Poor Betty’s: From Festival Favorite to Food Truck Expansion

Initially, when Jess and Danny Sunseri started Poor Betty’s during the pandemic, they thought it would be a side gig. Jess bartended, Danny captained charters — they just wanted to bring po’ boys to Valdez. But the idea took off fast. Today, their truck is a staple in town and a year-round operation built on grit, flavor, and the loyalty of one very good dog.

On July 30, Poor Betty’s is being featured as part of the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) National Media Spotlight Tour.  The Alaska Women’s Business Center was selected as one of just five centers nationwide for its work in rural communities like Valdez.

A Dog Named Betty and a Dream

The idea for Poor Betty’s came from a gap Jess and Danny noticed in the local food scene. A food truck was rarely open, and the town was hungry for something more. They took a chance, bought the truck, and built a menu around Danny’s Louisiana roots, blending it with Alaska’s seafood. Even the name came naturally.

“We were driving back from Anchorage and looked at our dog in the backseat,” Jess recalled. “She looked so sad, and I said, ‘Oh man, poor Betty.’ And that was it — Poor Betty’s Po’ Boys.”

Above all, their commitment to quality shows up in the details. They get fresh bread from a baker in Anchorage, delivered weekly by a local company. “We’re really particular about our products,” Jess said.

Serving Through the Cold

Nevertheless, operating a food truck in Valdez isn’t easy — especially in the winter. Jess and Danny have gone to great lengths to keep things running, even in subzero temperatures. “All the warm air gets pulled out by the hood vent, and it’s just brutally cold,” Jess said. “We were putting hand warmers in our shoes just to get through it.”

However, the demand was there, despite the challenges. “People just wanted us to be open,” Jess said. “So we kept going.”

That drive has led to major growth. A brand-new, winter-ready food truck is arriving this August, and Jess and Danny plan to repurpose the original truck for a second concept down the line. The new build will help them expand delivery options and keep staff safer and more comfortable year-round.

More Than a Business

Poor Betty’s isn’t just a food truck — it’s a local employer. Jess shared that some of their team members have been able to buy their first cars or save up for personal goals thanks to the work.

“I’m really proud that we’ve been able to create good jobs for good people,” she said. “That means a lot to us.”

Alongside Poor Betty’s, Jess and Danny also run Mac It Up AK, a separate concept focused on gourmet mac and cheese. The concept is currently being run out of a 10×10 tent and is limited to festivals and pop-ups. In the future, Jess and Danny hope to build out a dedicated truck.

You can catch Mac It Up AK at:

• Salmonfest – August 1–3

• Valdez Oktoberfest – September 19–20

Support That Matters

Early on, the couple connected with the Alaska Women’s Business Center (AWBC), hosted by Business Impact NW, during their early days. They’ve worked closely with advisor Carrie Jean, who helped them develop plans and stay focused.

“She’s like our business therapist,” Jess laughed. “I’ll bring her all my ideas and she helps me sort through them. Just knowing someone’s in your corner makes a huge difference.”

That support helped Jess and Danny secure a new SBA loan to fund their next food truck, one more step toward building something lasting in a tough environment.

A Moment of Recognition

Being selected for the National Media Spotlight Tour feels like validation for all the hard work.

“It’s such an honor,” Jess said. “It shows that the struggle and everything we’ve pushed through — that it mattered.”

Looking ahead, Jess says they’re still growing both businesses, planning their next concept, and continuing to do what they love: feeding their community, one sandwich (or blowtorched mac bowl) at a time.