The State of the Lunch Truck in 2012 (3/3)

While most food trucks in Center City and West Philadelphia deal in the realm of the-less-than-healthy, pedaling greasy steaks and kebabs, more and more fruit and smoothie vendors have surfaced to balance out the city’s culinary countenance.

 One such vendor, manned by an individual who wished to be called Johnny, sells bagged mango slices for a $1.50, which even a mild fruit connoisseur would appreciate. The reason for such a low price for a tropical fruit, even out of season? To entice customers.

“The economy’s made a big difference, it really shows,” Johnny said, adjusting the hybrid trucker/baseball cap complimenting his plaid shirt.

Johnny, a Cambodian native, arrived in the U.S. in 1991, from the capital city of Phnom Pehn. He alone has run the fruit truck since 1992. He says he has seen upswings in the price of fruit imports, but tries to keep the prices down so as to move fruit.

In an increasingly health-conscious society, Johnny could see more sales in the future, but for now he's making due with what business he gets.