When life gives you lemons, start a lemonade truck.

At least that’s what Anthony Rammuny thought his junior year of high school at Sylvania Northview High School in 2021.

“I was sitting in business class … and we had to make a restaurant,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh can I do a food [lemonade] truck?’”

Anthony first had this idea when his family went to Florida for his older sister, Riley, who had a college cheer competition there. 

During the visit, he saw the lines of food trucks surrounded by crowds of people, and one truck was just serving lemonade. He said he began to think of the potential of having a similar business of his own in Toledo.

The now sophomore in college at the University of Toledo added that he didn’t exactly know what he wanted to do after high school graduation, but after having conversations with his father, Omar, they brought the idea of a lemonade truck to life in the summer of 2023.

Getting its start

After roughly a year of service, The Squeeze lemonade has grown from Anthony’s school project to attending local events — and hosting private catering — throughout the city.

Its lemonade offerings are kept classic with lemon sugar, water, and ice as the shakeup’s key ingredients, Anthony shared, adding that some more unique flavors are available as well like strawberry, watermelon, and blue raspberry.

Its food truck design has a pale yellow shade all over, with slices of lemons surrounding The Squeeze’s logo that his mother, Janna, designed, with a sunglasses-wearing lemon as the center of the sketch.

Two special graphics are on the truck as well — one to represent the late Toledo police officer, Anthony Dia. For every blue drink sold, small proceeds are donated to the Lucas County Pit Crew.

The “K” on the side of the truck is for their family friend Kelsey Cousino, who had a heart problem. For every pink lemonade sold, the Rammuny’s donate to the Race for the Kids in Erie to support families in similar situations. 

“Those are two things very important to us,” Omar shared. “We give back to that.” 

Learning the business has been both challenging and rewarding, Anthony noted, knowing that none of this would be made possible without help from the ones around him.

“It’s a family business. I started it, this is my co-owner here,” the 19-year-old said in an interview, smiling over at his younger brother, Zaine. “My dad helps me a lot with scheduling events and booking people. … My mom definitely helps with all the taxes, paperwork … she’s basically the accountant.”

Omar said he’s recognized how much this business has taught both himself and Anthony and Zaine, adding that as a family, they've learned a lot because of each other.

“They’ve taught me a million things,” Omar said about his sons. “We've learned a lot about taxes. … The perks of owning a business, the downsides of owning a business, [and] how to talk to people.”

More than lemonade

Although the family of five may “butt heads” from time to time, the start of the lemonade truck has been a bonding — and learning — experience for the team as well.

Omar added that he’s grateful Anthony and Zaine are naturals when it comes to holding conversations, and enjoy doing so, which is key in this business.

“It's definitely taught me a lot of discipline, and a lot of social skills,” said Zaine, who is 14-years-old. “You know, [talking to] the customers [and] the food truck next door.”

Alongside customer service, Anthony said the business has fueled his competitive mindset at times.

When it comes to the food business, this way of thinking has been an advantage since he strives to serve at all the events he can.

A few months back, Anthony said there were four other lemonade trucks at an event, but that didn’t turn him away — even if that didn’t bode for the most profit.

“There was a lot of competition. … We took our losses,” he shared. “It was a nice event. It was a great turnout. … Was it a business loss? Sure. But like I said, you know the opportunity.”

Zaine has taken a page from Anthony's book, agreeing that showing up at any event is good for the business.

“It’s almost like basketball,” he explained. “You know, you missed a shot. You’ve got to focus on the next one. So, if you get a bad event, you just have to focus on the next one.”

Any opportunity — whether it's at midnight or in the early afternoon — is what Squeeze Lemonade is looking for, Anthony said, hoping that his family business has quite the busy future.

“In a few years, we hope to have three [or] four trucks,” he continued. “For the people of the Toledo community and even surrounding areas.”

The Rammunys hope to be driving their yellow-painted truck around Toledo all summer long. For upcoming event listings and to inquire about private catering, visit the company’s Facebook or Instagram pages.

Contact Maddie Coppel at: mcoppel@theblade.com.

First Published June 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m.