The Long and the Short of it - Shorty's Food Truck

The explosion of the Australian food truck scene in recent years has been nothing short of revolutionary – in the tastiest of ways. ​ 

In just a few short years, the proliferation of food truck businesses has changed the way we access a diverse range of quality cuisine hailing from all corners of the globe. ​ 

Gone are the days of limited food choice and questionable nutritional value at events, openings, shows, field days and festivals. 

Where once the choices were meat pies, dagwood dogs, fairy floss or soft serve, we can now order a plate of Hong Kong style dumplings, some southern BBQ fare from the US, or a quality Greek feed on the go. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Standing out from the crowd 

One such early adopter to this bourgeoning industry is Nick Khouri, owner of the popular, Sydney-based Shorty’s Food Truck and its four-truck fleet. ​ 

Coming from a background in food and hospitality, Nick knew exactly what was going to work when starting his business around five years ago and now boasts a fleet of three food trucks. ​ 

Shorty’s Food Truck services areas in and around Sydney, providing high-quality catering for a diverse range of events and gatherings. Nick’s business sense told him that to succeed in the food truck market, he needed to stand out and present a professional and high-quality experience for his customers. 

Meals on wheels 

Complementing a tried and tested menu, Nick recently added an Isuzu NQR 87-190 LWB AMT to his fleet from the top end of Isuzu’s light-duty range, and it presents as one of the best-looking food trucks in the Sydney area. ​ 

Nick said he needed a larger platform to pack in what he wanted in the body fit-out and Isuzu’s breadth of range provided the answers. ​ 

“First and foremost, the truck needed to match the size of the body we wanted on it, so that played a key part in the selecting the model of truck we ultimately went with. ​ 

“We talked to Matt McKenna from Suttons Isuzu in Arncliffe, and he came up with the perfect truck for our needs,” Nick enthused. 

When asked about servicing and maintenance, Nick said that while the truck was still relatively new and hadn’t encountered any issues, he was taking no chances when it came to downtime. ​ ​ 

“Given the nature of the business, the truck is obviously vital. It’s the livelihood of the business, so when it’s due for a service, I’m definitely taking it back to Suttons. 

“Suttons have been fantastic. The guys down in Arncliffe are great. Anything I needed, they are there for me. Right up to this day they’re still in contact regularly.” ​ 

Fit for duty 

With the build on the back and taking into account the internal fit-out, the Shorty’s NQR payload sits at approximately 6,000 kilograms unstocked, so choosing the right tool for the job was a critical step for Nick. ​ 

Thankfully, the NQR 87-190 is more than up to the task. ​ 

With a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 8,700 kg, the NQR has plenty of payload to tackle the job, with some weight to spare. ​ 

Powered by Isuzu’s proven, turbocharged, four-cylinder 4HK1-TCC engine, the NQR also has the power to match, outputting 140 kW (190PS) @ 2,600 rpm and torque of 513 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm. ​ 

The powerplant is mated to Isuzu’s rugged MZZ-6F AMT gearbox. This is a six-speed AMT with both fully automatic and clutchless manual operation modes, equating to a more effortless driving posture in and around Sydney and better fuel economy to boot. ​ 

Built to last 

The custom body and fit-out of the truck was taken care of by GSA Fabrication in Sydney’s west. ​ 

“We went backwards and forwards for about two months until we got it just right for the job at hand. Probably about 30 different sketches, and then we finally got there,” he added. 

“Everything is a custom fabrication. Custom fridges, custom benches, storage everything. ​ 

The build also includes deep fryers, cooktops and stainless-steel prep benches and a range of other components required to meet storage, cooking and prep requirements - whilst on the move. ​ 

“We’ve got a big generator in there that feeds off the fuel tank to supply electrical power, ensuring where completely self-sufficient, regardless of the location,” Nick added. 

For safety’s sake 

The NQR, like all current and new model Isuzu trucks, comes equipped with a full suite of active and passive safety equipment including Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). 

Nick also opted for an Isuzu Genuine bulbar and reverse camera to ensure additional safety for inside and outside the truck. 

“We’re constantly on the move from job to job, so safety is very important to us,” said Nick. ​ 

“The truck’s out every week and we have different staff operating it, so we have to keep them safe. The safety features of the Isuzu were a big plus for us,” he added. 

“It makes all the noises and lets you know if you’re doing something wrong,” Nick laughed. “But seriously, it’s a nice, safe truck.” 

On road rave  

Nick said he’s got very little to complain about when it comes to his new Isuzu truck. ​ 

“I like way it drives, the brakes - the comfort and drivability - it’s a great truck,” he says. 

“The furthest I’ve been in this one is up to Newcastle and it was terrific on the highway. ​ 

“It’s fantastic in the traffic, everywhere really,” he said. ​ 

“Later in the year we’ll be taking it interstate, and I’m confident it’ll be fine with that longer range trip.” 

The interior of the Isuzu helps on longer runs with a driver’s bucket seat equipped with mechanical suspension and weight adjustment to 130 kg. Additionally, there’s a passenger bench seat with two-person capacity for additional crew. 

Comfortably content 

For entertainment and keeping in touch, there’s a 10.1 inch 1080p High Definition ​ LCD multimedia touchscreen with AM/FM/DAB+ radio and smart phone connectivity coupled with the auto air-conditioning, keeping driver and passengers comfortable no matter the conditions. 

“It’s a very comfortable truck on the longer trips,” says Nick. 

Asked if he is thinking of expanding and getting another Isuzu, Nick was quick to answer. ​ 

“I actually spoke to Matt at Suttons recently. 

“It’s early days, but we will be definitely getting another Isuzu from Matt and the team at Arncliffe Isuzu in the not-too-distant future,” he concluded.