Smith has been cooking for more than 10 years. During his interview on “The Bay Blend<\/a>,” he said his passion for food began at an early age while watching his grandmother cook for his entire family.<\/p>\n \u201cShe cooked for all of us, so it’s beautiful to actually be out here cooking, because I know she’s living through me,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n Steve Smith is preparing the food on the Hibachi grill installed in his car trunk. <\/p>\n For Smith, the business represents more than serving food. He said it became a pathway to changing his life.<\/p>\n He recalled that a little more than a year ago, when he was first launching the business, he was living in a tent in his family’s backyard while working to get the concept off the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile I was doing it, I was still going to the clubs at night and making $500 to $1,000 a night, so that’s why within a month or two I was able to, you know, change my situation,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n Today, Smith said the income from the business allows him to support his four children while also giving back to the Tampa community where he grew up.<\/p>\n After going viral online for his unusual mobile “restaurant,” Smith has built a large community on Instagram<\/a> with over 15,000 followers and gained attention beyond Florida. According to Smith, the recognition has led to cooking opportunities in cities such as Atlanta and Dallas.<\/p>\n Despite taking Hoodbachi on the road and serving customers in different parts of the state, Smith said Tampa remains his favorite place to operate, particularly in Ybor City.<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially on the weekends. I stay out to possibly six in the morning,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThat’s when they, the people, are willing to pay whatever for it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bay Blend Podcast comes out every weekday. You get local headlines, and discover some culture and events around the Tampa Bay area in about 5 minutes. You can learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781170150_708_.jpeg\"\/)
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