About Us
About me
My Food Truck Journey
In 2021, after dedicating over 25 years to a career in education, I took a significant step by purchasing a small school bus to start my food truck business. My dad accompanied me during this important moment and played a crucial role in my decision to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Transforming the bus into a food truck has been both challenging and a true labor of love. I am now the proud owner of Good for the Soul Food, a venture that combines soul food and Jamaican cuisine. My inspiration for this food truck and catering business comes from my passion for creating delicious dishes and serves as a way to honor my father’s legacy in the food business.
About me
My Story
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Karen Amaker grew up around food and began her culinary journey in her mom’s kitchen. Some of her earliest and fondest memories are baking a chocolate cake in her Easy Bake Oven, helping her mom make sweet potato pies, and making homemade mashed potatoes. Since then, Karen has continued cooking for her family and friends because food is her love language!
About me
Joy of cooking
The joy of cooking and entrepreneurship is deeply woven into my family’s story. My mom shared her culinary skills with many, while my dad, Raymond, was a passionate food entrepreneur and the former owner of Candy Land and The Smoke House. His final venture before retirement—and before his untimely passing in 2022—was Ray’s Ribs, a food truck he operated for over 20 years in Hartford, Connecticut. As a young adult, I witnessed the determination it takes to start, grow, and sustain a food business. Today, I am applying that knowledge and embracing the journey of learning and growth.
Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
-James Beard-
About me
My Story
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, I grew up surrounded by food, starting my culinary journey in my mom’s kitchen. My earliest memories are filled with the joy of baking my first chocolate cake in my Easy Bake Oven, helping my mom create sweet potato pies, and crafting homemade mashed potatoes. I continue to cook for my family and friends because food is my love language, a celebration of connection and care!
About me
My Foodtruck Journey
In 2021, after serving as an educator for over 25 years, Karen purchased a small school bus to begin her food truck business. Transforming the bus into a food truck has been a labor of love ever since. She is now the proud owner of Good for the Soul Food… a mash-up of soul food and Jamaican cuisine. The business concept was borne out of a desire to share her love of food creation with new and returning food lovers and continue her father’s legacy.
About me
Good for the Soul Food
Food culture unites us in powerful ways. At Good for the Soul Food, our dishes are crafted in a way that resonates with food lovers everywhere. Our rotating and seasonal menu showcases elevated signature dishes from African American and Jamaican cultures, such as mac and cheese, candied yams, fried chicken, festival, curry chicken, rice and peas, and more.
Committed to using high-quality ingredients, we create made-from-scratch, flavorful food that offers convenience and choices that rise above typical fast-food fare. Drawing from my family’s Southern roots and our passion for Jamaican cuisine, Good for the Soul Food’s menu honors the soulful flavors and rich traditions of both cultures.
Visit us this summer on York Street, Special Vending #17, New Haven, Connecticut. We are available now for catering.
