Fort Worth, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Frances Juru’s food truck, Smackin Mac, is rapidly gaining popularity in North Texas, often compared to the demand for Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl tickets. Awarded Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo, the truck serves signature mac ‘n’ cheese at major events. With contracts at Six Flags and partnerships with local universities, Smackin Mac offers eight regular menu items along with a rotating special. Juru’s passion for community service is evident as she donates meals to those in need while balancing her role as a single mother.
Fort Worth
Smackin Mac, the food truck owned by Frances Juru, is gaining traction across North Texas and has been likened to the demand for Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl tickets. The operation has expanded from a tent-based start to a full food truck and now serves at major regional festivals, university events, and professional sports game days.
Top developments
In 2023, Smackin Mac was awarded the title of Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. The truck has also secured contracts with Six Flags Over Texas for seasonal events such as Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, and holds seasonal partnerships with major universities such as UT Arlington and Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Smackin Mac regularly appears at regional festivals including Mayfest, Southlake Oktoberfest, and has a presence at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
Supporting details
Smackin Mac features eight regular menu items and offers a monthly “Mac of the Month” special. The menu centers on a signature mac ’n’ cheese recipe developed by Juru after responding to family feedback and refining the dish over several years. The truck has been recognized multiple times regionally, including honors such as Best Comfort Food at the North Texas Food Truck Challenge and runner-up in Fort Worth’s Mac Attack Competition.
The operation has expanded its footprint with a semi-regular spot at Dallas Cowboys home games and frequent participation in the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival. Juru has also built seasonal and event contracts that support steady revenue during the year’s busiest periods.
Business model and community work
Juru manages most aspects of the food truck independently, hiring additional help during busy events. Family assistance plays a role during peak times, including support from her Aunt Brenda. The business model grew out of necessity following a divorce, compelling Juru to create a stable income stream while raising three children as a single mother. She uses the food truck business to give back to the community by donating meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need, partnering with organizations in Fort Worth to provide free meals.
Early-stage learning and business planning relied heavily on online resources, with Juru developing her business idea by utilizing YouTube for guidance on starting a food venture. She began by selling food from a tent and later transitioned to a food truck as her operations expanded.
Recognition and growth prospects
Her culinary skills have been highlighted on regional television segments and in local publications, increasing community awareness and event bookings. Juru has been accepted into the Dallas Mavericks accelerator program, which involves training to help scale her business with a future goal of establishing a brick-and-mortar location. Participation in the accelerator aims to support operational scaling, marketing strategy, and long-term financial planning.
Operational challenges
Running Smackin Mac requires extensive preparation for events, supply management, and long hours. Juru regularly juggles extensive preparation for events alongside her role as a full-time single mother, often working with little sleep. Despite those pressures, the truck continues to expand its calendar and maintain community engagement through donations and festival participation.
Background
Juru, 38, is originally from Baltimore and grew up in Los Angeles; now she lives in Aledo as a single mother of three. The food venture began as a practical response to personal circumstances and evolved into a regional business known for a distinctive mac ’n’ cheese recipe and steady presence at North Texas events.
FAQ
Is Smackin Mac gaining popularity in North Texas?
Smackin Mac’s food truck, Smackin Mac, is gaining popularity in North Texas, likened to the demand for Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl tickets.
What awards has Smackin Mac received?
In 2023, Smackin Mac was awarded the title of Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo.
Does Smackin Mac have contracts with major venues?
She has secured contracts with Six Flags Over Texas for special events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
Does Smackin Mac work with universities?
She has held seasonal partnerships with major universities such as UT Arlington and Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
How many menu items does Smackin Mac offer?
Smackin Mac features eight regular menu items and offers a monthly “Mac of the Month” special.
Does Smackin Mac do community donations?
Juru uses her food truck business to give back to the community by donating meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need, partnering with organizations in Fort Worth to provide free meals.
Where does Frances Juru live and what is her background?
Juru, 38, is originally from Baltimore and grew up in Los Angeles; now she lives in Aledo as a single mother of three.
What prompted Juru to start the food truck?
Her business venture was born out of necessity following her divorce, compelling her to create a stable income.
How did Juru learn to start a food business?
Juru developed her business idea by utilizing YouTube for guidance on starting a food venture.
How did Smackin Mac begin operations?
She began her journey by selling food from a tent, later transitioning to a food truck as her operations expanded.
Who helps run Smackin Mac during busy events?
She manages all aspects of her food truck business independently and hires help during busy events, including her Aunt Brenda, who supports her efforts.
Has Smackin Mac been accepted into any business development programs?
She has been accepted into the Dallas Mavericks accelerator program, which involves training to help scale her business with a future goal of establishing a brick-and-mortar location.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Awards | Best Food Vendor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo (2023); Best Comfort Food at North Texas Food Truck Challenge; Runner-up in Fort Worth’s Mac Attack Competition |
| Contracts & Events | Six Flags Over Texas (Fright Fest, Holiday in the Park); Mayfest; Southlake Oktoberfest; Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo; Dallas Cowboys home games (semi-regular) |
| University Partnerships | UT Arlington; Texas Woman’s University in Denton (seasonal) |
| Menu | Eight regular menu items; monthly “Mac of the Month” special |
| Community Giving | Donates meals to shelters, first responders, and families in need; partners with organizations in Fort Worth |
| Business Development | Accepted into Dallas Mavericks accelerator program; plans for a future brick-and-mortar location |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fort Worth Inc: Frances Juru Proves That with Mac n Cheese All Things are Possible
- Wikipedia: Food Truck
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- Google Search: Food Trucks
- Fort Worth Inc: Global Mission Summit 2025 Brings Changemakers to Dallas
- Google Scholar: Food Entrepreneurship
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Entrepreneurship
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- Google News: Food Trucks in Texas
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