Tim Butts

Tim Butts is a food service director with Aramark K-12 in Beloit, Wisconsin. Upon first speaking with Tim, his food expertise, passion and dedication quickly become apparent. He has over 15 years of experience in the industry, and it was our privilege to hear how he has been serving the Beloit school district and helping guide it with unique solutions and seasoned leadership.

Not every school district has its own food truck, but Beloit is fortunate to have two. When asked how the district came to be the proud owners of two caravanning cafeterias, Tim explains, “Just as the Covid shutdowns were happening, Beloit was getting these food trucks ordered. Unfortunately, things came to a halt, but the trucks were finally delivered last summer. After a big kickoff event, we’ve been integrating them into the program. They’re custom built and designed with everything we wanted. We’ve even added a popcorn machine and two pizza ovens. They’re top of the line.” Students participated in a naming and design contest, and the trucks were christened The Lunch Box and Cruisin’ Cuisine.

Tim has found innovative ways to not only serve the kids but to also serve employees and parents. He says, “We have a full summer feeding program, and the food trucks will be integrated into that. We do a spring and fall rotation, and we do catering and special events with them. We’re also doing events like parents’ night at schools.”

Tim’s Tips
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from speaking with Tim is his can-do attitude. “It all started with an idea, and it grew into this. Nothing is too big in the grand scheme of things.”

Fortitude and commitment are also paramount when serving a school district located in the often-chilly upper Midwest. “A couple of times during the fall rotation, we’d be on the truck wearing coats with the cold wind blowing through there, but the kids were still just as excited to come out and see it. It was a unique experience.”