Nyeka's Food Truck: A Family Legacy

Help Me Launch My Jamaican-American Food Truck – Nyke’s Food

Hi, my name is Nyeka Archibald, but most people just call me Nyke. I’m a mom, a chef, a dreamer, and a proud Caribbean woman with a passion for food and culture. I’ve been cooking since I was 8 years old, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of owning a food business that feeds not just the body — but the soul.

In 2019, I came up with the idea for Nyke’s Food, a Jamaican-inspired food truck serving up dishes from my heritage — oxtail, jerk chicken, curry goat, ackee & saltfish, banana pudding, and more. These aren’t just recipes. They’re my grandmother’s recipes, my culture, and my love language — passed down through generations and now ready to be shared with the world.

But like many of us, life threw challenges my way.

I grew up in the system, away from my roots, trying to find myself. It wasn’t until I reconnected with my family that I learned where I came from — and how powerful that knowledge could be. Cooking helped me heal. It gave me purpose. And now, I want to turn that purpose into a real business. I want to show my daughters what it looks like to build something of your own, even if you start with nothing.

Today, I’m asking for help to launch Nyke’s Food — a fully branded, licensed Jamaican food truck based in Chattanooga, TN.

What I Need Help With:

I’m raising $50,000 to cover the startup costs of this dream, including:

Purchasing and outfitting a food truck

Buying inventory and equipment

Getting permits, licenses, and certifications

Marketing and branding

Hiring help

Working capital to keep the business running through the first few months

I’ve already started the process:

✅ I have my business name and branding

✅ I’ve written my business plan

✅ I’m applying for grants and minority-woman-owned certifications

✅ I’ve got the recipes, the skills, and the heart — I just need a boost to bring it to life

I’m not asking for a handout — I’m asking for a hand up. A chance to take my passion and turn it into something real. Something that feeds people, brings joy, and builds a legacy I can pass on to my daughters.

If you’ve ever had a dream and didn’t know where to start — I feel you. This is where I start. And with your help, Nyke’s Food will be pulling up in your neighborhood real soon, music playing, grill sizzling, and love served hot.

Whether you give $5 or $500, share this story, or just send encouragement — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re not just supporting a food truck. You’re helping a mother create something beautiful out of her story.

With love and gratitude,

Nyeka

How Your Donation Helps Nyke’s Food Grow

Every dollar you give is more than just money — it’s a piece of a dream. I’m building Nyke’s Food from the ground up to share the flavors of my Jamaican roots with the world. Your support helps make that possible.

Here’s how your donation will be used:

Securing a food truck so we can start serving the community.

Buying cooking equipment and supplies to prepare fresh, homemade meals.

Covering permits and licenses to operate legally and safely.

Stocking up on ingredients to create real island flavor from day one.

Spreading the word through marketing and outreach.

Hiring extra help when things get busy.

This isn’t just about food — it’s about creating something I can be proud of, something my daughters can grow up watching, and something that brings people together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Please share with anyone you think might want to support a small dream with big heart.

Nyeka