Being Bad Never Tasted So Good

Kevin Tortorella’s Boston Baddest Burger and Maine-ly Lobstah food truck catered the home football game against Ashland High School on Friday, October 25.  

High school football games are nothing out of the ordinary for Tortorella. “I’ve done it before and it’s another exciting event as long as we make sure that the folks are happy, right?” he said as he wrote the menu on the whiteboard outside the truck. Students and parents could smell the burgers cooking inside, and customers lined up as they were drawn to the smell.

The Norwood-based company has received lots of attention after its service was requested at a wedding in Newport several weeks ago. The bride had a familiar face, and when he arrived on the scene he realized he would be catering Jennifer Lawrence’s wedding afterparty. Despite this, he claims that there has been no increase in business, but there has been an increase in certain events. “There’s only so many hours in a day, and I’m always busy, and yes, I’ve gotten petitions for a whole bunch of weddings instantly,” he said.

Tortorella says the experience “was very unique in the fact that, I’m sure you’ve heard that all over the news, I didn't know where I was going, I didn’t know who the guest was, and once I got there, it was a really cool experience, because everybody is just people, right? They were really cool, and they were really gracious, and they were kind, and we made sure they got really good food.” 

The business has been around for about seven years. “I built the Boston’s Baddest Burger brand in 2012, and I built the Maine-ly Lobstah brand in 2014,” says Tortorella. 

Each side of the business has its most popular item. Tortorella says that that item “on the Boston’s Baddest Burger side is the Baddest Burger.” It’s a customizable double-patty burger which allows you to pick your cheese, spread, and vegetables. You can also add bacon for $2. If meat isn’t your thing, Tortorella has been told he has the best vegan patties around.

There was a line at the red and black truck the entire game, and he stayed after to serve the football players. 

Although the business is native to Norwood, Tortorella has had the opportunity to travel around New England in the truck. “I’ve been ten miles outside of New York City, and I’ve been to Bangor, Maine.”

Tortorella says his favorite parts of the business are “the diversity, being outside all the time, and meeting new people.” 

15% of the money raised from the truck will go to the NHS Athletic Boosters.