‘Keep pushing forward’: Food truck owner grateful for second chance

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (WPRI) — Leni’s Catch is more than just a food truck.

The food truck, which is parked near Southcoast Pickleball on David Drown Boulevard, also sells homemade ice cream and sits next to an 18-hole mini golf course, appropriately named Leni’s Licks and Links.

Leni’s Catch is the brainchild of Liam Saunders, who told NewsNation affiliate WPRI the name of his food truck hits close to home.

“Leni is actually my dog,” Saunders said. “She’s a 4-year-old goldendoodle. She’s the boss and she runs this place when she’s here.”

The New Bedford native said it was the thought of financial freedom that enticed him to start his own business.

“I’m just pushing every single day for my family and that’s what it’s all about,” Saunders explained. “I want to show my son what it’s like to work hard and choose your own path.”

And just like his food truck, there’s more to Saunders than meets the eye.

Saunders’ dream of owning his own business was almost derailed nearly two years ago when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

It was an impromptu visit to his grandmother’s house that would end up saving his life.

“I was telling her about a discomfort that I was having and she told me to get it checked out,” Saunders recalled. “Then a couple of hours later I found out I had cancer.”

Saunders underwent several surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free two years ago.

“I had a really good support system of family and friends pushing me along the way,” he said.

Saunders told WPRI his diagnosis made him look at life much differently.

“I decided to take this on full time and control my own destiny,” Saunders said. “Life is never going to be easy and you never know what might happen … but there are always good days ahead.”

Saunders is grateful for the second chance and hopes that, even if he’s just making someone a delicious burger or sandwich, he can “change the trajectory of their day.”

“I want them to feel glad they came by,” he said. “That’s my main goal.”

Saunders likes to think of his business as a “family oasis” where everyone can come together for a round of mini golf, some good eats and a sweet treat.

Leni’s Catch is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m. and offers a variety of fresh seafood, smash burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken and small bites.

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