In an inspiring entrepreneurial move, two CSUB students have opened a new food truck serving delicious soul food in downtown Bakersfield.
Meet the Brothers Behind Bentley Bowl
Brothers Bentley Waller, 19, and Kadar Waller, 23, are the driving force behind Bentley Bowl, the latest addition to the local food scene. This vibrant food truck offers soul food staples like macaroni and cheese, yams, and Kadar’s personal favourite: the must-try chicken seasoned with sweet heat.
“It’s got to be the chicken; you can’t miss with it!” Kadar exclaimed, highlighting their signature dish.
From Basketball to Business
Both brothers are student-athletes on the CSUB basketball team. They’ve taken lessons learned on the court and applied them to their entrepreneurial journey.
“You can’t win on the court without a team, and the same goes for this business,” Kadar explained. “Creating a strong team is essential for success.”
The Inspiration Behind the Truck
The idea for the food truck emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by Bentley’s passion for cooking. Partnering with his brother has made the experience even more fulfilling.
“We’re bonding and having a great time doing what we love,” Bentley shared.
Early Reviews
The brothers’ dedication is already paying off, with customers raving about their food. Mikhala Armstrong, a local journalist, sampled the chicken and gave it her seal of approval:
“Chicken… I like it!”
High schooler Carson Lovio was equally impressed, rating the food a “definite 10 out of 10.” He found inspiration in the brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit, saying:
“If we’re interested in something, we can see what they do and go out and do it ourselves.”
A Vision for the Future
Bentley and Kadar aren’t stopping with just a food truck; they envision their brand evolving into a major franchise.
“Anything is possible, especially with the right strategy and team behind us,” Kadar stated confidently.
Visit Bentley Bowl
Curious to taste their offerings? You can visit Bentley Bowl at 2324 Truxtun Ave. on Fridays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This new venture not only highlights their culinary skills but also embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, showing that with passion and teamwork, dreams can come true.