Chef Amore Brings Scratch-Made Italian Flavor to Blair

Blair – For Doug and Janelle Taylor, launching Chef Amore wasn’t just about starting a business — it was about finally bringing a long-time dream to life.

“It’s been a goal for a long time,” Doug says. “I’ve worked for a lot of chefs and a lot of restaurants. I always wanted to make my own recipes and offer food to the public the way I believe it should be done, no shortcuts, no cutting corners.”

In August 2022, that dream rolled into reality with Chef Amore, an Italian food truck based in Blair, Nebraska. Doug serves as the head chef, preparing everything from scratch, while Janelle manages bookings, contracts, marketing, and business operations. Together, they combine culinary craftsmanship with entrepreneurial drive.

“We’re a perfect match,” Janelle says. “God knew what He was doing when He put us together.”

Doug personally designed their custom-built trailer, working with a builder in Lincoln to create a layout that maximizes efficiency and food quality. Health inspectors and fellow vendors frequently compliment the thoughtful design, built by a chef, for a chef.

Chef Amore’s signature dish? Chicken Parmesan.

“It’s what really got us started,” Janelle says. “Once people tried it, they kept asking where they could get it again.”

Although their trailer was delayed, pushing their launch to late summer 2022 instead of spring, the Taylors used the extra time to prepare. Their first full operating season came in 2023, and since then, business has steadily grown.

In addition to operating the food truck, Chef Amore provides year-round catering. They are expanding with a custom-built catering cart featuring specialty offerings such as brownie bars, cannoli bars, charcuterie boards, and Italian soda stations — ideal for weddings, showers, and private events.

“We’re always thinking about what’s next,” Doug says. “As long as my body can handle the food truck, we’ll keep going, and maybe one day we’ll open a wedding venue.”

Before launching Chef Amore, the Taylors worked with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) to develop their business plan and evaluate financial projections and market data.

Kiley Phelps, Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Associate State Director, has worked with the Taylors from the very beginning. “What makes Chef Amore special is the heart behind it. This business was not a trend or a side project; it was the fulfillment of a long-time dream. Doug and Janelle are committed to quality, and their passion translates into strong growth,” she said.

“The biggest thing was the business plan,” Janelle says. “The statistics — what people spend dining out, trends in our area — that helped us feel confident moving forward.”

Doug adds, “When we didn’t know what to do, Kiley explained everything clearly. She made it simple and manageable.”

The transition to full self-employment has been both challenging and rewarding. After Janelle’s project manager position was eliminated in late 2025, she shifted her focus entirely to Chef Amore. She has since increased bookings and expanded their reach across the region.

“It’s the most challenging and rewarding thing we’ve ever done,” she says. “Now we’re working for ourselves, and for something we truly believe in.”

Faith and family are central to their journey. Their son, Liem; Doug’s parents, Rik and Jeannie Taylor; siblings; and extended family regularly help operate the truck at events, making Chef Amore a true family-run business.

“If we could give ourselves advice on day one,” Janelle says, “it would be to start sooner.”

What began as a long-term goal is now a growing, thriving business. And the Taylors remain focused on quality, consistency, and serving their community — one scratch-made dish at a time.