North Texas, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Smackin Mac, a food truck run by Frances Juru, has become a beloved brand in North Texas by winning awards, securing partnerships, and giving back to the community. The food truck’s unique mac ‘n cheese recipe has led to notable contracts with events such as Six Flags and a strong presence at local festivals. Juru’s business model emphasizes community support and aims for future growth, including plans for a brick-and-mortar location.
Fort Worth — Smackin Mac, the food truck owned by Frances Juru, has amassed awards and widespread popularity across North Texas, securing event contracts, university partnerships and community support as it expands from a family recipe into a regional brand.
Key developments and immediate details
In 2023, Frances Juru won the title of Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. The same year, Smackin Mac secured a contract with Six Flags Over Texas for special events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. The food truck also maintains a semi-regular presence at major sporting events, with the food truck has a semi-regular spot at Dallas Cowboys home games.
Demand for Smackin Mac in parts of the region has been described as exceptionally strong, with the truck serving popular festivals and events across North Texas including Mayfest, Southlake Oktoberfest and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The truck regularly participates in the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival and has been active in seasonal collaborations with universities such as UT Arlington and Texas Woman’s University.
Recognition, awards and media exposure
Smackin Mac has received honors like “Best Comfort Food” at the North Texas Food Truck Challenge and was a runner-up in Fort Worth’s Mac Attack Competition. The operation has also made appearances on television and in local publications, contributing to its growing public profile and event bookings.
Business operations and menu
Frances Juru developed a unique mac ’n cheese recipe inspired by her aunt’s traditional recipe. Encouraged by family to sell her creation, Juru launched her Smackin Mac food truck six years ago. Smackin Mac features a consistent menu of eight items, plus a monthly special called “Mac of the Month”. Juru handles most daily operations as the sole full-time employee and sometimes hires additional help for busy events; despite being the sole full-time employee, Juru occasionally hires help, including her Aunt Brenda, during busy events.
Logistics for the truck require long hours and multiple supplier visits, with Juru manages the logistics of her business, involving long hours and visits to multiple suppliers for ingredients. The business model has also included seasonal and corporate partnerships that provide recurring revenue and visibility.
Community involvement and scaling plans
Juru uses her business to give back to the community by donating meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need. In one initiative, she collaborated with LVT Rise in Fort Worth to provide free meals to those in need.
For growth, she has been accepted into the Dallas Mavericks accelerator program to help scale her business. Long-term objectives include a permanent retail location, with Juru’s goal is to establish a brick-and-mortar location for Smackin Mac in the future.
Background and personal context
Originally from Baltimore and raised in Los Angeles, Juru now resides in Aledo as a single mother of three. After her divorce, she decided to pursue her food business full-time to support her family. Her training includes formal and informal education: Frances Juru studied culinary arts at a magnet school and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also relied on online resources for practical business skills, with she learned the necessary skills for her business through online resources, referred to as “YouTube University”.
Staffing and day-to-day reality
Even as sole full-time operator much of the year, Juru brings on part-time help for festivals and large events. Her operation balances preparation, ingredient sourcing and on-site service, reflecting a hands-on small-business approach while pursuing strategic partnerships and awards that increase demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards has Smackin Mac received?
In 2023, Frances Juru won the title of Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. Smackin Mac has received honors like “Best Comfort Food” at the North Texas Food Truck Challenge and was a runner-up in Fort Worth’s Mac Attack Competition.
What commercial contracts and partnerships does Smackin Mac have?
Smackin Mac secured a contract with Six Flags Over Texas for special events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. She has partnered with major universities such as UT Arlington and Texas Woman’s University for seasonal collaborations. She has been accepted into the Dallas Mavericks accelerator program to help scale her business.
How did Smackin Mac start and what is on the menu?
Frances Juru developed a unique mac ’n cheese recipe inspired by her aunt’s traditional recipe. Encouraged by family to sell her creation, Juru launched her Smackin Mac food truck six years ago. Smackin Mac features a consistent menu of eight items, plus a monthly special called “Mac of the Month”.
Does Smackin Mac do community work?
Juru uses her business to give back to the community by donating meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need. She collaborated with LVT Rise in Fort Worth to provide free meals to those in need.
What is Frances Juru’s background?
Originally from Baltimore and raised in Los Angeles, Juru now resides in Aledo as a single mother of three. After her divorce, she decided to pursue her food business full-time to support her family. Frances Juru studied culinary arts at a magnet school and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She learned the necessary skills for her business through online resources, referred to as “YouTube University”.
What are Juru’s future plans for Smackin Mac?
Juru’s goal is to establish a brick-and-mortar location for Smackin Mac in the future.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Frances Juru developed a unique mac ’n cheese recipe inspired by her aunt’s traditional recipe. |
| Launch | Encouraged by family to sell her creation, Juru launched her Smackin Mac food truck six years ago. |
| Menu | Smackin Mac features a consistent menu of eight items, plus a monthly special called “Mac of the Month”. |
| Awards | In 2023, Frances Juru won the title of Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo; Smackin Mac has received honors like “Best Comfort Food” at the North Texas Food Truck Challenge and was a runner-up in Fort Worth’s Mac Attack Competition. |
| Contracts | Smackin Mac secured a contract with Six Flags Over Texas for special events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. The food truck has a semi-regular spot at Dallas Cowboys home games. |
| Community Work | Juru uses her business to give back to the community by donating meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need. She collaborated with LVT Rise in Fort Worth to provide free meals to those in need. |
| Growth | She has been accepted into the Dallas Mavericks accelerator program to help scale her business. Juru’s goal is to establish a brick-and-mortar location for Smackin Mac in the future. |
| Personal | Originally from Baltimore and raised in Los Angeles, Juru now resides in Aledo as a single mother of three. After her divorce, she decided to pursue her food business full-time to support her family. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Global Mission Summit to Address Impactful Business Solutions
Smackin Mac Food Truck Gains Popularity in North Texas
Additional Resources
- Fort Worth Report: Frances Juru’s Mac N Cheese Business
- WFAA: Hurtado Barbecue’s New Location
- Dallas Observer: Best Food Trucks in Dallas
- Local Profile: Hello Kitty Cafe Truck in North Texas
- Dallas News: Free Food Distribution in Dallas
- Wikipedia: Food Truck
- Google Search: Food Truck Business
- Google Scholar: Food Trucks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Truck
- Google News: Food Trucks
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