Hungarian couple launches food engineDate: 8/6/2015 WESTFIELD – From 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, Eddie & Angie’s Food Engine delivers on its promise – “fresh, delicious, distinctive food” curbside through the city’s Industrial Park.
“We purchased the food truck last fall from a retired couple who had serviced the 18 companies in the Industrial Park for 25 years,” Ede Stallmann said.
Stallmann noted that the retired couple wanted to turn over the business to a “young and ambitious couple who would serve the same people in the same manner as they had.”
“Once we started meeting people in the Industrial Park, we listened to their suggestions and have added variety to our menus, including daily specials,” said Angelika Stallmann.
“Everyone has been very supportive and polite to us,” added Ede.
Ede, originally from Hungary, was an exchange student in 1998 and worked on farms in this country until his visa expired.
“I went back to Hungary but I kept hearing from those I had worked for and they were asking me to return,” he said.
After completing his degree as an agricultural field engineer, he had to make a choice – stay in Hungary or immigrate to the United States.
“Angie and I were engaged and we had two months to plan our wedding,” he said, adding he had assistance from friends and family who helped them complete all of the paperwork necessary to relocate to Massachusetts in 2002.
“We were so thankful to everyone who helped us,” he added.
Through the years, Ede worked for a dairy and ice cream business, while Angelika started her own business, Angie’s Cleaning Service. The couple moved to Westfield in 2008.
Angelika, who worked at an organic bakery in Hungary, had one special dream – to own a small coffeehouse.
“But when I saw the food truck for sale, it was an awesome thing,” she said.
Ede noted they do not have a day off because there is always an opportunity in the evenings and weekends to be a part of special events in the area.
“We make an awesome team,” he said, adding they always have a smile on their face when they serve someone.
“People hear our accent and want to know where we are from and what we bring to this country,” he added.
One of Angelika’s specialties is the Hungarian goulash they serve.
“We also buy as much produce from local farmers as possible because then our food tastes better,” she said.
While Angelika is the driving force behind the food, Ede is by her side assisting.
“Angie does 90 percent of the cooking and I keep the engine and truck tuned,” he said.
On the afternoon of July 23 at the Westfield Farmers’ Market, the couple was offering a variety of sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as salads and specials including Tuna Salad on a bulky roll for $6, a Tuscan bow tie pasta salad for $4.50, a Turkey Melt for $6 and a cold cut grinder for $6.
"We bring you a variety of food prepared from scratch and cooked with love,” she said.
“We network with other food vendors so we know our portions are right and our prices are competitive,” he added.
In addition to their Monday through Thursday stint in the Industrial Park from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the couple can be found Thursdays at the Westfield Farmers' Market, as well as on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. on Elm Street near the Tobacco Barn.
“Sometimes when we pull up people are waiting in line,” he said with a huge smile on his face.
Eddie & Angie’s Food Engine is also a staple when there are events at Indian Motorcycle of Springfield on Southampton Road and during several horse shows throughout Western Massachusetts. They are also looking forward to being a vendor at the Aug. 20 Westfield MusicFest event featuring Bruce in the USA, a tribute band of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. The concert starts at 7 p.m. on the Westfield Park Square Green.
“We love to see people enjoy our food and encourage feedback,” said Angelika Stallmann.
For more information on their business, call 949-1704, or visit their Facebook page.
With the drive the Stallman’s have, the future looks bright for this delightful kitchen on wheels.
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