Meet the ‘kings’ who bring candy and smiles wherever they go – Greeley Tribune

Angela King prepares for the rodeo crowd at the Emergency Mini Treats food truck at the Greeley Stampede on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)

In the event of a food emergency, participants at this year’s Greeley Stampede can count on EMTs.

Ryan and Angela King, along with their four children, will become Stampede food vendors for the first time with Emergency Mini Treats, or “EMTs,” a family-owned, first responder-owned food truck based in the Fort Lupton area.

About three years ago, the Kings thought about how to expand their finances to do more interesting things with their four children. In addition to their full-time jobs, Angela, an accountant, and Ryan, a first responder, obtained a business license to start selling popcorn from a tent in their backyard.

The side business, initially called King’s Kettle Corn, moved from their home to the community for holiday events and festivities, like pumpkin patches. The Kings then added their signature item to the menu: mini donuts.

In October, Ryan and Angela found a “mobile” forever home for their business: a refurbished heavy-duty emergency fire truck from Minnesota. As a first responder-owned business that sells mini treats and travels to events in a fire truck, it’s called “Emergency Mini Treats.”

Customers can expect a wide selection of “emergency and comfort treats” on the EMT menu, including popcorn, donuts, hot dogs, nachos, snow cones, beard to dad and much more, according to Angela.

Showing some love to first responders

The food truck’s popularity has skyrocketed since the Kings opened their doors. The Kings were regularly asked to host public and private events such as fairs, farms and flea markets throughout Weld County.

Angela said this shows people want to support first responders because all first responders and military members, past and active, receive a 15% discount on any purchase. The food truck is less about eating sugary treats and more about sharing an important message: spreading kindness to the people who serve the community.

“We get so much support from everyone,” Angela said. “It’s really great to see the public come out and say, ‘Thank you for doing this and showing this appreciation for our first responders.’ » »

The fire truck flies a flag that informs who is considered a first responder, whether someone works as a firefighter, police officer, nurse or dispatcher.

As a family of first responders, the Kings have all seen and felt the strain that comes with the job. EMTs have become an outlet for the Kings, bringing happiness to the entire family. The company has also helped the Kings spread joy to other families and individuals who experience the consequences of being a first responder.

The paramedics never stop

Earlier this year, Angela quit her job as an accountant to focus on running the business with her family. In addition to supporting first responders, paramedics have allowed her and Ryan to teach their children essential entrepreneurship skills.

“Our goal here is to be an inspiration to our kids and to the community,” Angela said. “I think everyone can be kind. We just want to remind everyone to be kind. The police, the firefighters… they’re all doing their jobs, so thank them and be kind to everyone you come across.”

The Kings look forward to the opportunity to feed and meet people at the Stampede, Angela said, calling the competitive process of becoming a vendor at the beloved event an honor. Attendees can see the paramedics under the Stampede’s north stands until July 7.

After the Stampede, the Kings expect to be sold out and busy through November. Locals can catch the Kings at other upcoming events, including the Weld County Fair, Anderson Farms’ sunflower pick-your-own and more.

The family plans to soon create a program where customers can donate to feed first responders. Angela wants to use the funds to feed an agency, such as a fire department, police department or dispatch center, as an additional way to thank the community for its service.

“Our motto is to bring candy and smiles wherever we go,” she said. “It’s truly our family’s way of serving our community with kindness.”

To keep up to date with the paramedics’ activities, follow their Facebook page, facebook.com/p/Emergency-Mini-Treats.