Katie Wiseman had long harbored the dream of one day owning a café and a restaurant while working a remote position for a technology start-up in New York.
After a merger and acquisition changed the circumstances of her job, Wiseman decided it was time to take the risk and move forward with her dream.
“A brick and mortar (business) wasn’t financially plausible for us so we bought a 6 ft. by 12 ft. trailer off of Facebook Marketplace. My husband built it in three months,” says Wiseman.
The Fat Straw, a boba tea food truck, officially opened for business on July 9, 2022.
“Boba basically means bubbles,” Wiseman explains, referring to the tapioca pearls, popping bubbles or jelly balls added to each drink. Boba tea is served cold, and her menu includes six “special-teas” that she has crafted, as well as a create-your-own-drink option.
Wiseman recommends the berry lemonade which contains strawberry lemonade and blueberry popping bubbles. She describes it as approachable but fruity and sweet.
Boba tea might seem like a unique choice, but Wiseman says it's been mostly only found in other areas, including Dayton, Beavercreek and Columbus.
“I wanted to bring something like that to Clark County and the surrounding areas,” she explains.
This summer was busy for the Wisemans, as they booked every event they could manage.
“I didn’t know how successful it would be,” she says. “We try to do as many events in Springfield as possible, because this is where we live and work and have community.”
A Cedarville University graduate and native of Pennsylvania, Wiseman has made her home in Springfield with her husband David and daughter Avna. She truly enjoys working in the Springfield community, meeting different people and having a sense that she is contributing back to where she lives.
As That Fat Straw continues to gain popularity, a regular customer base has formed that follows the food truck from venue to venue. Wiseman has enjoyed building relationships with her customers.
The excitement of starting your own business comes with its share of fears, risks , and tears, Wiseman says.
“Be gracious with yourself and recognize that it’s really, really hard. You may not see the rewards and benefits right away," Wiseman says to others who may be considering opening their own food truck or business.
The Wisemans wish to live a simple, ordinary, faithful life. As for the future of The Fat Straw, Wiseman notes that just five months ago, their business was only a dream. Now that it’s a reality, they are open for whatever the future may bring.
“We are pressing on because we believe this is what God’s called us to do in this season. We are learning so much that it very well may be preparing us for something bigger in the future,” Wiseman says.
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