Mr. James Bennett, the owner of Jimmy’s Catering, the food truck stationed in the faculty parking lot in the early mornings at Boston Latin School, is recognized for his essential role in selling food to students and teachers alike.

Mr. Bennett initially started selling food at BLS in 1985, when he inherited the food truck from its original and now retired owner of the food truck.

“I had left college and wasn’t working when my brother introduced me to a friend of his who had trucks. I liked it, so I started working for him and two other people, eventually to go on my own when I was 21,” elaborates Mr. Bennett.

Since then, the truck has been an integral part of BLS culture. The food truck is not only a way of delivering delicious food to students; it is also helpful to students who are unable to get food otherwise.

Samuel Pierre (VI) explains, “I buy things from the food truck due to me sometimes not being able to get something to eat for lunch.”

In his food truck, Mr. Bennett sells a variety of food, including sandwiches, sausages and pizza. He also provides drinks, chips and desserts.

Many students enjoy the food that he sells, including Pierre, who adds, “It’s a good place to get something to eat if you’re hungry or are in a hurry.”

 Initially, the food truck was parked at the back of the School, which made it difficult for students to access it. Mr. Bennett explains, “I used to park on the street in the back of the School in the early days, but have moved to the front because the truck that used to park there did not come back after COVID-19.”

Besides running his food truck, Mr. Bennett also enjoys watching movies, listening to music and playing golf in his free time. His favorite movies are Rocky, Cinderella Man and Elf. He is also a fan of classic songs, such as “Mac the Knife” and “My Way.” 

Ultimately, Mr. Bennett’s diligent work ensures that BLS students are able to eat, and he is committed to his job and motivated to serve students at BLS for many years to come. Mr. Bennett, acknowledging his food truck’s significant role, concludes, “I like it because it’s a people business. I am fortunate to work for myself, and money is always a good deciding factor whether to stay or go.”