When Justin Cho, 36, returned to his hometown of Dumont, New Jersey, with dreams of launching a food truck, his market analysis revealed a scene that felt stale and often gimmicky. , Cho struggled to find a unique space in the already oversaturated market. All of that changed when a 1982 Western Star 4900 animal rendering truck came onto the market.
Cho spent the better part of last year converting the vehicle into his booming funnel cake food truck, Funnel of Love.
“My vision was clear from the beginning — honor the region’s history of hauling and annihilating animal carcasses while serving up some delicious confectionery, with a trace of animal flavor.”
For Cho, the connection runs deep.
“My uncle was under contract with Barnum and Bailey for years. When Derby the Elephant had a pulmonary embolism in Des Moines, it was Uncle Clint who obliterated the corpse and brought it back east.”
On any given weekend, lines will form all around the truck’s still-functioning hydraulic carcass lift. Patrons stand beside unmarked brown steel walls under signs reading NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. Sheri Kamalski and her family make Funnel of Love a regular stop.
“We can’t get enough. My kids love the toppings station inside the airtight biohazard chamber. Last week, we even found an old hoof!”
Funnel of Love staff find the vehicle utilitarian.
“I’ve spent the last 25 years in kitchens up and down the East Coast, and this is by far the most functional. I mean, look at this,” says Jordan Moore as he pours used grease down a floor drain labeled LIQUEFIED REMAINS.
As Funnel of Love thrives, Cho has no plans of slowing down.Cho’s model has had a ripple effect. After inspiring renowned Boston chef Matt Kamalsky to convert an unlicensed mobile blood bank into his lucrative gourmet hot dog truck, Big City Weiner, the two decided to pair up and are currently working on a project set to soft launch in fall 2026. The details of the project are still tucked away, but Cho confirmed rumors that it will involve a decommissioned military chemical transport vehicle.