built the business through local and private event revenue.
• Growing brand recognition: Served the Jacksonville Jaguars and other prominent city figures.
• Community engagement: Consistently positive customer feedback on Google and social media.
• Expansion opportunity: The second food truck will enable catering for large events like music festivals and weddings.

Hard Pressed is raising funds to purchase a second food truck to expand its operations and serve new markets and larger events. Currently based in Jacksonville Beach, the company has built a strong presence by partnering with Ink Factory Brewing and offering their signature smash burgers to the local community. The additional food truck will allow Hard Pressed to cater to large-scale events like music festivals, weddings, and corporate functions, which will help boost brand recognition and reach new customers. This expansion will also enable Hard Pressed to break through the geographic limitations of its current setup, increasing its ability to serve diverse events and customers across a larger area.

The company has already garnered positive attention, including second place in Folio Magazine’s “Best of Jax” for burgers, and it has earned a loyal following through consistent quality and great customer feedback. With a solid foundation built through event revenue and operations, Hard Pressed is now positioned to scale up and elevate the dining experience for its growing customer base. The funds raised will be used to purchase the second food truck, providing the mobility and capacity needed to serve new markets and solidify Hard Pressed’s place as a key player in Jacksonville’s food scene.

Company Info

Hard Pressed is a food truck in Jacksonville known for its signature smash burgers, expanding to serve larger events and new markets with a second truck.

Hard Pressed is a Jacksonville-based food truck specializing in smash burgers, offering a unique twist on the classic American favorite. Founded by Justin Pa’ala and Edward Evans, both of whom have extensive culinary experience, the business started with pop-up events and quickly gained popularity, earning recognition in the local community. Hard Pressed serves flavorful, juicy burgers, with their signature creation featuring a white sauce and jalapeño blend, customizable with cheese. After forming a successful partnership with a local brewery, the food truck has become a key player in Jacksonville’s food scene.

To fuel its continued growth, Hard Pressed plans to purchase a second food truck, allowing the business to expand beyond Jacksonville and serve larger events such as music festivals, weddings, and corporate functions. This expansion will increase their market reach, elevate brand recognition, and provide the flexibility to cater to a wider audience. The goal is to continue building on their success by opening additional locations, including a brick-and-mortar restaurant and micro-concept, while strengthening Hard Pressed’s position as a beloved local food destination.