Mr. V’s History

Jon Verno got his start in street vending in the winter of 1995. While trying to make a go of a career in broadcasting, he leased a vending cart to supplement his income. The following spring, Verno set up on his own. He opened his first cart on the corner of Goodman Street and Monroe Avenue across from the old Paradise Alley bar. Fifteen years later, Verno sent out two carts on the weekends – one to his original location, and another to the patio behind Prepp’s Bar on Park Avenue – and devotes a significant amount of time to catering and festivals. He recently added new lunchtime locations at Strong Hospital. You can find Mr V during lunchtimes at Strong Hospital. If anyone is a natural for this business, it’s Verno. Jon’s philosophy is not about gaining a three dollar sale, but about establishing a relationship. Mr. V’s operation takes things to a different level in the food business. He prepares every sandwich as if he was preparing it to eat himself. For him, Mr. V’s is a “lifestyle” he wouldn’t willingly give up, even when the weather turns foul. After 25 years, Mr V has retired from late night food carts, but continues to do event catering. Mr. V’s unquestionably is the champagne of street meat.