In Focus | Courtney and Meiko Koga of CrAsian Food Truck

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What are your names?
Courtney and Meiko Koga.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Both of us are born and raised here in Kelowna.

Who are your favourite people to spend time with and why?
We’re lucky to be surrounded by the best friends and family anyone could ask for, we couldn't choose just one.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Somewhere hot and sunny since we miss out on a lot of this Kelowna summer.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Too many to choose from!

What are your favourite activities?
We enjoy hiking, riding our bikes and, when there’s time, we play in many recreational sports leagues.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers.

What is a hidden gem you two enjoy in the Okanagan?
Trick questions! It won't stay a hidden gem if we tell you.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you two?
We don't want to relive that embarrassment.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
All the support we received at our big finale while raising money to donate towards Alzheimer’s with Kettle River Brewery. The amount of people in general, and all the unfamiliar faces who came out to help our cause, was just so incredible. It was heartwarming to know how well received we were and to be able to make a contribution to something so important to our family. Our wheels are turning for another event next season!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Summer days at Grandma's pool.

Where do you two volunteer or give back to in the community?
We have done multiple charitable events for schools within the community. We participated in Paws It Forward Dog Rescue and the Alzheimers Society of BC. We drop off food to the folks on Leon Ave and volunteer at Inn From the Cold. We also feed our friends for free...

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More consideration for others, our surroundings, ourselves and our planet.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
All things outdoors.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
To the top of a mountain or near the water.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
To become food truck friendly, because there are worse things that can be sold off the streets than tacos and fries…

If you two were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
That we could have 3 more wishes.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Courtney doesn't eat meat and Meiko is the oldest. SURPRISE!

What is the name of your business/organization?
The CrAsian Food Truck.

What does your business do?
Satisfy people’s hunger by providing fun and creative hybrid food on site! We also sell pretty cool CrAsian swag.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Mostly though Facebook and Instagram.

Where can people find your business online?
crasianfood.com

Why did you two get into/start this business?
We wanted to get creative and put the fun back into food after working several years in restaurants.

What is the goal of your business?
Make people happy by feeding them food that makes us happy. It's a win-win!

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing the two.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Different, starting off with lesson number one: when buying a used truck, first have the motor inspected. But really, our learning curve started day one. We’ve learned so much since starting up and continue to grow through each new experience as we come upon them. It only makes sense to take what we’ve learned and do things differently.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?
It’s nice to help a neighbour.

Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mom and Dad, our biggest supporters and mediators.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Paws It Forward Dog Rescue.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.