Anik Derphilibossian is a Registered Nurse (RN), Armenian-born & raised in Lebanon, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 2021. She found herself missing the flavors and food of her homeland. With a love for cooking and encouragement from her fellow nurse and best friend Kara, Anik started sharing her culinary creations – first with friends and then with the wider community. Thus marked the beginning of Anik’s business, Dreamer Foods. It started as a pop-up restaurant operating one day a week at a shared location, and within months, the public fell in love with her Armenian and Lebanese dishes.
Eager to establish a more permanent presence on the Bangor Waterfront, Anik envisioned owning a food truck. Following a recommendation from Bangor Savings Bank, Anik sought assistance from the Maine SBDC to develop a comprehensive business plan with financial projections for her venture.
With guidance from Associate Center Director & Business Advisor Ali Lane, Anik navigated the complexities of opening a business and secured funding for the purchase, buildout, and marketing of the Dreamer Food truck. Supported by Ali’s expertise and marketing Webinars, Anik successfully prepared her food truck for inspection and launch, establishing a strong presence on social media to pave the way for a promising future in the culinary scene.
Anik comments, “I cannot thank Alison enough for the work she did for my business. When I arrived at her office, I had no idea what I was doing, and she guided me in every step of the way. I am forever grateful.”
The Dreamer Food truck made its debut on the Bangor Waterfront in May 2024. Now, as one of the three new trucks on the Waterfront in 2024, Anik’s culinary vision continues to flourish, promising delightful experiences for food enthusiasts across the community. Anik continues to look toward the future and has additional plans for the expansion of her business with opportunities such as catering services and the production of market-ready products.