Shark City Treats LLC: Building a Black-Owned Food Brand on Pressure, Patience, and Persistence
In Kansas, where consistency matters more than hype, Shark City Treats LLC has carved out its lane through execution, discipline, and intent. Founded by entrepreneur and creative William “Michael” Robinson, the Black-owned food truck is not just serving fast, bold food it’s building a scalable business rooted in ownership and long-term vision.
What began as an idea born from recognizing a gap in the market has evolved into a high-demand lunch destination supported by repeat customers and steady local backing. For Robinson, the journey from concept to operation required more than passion it required faith.
“I knew I could create food that was fast, bold, and consistent,” Robinson explains. “But turning the idea into a real business took faith. There were moments of doubt, but I stayed locked in, learned the business side, and kept pushing until the truck was real and operating.”
Navigating Access and Doubt as a Black-Owned Business
Operating as a Black-owned business in Kansas came with early challenges, particularly around access to funding, support, and opportunity. Robinson recalls that skepticism often came before the first bite.
“There were times people doubted the brand before even tasting the food,” he says. “I overcame that by showing up daily, staying consistent, and letting results speak louder than opinions.”
That consistency has become the foundation of Shark City Treats’ reputation. During high-volume lunch rushes, customers know exactly what they’re pulling up for quality food delivered quickly, without compromise.
A Menu Built for Speed Without Shortcuts
Unlike food trucks that overextend their offerings, Shark City Treats operates with intention. The menu is deliberately tight, designed for fast execution while maintaining flavor and quality.
“Everything is designed for quick turnaround without cutting corners,” Robinson explains. “If it can’t be done right and fast, it doesn’t make the menu.”
That operational discipline has allowed Shark City Treats to handle heavy lunch traffic while respecting customers’ time a key factor behind its growing base of repeat customers.
Branding With Intent, Not Temporarily
From the start, Robinson treated Shark City Treats as a real business not a temporary hustle. Branding wasn’t an afterthought; it was a signal.
“Branding shows intent, and intent builds trust,” he says. “I wanted people to see a real business, not just a food truck.”
That mindset is reflected in everything from the truck’s visual identity to its structured operations. Shark City Treats was built to last.
Ownership, Discipline, and Community Impact
For Robinson, ownership comes with pressure and accountability.
“When it’s yours, excuses don’t work,” he says. “Discipline matters more than motivation, especially on the tough days.”
Beyond food, Shark City Treats serves as a visible example of what’s possible within the local community. Sometimes, Robinson notes, impact starts simply by existing and remaining consistent.
“Being a consistent Black-owned business in the community matters,” he says. “Sometimes visibility alone creates impact.”
A Strategic Vision for Growth
While demand continues to grow, Robinson is deliberate about expansion. His long-term vision includes additional trucks, catering, and eventually a brick-and-mortar location but only when the foundation is solid.
“Growth will be strategic, not rushed,” he emphasizes.
Shark City Treats is also part of a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem Robinson is building focused on ownership, sustainability, and long-term income rather than short-term wins.
Looking Ahead
Five years from now, Robinson wants Shark City Treats to represent resilience and growth proof that consistency can transform an idea into a real, operating business.
“Even with doubt and setbacks, consistency can turn an idea into something real,” he says.
As Shark City Treats continues to expand its footprint across Kansas, it stands as a modern example of Black entrepreneurship driven by execution, discipline, and vision one plate at a time.
Shark City Treats LLC isn’t just feeding customers. It’s building proof.