When aspiring pizza entrepreneurs think of launching their own business, France might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, for Ben Gray, there was no better place to buy a trailer and start building what would soon become a beloved fixture of Sefton Park in Liverpool.
A Scouse Connection and a Unique Start
Ben, 32, grew up in Hinckley, Leicestershire, but is quick to point out his Scouse roots. His father is originally from Liverpool, giving him a strong connection to the city he now calls home. Ben is the owner of Scotta Bocca, a neat olive green trailer that fills the Croxteth Drive area of Sefton Park with aromas of cheese, tomato, and freshly baked dough.
Although he had no entrepreneurial experience before the trailer launched in 2022, his background in kitchens and accounting proved useful in hitting the ground running. Ben told the ECHO: "The idea first started around five years ago. I worked in restaurants when I was younger, I went to university and then worked as an accountant for a few years. My accounting background helped me understand the business side of things, but the original idea for the trailer was really about doing something more fun and mobile. I wanted to take food to festivals and events rather than being tied to one location."
Finding the Perfect Van in France
In 2021, Ben set about finding the perfect premises for his business, which turned out to be a Peugeot J7 that started life in 1979 as a French butcher's van. He added: "I found the van online through a contact in France. A mechanic there sources them and does them up. When I bought it, it was basically just a shell." The van cost around £7,000, not including the preparation tools and equipment needed to get the food out of the oven. After several months of hard work, Scotta Bocca officially opened in February 2022.
Ben recalled: "It took several months to get everything ready because there was a lot of work. I even had engine trouble and broke down on the motorway on the way to an event. Things were fairly quiet at the start but it was about getting your name out there. We began with markets, farmers' markets and the likes of University Square in town. It was a good way to get our name out because there were always people passing through."
Seasonal Business and Growth
Having a trailer rather than a fixed location like a seated restaurant brings a mix of positives and negatives. The winter months are colder and lack trade, but it allows Ben to move freely to whichever location he deems best for the day. Conversely, summer is booming and Scotta Bocca's busiest period without moving an inch from Sefton Park.
He said: "The colder months can be tricky because there are fewer people out and about. We tend to be busier in the evenings so open later. Summer is completely different. During a heatwave, the fields are packed with people so there's a big contrast. It's definitely a seasonal business to a degree, but I love being in Sefton Park. It's a great spot and a really nice place to work. We've become much busier over the last four years, and especially over the last year we've become more of a regular fixture here."
With four years of operations under his belt, it's only within the past year that Ben has been able to go from a one-man pizza army to recruiting proper staff. He said: "Up until recently, I mainly relied on friends and family to help out at bigger events. This year we've brought in a few staff members to help us in the park, particularly during the busier evenings."
Future Plans
Scotta Bocca is, for now, happy existing as a beloved trailer business, but the idea of opening a restaurant at some point in the future is tempting. Ben said: "Having a permanent location is always attractive, but at the same time I really value the flexibility that comes with the van and being able to do different events. If things keep going well, we'll see what happens in the future."
