The Boka Tako Is Not Your Average Tako.
The Boka Tako is an exquisite fusion of global flavors, for your Mouf! Seasonal ingredients, Asian inspiration and a Mexican platform were the basis for our original Takos. Even though Boka has expanded its culinary horizons far beyond the original constraints of a corn tortilla, you still find a fun and inventive play on ingredients from near and far inside a Boka Tako.
The Goal is simple:
Amazing food served with a twist.
Takos with a K, because these aren’t your ordinary Takos.
Boka Today
In January 2019, Boka founder Patrick Harris was ready to sell the company to pursue other business ventures. Having worked alongside Patrick for the last 6 years, Andy McGinley and Stephanie Hoke, joined by Kitchen Manager Erik Lankenau and Truck Manager Paulie Sauve incorporated BokaTako LLC to purchase Boka and continue delivering Richmond’s best fusion #takosforyomouf to Boka’s Fans. Brian Dowhan joined the team as a partner when ownership transitioned. Though they have all been at Boka for different lengths of time, they all share the same love and dedication for Boka that Patrick had as he developed Boka into the most popular food truck in RVA. While best known for our award winning #FusionTakos; Boka’s menu has diversified over the years, offering an extensive custom catering menu, and our recently added “Momma’s BBQ Truck”.
Bringing over 35 years in the hospitality industry, New Owner, Andy McGinley moved to Richmond in 2014 and joined Boka shortly after. Working alongside Patrick, in a variety of capacities, including food truck manager, chef, mechanic, and handyman, Andy quickly learned the ropes to the food truck industry. Having opened several restaurants previously, he is the perfect fit for a growing company.
Head Chef, Erik Lankenau, has 23 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. He worked at Independence Golf Course from 2003-2013 where he quickly rose through the ranks to the position of Executive Chef in 2010. He later became the Head Chef of Brew Gastropub in Chester, VA and had an integral role in the opening of their Bellegrade location before joining Boka as Head Chef.
Partner, Brian Dowhan’s culinary background includes 15 years of experience working in a wide variety of restaurants. At Fort Lee, he had the opportunity to hone his skills under the guidance of professional chefs. Brian since had the opportunity to assume operations of a startup dog biscuit bakery and manufacturer until the beginning of 2019 when he became a partner for Boka.
Director of Operations, Stephanie Hoke, has over 21 years of experience in restaurant management. She started her career in the food industry at Atlantic Catering Company in Baltimore Maryland in 1998. Her culinary background includes being the sous chef and later executive chef for the Steelehorse Grille in Chester, Va. She joined the Boka family in 2014 as Director of Operations and has guided Boka’s success ever since.
Kitchen Manager, Paulie Sauve, began his culinary career as a baker in Oswego, NY. In 2008 he moved to Richmond, working at The Bank, before accepting a position as a station chef at The Kitchen Table dining hall in Fort Lee, Va. He joined Extra Billy’s in 2011, and rose to the position of assistant kitchen manager. He joined Boka in 2017 as the Kitchen Manager.
BOKA HISTORY
Founder, Chef Patrick Harris, moved to Richmond in 2009 to open the Water Grill as a chef for the Richmond Restaurant Group.
After opening the restaurant, a rare opportunity came about to buy a fully equipped food truck.
So, in 2010, Chef Harris founded The Boka Company, becoming RVA’s original gourmet food truck.
On April 6, 2012, Harris coordinated Richmond’s first food truck courts. Bringing the food truck community together. They debuted at the Virginia Historical Society, fittingly making history here in Richmond as Virginia’s first food truck gathering for the general public. Shortly thereafter, Boka helped to found food truck courts across Richmond.
These gatherings have become a mainstay in RVA’s dining-out culture. Events like Thursday evenings at Hardywood Craft Brewery, Food Truck Rodeos, and more, have all seen attendance numbers of more than 15,000 people. Food, beer and wine converged with awesome musical artists in a partnership with the Central Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment.
In 2014, Chef Harris helped found the Richmond Food Truck Association and has been involved with the Food Trucks in catering, special events and vending capacities all over Richmond.
Boka has since been awarded best Food Truck in Richmond, Best Food Truck in Central Virginia, Best Tacos in Richmond, Best Tacos in Virginia, Best Meal Under $10, Best New Casual Restaurant, and more. These top accolades from a wide assortment of local publications, like Style Weekly, Virginia Living Magazine, and more.
Every day we are traveling through a part of town near you with one of our famous Boka Food Trucks! We would be happy to add your place of business or event into our route and serve your group
Fill out the form below and we will promptly respond to you request.