Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Theo Okuribido

Theo Okuribido shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Theo, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building is the foundation behind the business — the family bond, values, and traditions that don’t show up on social media or menus. FryDay isn’t just about food; it’s about creating something that my family can stand on for generations.

Behind the scenes, I’m intentionally building a culture rooted in love, faith, respect, hard work, and service. I want my children to grow up seeing what commitment looks like, how to treat people, and what it means to show up even when things are hard. The late nights, sacrifices, and lessons learned together are shaping something far bigger than a food truck — they’re shaping a legacy.

If FryDay is remembered for anything, I hope it’s that it represented family, purpose, and values that were passed down, not just profits that were counted.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Theo Okuribido, and I’m the founder, CEO, and fry cook of FryDay Food Truck, a family-owned gourmet food truck based in Los Angeles. FryDay started as a passion project rooted in my love for food, people, and community, but it’s grown into something much bigger. We specialize in loaded fries with bold, creative flavors, but what truly sets us apart is the experience we create — fun, welcoming, and centered around connection.

Before starting FryDay, I spent over a decade in food service operations, managing large-scale kitchens and teams. That experience shaped my obsession with great service, efficient operations, and consistency. When I launched FryDay, I wanted to blend that professional foundation with heart — building a brand that feels like family, shows up for the community, and delivers unforgettable moments, not just meals.

FryDay is deeply tied to the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles at large. We partner with schools, youth sports programs, festivals, and organizations, and we’ve had the honor of working with institutions like the LA Dodgers and UCLA. At its core, FryDay represents resilience, joy, and culture — it’s about feeding people well while building something meaningful that my family and community can be proud of.

What we’re working on now is growth with purpose — expanding our reach, strengthening our team, and laying the groundwork to take FryDay from a beloved food truck into a lasting brand that continues to bring people together for years to come.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. It’s the foundation of how I navigate life, leadership, and purpose. Through faith, I’ve learned to see myself not just through success or setbacks, but through identity — who I am, why I’m here, and how I’m called to serve others.

My relationship with God has taught me humility in moments of growth and strength during seasons of uncertainty. Building a business comes with pressure, risk, and constant decision-making, and faith has been my anchor — reminding me to trust the process, stay patient, and lead with integrity even when the path isn’t clear.

It’s also shaped how I show up as a husband, father, and leader. I try to lead with grace, compassion, and accountability, knowing that everything I’m building — from FryDay to my family — is bigger than me. That perspective keeps me grounded, focused, and committed to creating something that honors both my values and the people around me.

Ultimately, my relationship with God has helped me see myself not just as an entrepreneur, but as a steward of what I’ve been given — time, talent, and opportunity — and that understanding influences every part of my life.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes, without question. My mother has always truly listened to me, and that has shaped who I am more than I can put into words. She’s been my biggest supporter in life — someone who doesn’t just hear me, but really listens with intention, patience, and love.

There have been many moments when I was unsure of my next move, overwhelmed by responsibility, or wrestling with tough decisions. My mother never rushed me or dismissed how I felt. She listened first, asked thoughtful questions, and then offered guidance rooted in wisdom and care. Sometimes she gave advice, sometimes reassurance, and sometimes just the space to think out loud — all of which were equally powerful.

Knowing I was truly heard gave me confidence. It taught me the value of listening to others the same way — whether it’s my family, my team, or my customers. Her ability to listen without judgment and lead with compassion is something I try to carry into every part of my life and business.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that family truly matters most to me — and right alongside that is bringing people together. Whether it’s a celebration, a shared meal, music playing in the background, or just a simple gathering, I care deeply about creating moments where people feel connected.

They’d tell you I’m happiest when everyone is together, laughing, eating, and enjoying the moment. I believe life is meant to be shared, and I try to build spaces — through my home, my friendships, and my business — where people feel welcomed and included.

That mindset shows up in everything I do, especially with FryDay. At its core, the food truck isn’t just about fries; it’s about creating an experience that brings people together, turns strangers into friends, and makes memories that last long after the food is gone.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family on a trip, completely unplugged. No phones, no devices, no distractions — just time together. Those moments, away from the noise and pace of everyday life, remind me what truly matters.

Being present with my family, sharing laughs, exploring new places, and simply enjoying each other’s company brings a deep sense of peace and clarity. It’s where I can breathe, reset, and feel grounded. Those moments fuel me — they’re the reminder of why I work so hard and what I’m building toward in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frydayeats.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fryday.eats/
• Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/fryday.eats/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FryDayEats/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FryDayEats