NORTH SMITHFIELD – Anthony Soly says he’s been trying to see life on the, “Sunnyside,” but at this point, he needs to catch a break.
Soly, who left a 25-year career in cable and telecommunications engineering in 2020 to open Sunnyside On the Street, a breakfast-based food truck, has been in the process of expanding his business by building a kitchen inside at Bravo Brewing Company in Pascoag.
Soly notes he had already invested his life savings into the new business venture when he was offered the opportunity to sublease the space, and financing would be “tight but doable.” The project to offer a permanent menu at the brewery, known as The Canteen at Bravo, following a build-out, received unanimous approval from the Burrillville Town Council in February.
At the time, the entrepreneur told NRI NOW that he plans to feature some of Sunnyside’s breakfast dishes on the menu, but also will serve burgers, chili’s, paninis, flatbreads and more, with house made sauces and gravies.
“I figured my food truck could financially support my family until the kitchen opened up,” he recently noted.
With that kitchen now underway, the motor on the Sunnyside truck gave out this month.
“I now have no income, a dead food truck and a half built out kitchen,” Soly said.
Now, Soly has started a GoFundMe campaign with hopes to purchase and install a new motor directly from Chevy. The fundraiser, published on Tuesday, June 14, aims to raise $15,000, and by Wednesday, June 29, it had raised $8,960.
He notes a used motor would likely cost around $5,000 – and typically only lasts between 30 and 90 days.
Unlike many others raising money on the platform, Soly is offering to repay donors in a way that utilizes his passion and talent: with food. Donors are invited to visit the food truck once it’s up and running again.
This week, he thanked all who have donated so far.
“I have some amazing people behind me,” he said.
Not often you see a $5000 used motor only last 30 – 90 days.
The context of that is wrong, the used motor at 5-6k including labor only comes with a 30-90 day warranty. My business and families income relies on that trucks motor, so yes I’m trying to buy brand new with a 3yr warranty
In such a divisive world, it’s nice to come together and help a fellow human. Maybe breakfast will bring us all together. Sent in my donation!