I wanted to write about Miriam from The Falafel Factory because she has done a lot for Street Smart, and I know we are not the only business she has helped.
Miriam is a wife, a mom, and a badass business owner. She also makes time to recommend other people, talk up their work, and help them find opportunities. She expects nothing back. She genuinely enjoys seeing someone else do well, and that is something I respect about her.
She welcomed us into her community
Miriam was one of Street Smart’s earliest clients. But her support went far beyond being a client or sharing a post in a forum. She told the food truck community about us. She put our name in front of people who trusted her.
That was a big deal.
In my experience, the food truck community—especially the owners who work events—is incredibly close-knit. People look out for one another. Relationships matter, and trust is earned. Being welcomed into that community is not something I take lightly.
Miriam opened that door for us. Her recommendations brought new clients to Street Smart and helped us build a trusted name in food-truck insurance. I am proud of that growth, and I remember the people who helped make it possible.
What breaking barriers looks like to me
Miriam continues to help other food trucks thrive. She connects owners with events, brings them into the community, and recommends people who can help their businesses grow. What she did for Street Smart was not a one-time favor. It is how she treats people.
When I say she is breaking barriers, I think about what another mom or wife with a business idea might see in her: a woman building a company, raising a family, and still helping someone else get a chance. Her example makes the idea of owning a business feel less distant. There is someone doing it—not just talking about it—and making room for others along the way.
I am not saying any of that is easy. What I admire is her hard work and persistence, together with her willingness to support other people. A connection to an event, an introduction, or a recommendation can give someone a chance to take their next step. Miriam keeps helping make those connections.
That is why I wanted this story to be about more than the food. I want other mothers, wives, and people thinking about starting or growing a business to get to know the person behind The Falafel Factory.
A family story with a taste of Egypt
Miriam Zakaria and Nael Hassan’s Los Angeles-area food-truck and catering business grew out of a love for the food of home.
In their 2018 VoyageLA interview, they explained that Nael missed authentic Egyptian falafel after moving from Egypt. They considered opening a restaurant, but the overhead gave them pause. Miriam’s uncle encouraged them to try a food truck instead.
Their approach put Egyptian-style falafel made with fava beans and homemade hummus at the center of the business. Their Food Truck Association Los Angeles profile continues to highlight that fava-bean tradition.
Falafel is just the beginning
Their Mediterranean catering menu offers several ways to enjoy falafel, from wraps to bowls and plates. Their Roaming Hunger profile also lists hummus, chicken shawarma, chicken kabob, beef kofta and Mama’s Baklava.
Ask the team for its current event menu and mention any dietary needs or food allergies when you inquire.
A bite-sized introduction to The Falafel Factory.Photo: The Falafel Factory
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The Falafel Factory catering in Los Angeles
Their website welcomes private-event catering inquiries, and their public catering profiles describe food-truck and pop-up service. For a celebration in the Los Angeles area, ask the team which setup would work best for your venue and guests.
Send your date, location and approximate guest count through their catering inquiry page. They can discuss the menu, service area, availability and a quote with you directly.
Get to know The Falafel Factory
Miriam, thank you for recommending us and for continuing to do the same for others. I have not forgotten what your support meant to Street Smart.
If you are planning a gathering, take a look at The Falafel Factory and talk with the team about your event. I would be glad for this introduction to bring more people their way.
For fellow food-truck owners: our California food-truck insurance overview and guide to event insurance certificates explain the coverage and paperwork side of event work.
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