An Inspired Chat with Paige Nathan

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paige Nathan. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Paige, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
One of the things I love most about running Simply Food Trucks is the flexibility it gives me. No two days are the same—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Some mornings might start with a pickleball game to get my juices flowing. Other days, I’ll meet a colleague to try a new restaurant on Buford Highway—I’m always on the lookout for unique flavors and inspiration. I also love getting out to meet new food truck vendors and sample their food, making sure they’re a great fit for our clients and events.

Throughout the day, I’m often juggling a mix of tasks:

Connecting with clients and planning upcoming events

Coordinating with our food truck partners

Overseeing logistics to make sure everything runs smoothly

Focusing on marketing, partnerships, and creative ideas for growth

I also have weekly meetings with my team to stay aligned and keep things moving forward. Some days are more structured, others are spontaneous—but they’re all fueled by my passion for food, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for people.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Paige Nathan, Founder and Principal of Simply Food Trucks. We’re a national food truck booking and event company that specializes in creating turnkey, full-service culinary experiences for corporate clients, production studios, event planners, and nonprofits. Whether it’s an employee appreciation event for 50 or a large-scale activation for 5,000, we take care of every detail—so our clients can focus on enjoying the moment.

I launched Simply Food Trucks nearly ten years ago with the goal of streamlining the process of booking food trucks for events while showcasing the incredible diversity and talent of mobile food vendors. We’ve built a trusted network of trucks across the country and have produced events in over 30 cities this year alone. Our strength lies in our ability to understand client needs, handle logistics seamlessly, and deliver memorable food experiences that reflect each brand’s culture and values.

What makes us unique is not just the variety we offer, but the level of service and attention we bring to every event. We work closely with event professionals, destination management companies, and corporate teams to elevate food truck events beyond just great food—they become engaging, on-brand experiences.

We’re continuing to grow into new markets and expand our partnerships, and we’re always looking for new ways to bring people together through food.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. I am actively involved in the community as a member of the Georgia Chapter of Meeting Planners International and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives Southeast Region. I also serve on the board of the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Through Simply Giving, we proudly support numerous organizations focused on food-related causes, including World Central Kitchen, The Giving Kitchen, and Second Helpings Atlanta.

Finally, I could not do what I do today without the unwavering support of my family—my husband Rob and my sons, Matthew and Daniel.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I had with my parents – Suzanne and Sheldon. They led by example in the most meaningful ways—our home was always open to international guests, exchange students, and visitors from all walks of life. They instilled in me a natural curiosity about people, cultures, and food. Some of my earliest memories involve tasting street food and learning about other cultures through food and holidays.

My parents also showed me the power of giving back. Volunteering wasn’t just something we did—it was part of who we were. They taught me that community isn’t just where you live, it’s how you show up for others. That spirit continues to guide me today in both my personal life and in my work through Simply Food Trucks.

Those early experiences shaped my love for food, travel, hospitality, and service—and they inspired me to launch Simply Giving, the community engagement arm of our company. Through Simply Giving, we partner with local nonprofits and use food truck events as a way to give back—whether we’re feeding healthcare workers, supporting teachers, or hosting fundraising events. It’s my way of honoring the values my parents lived every day: generosity, connection, and a belief in the importance of community.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say there was a time I almost gave up, but there was a time when I had to do some deep inner work to get clear on what truly mattered to me—both in my career and in my life. It wasn’t just about finding a job or launching a business—it was about aligning the work I do with my values, my schedule, and the kind of impact I wanted to have.

That process took time. I had to be open to redefining success on my own terms and creating space for something new to emerge. Naming my company Food With Purpose LLC (which is the legal name behind Simply Food Trucks) was a turning point. It was a way of declaring what I stood for: using food to create connection, bring joy, and give back.

Once I created that opening—both mentally and literally—I began to attract the right opportunities and meet the right people. It felt like the wheels started turning (pun intended), and Simply Food Trucks started to take shape in a way that felt aligned, exciting, and sustainable.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is what you get. I care deeply about people—and that includes everyone I work with: our clients, our team, and our food truck vendors. I genuinely believe that we’re all connected, and the success of Simply Food Trucks is built on mutual respect and shared purpose.

I often describe our business model as a three-legged stool—our clients, our vendors, and our team are all equally important. If one leg is missing or wobbly, the whole thing falls apart. That’s why I make it a priority to treat everyone with respect and dignity. It’s a core part of who I am and is rooted in something deeply personal: I believe we are all created in the image of G‑d. That belief guides how I lead, how I treat people, and how I run my business.

Giving back has always been important to me, and it’s one of the reasons we created Simply Giving—our way of supporting and promoting causes that matter to us and to our community. Whether it’s feeding frontline workers, hosting fundraisers, or partnering with nonprofits, Simply Giving allows us to use food as a vehicle for good. It brings our mission full circle: food, community, and purpose.

At the end of the day, Simply Food Trucks is about more than just great food—it’s about creating meaningful experiences, supporting small businesses, and building something bigger than ourselves.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. In the 1980s, I had an idea to create a service that would connect people and food. Long before the internet, I dreamt of a concierge service offering personalized assistance to food enthusiasts. Years later, this blossomed into a vibrant venture: a food truck booking company. Some may call it luck or kismet, but I know it was the result of connecting the dots of my experiences, strengths, and desires along with meeting the right people at the right time and being open to taking the risk to become an entrepreneur.

Although it took decades for my dream to materialize, the journey taught me the power of patience, perseverance, and following one’s passion. Food with Purpose, rebranded in 2020 as Simply Food Trucks, was born from these lifelong lessons, demonstrating that every experience and connection has the potential to spark something extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplyfoodtrucks.com
• Instagram: simply-food-trucks
• Linkedin: Simply Food Trucks
• Facebook: Book Simply Food Trucks