In 2014 André Newman visited Davia Moore, a childhood friend, in Hawaii. She took him to the local Açaí food truck, and an idea was born. After his return to the Sonoran desert he started working on his concept and soon the Big Purple Truck could be seen driving the streets of Tucson.
Açaí contains more antioxidants and flavonoids than all the other berries combined. If you avoid adding tons of sugar to your serving, it helps stimulate the immune system, reduces swelling, and assists in lowering blood pressure.
Tucson loved the Purple Tree Truck. When it was parked at farmers markets, community gatherings, or on the side of the road, people lined up.
When André passed unexpectedly in 2020, the community was left in shock. The truck sat dark and quiet on an empty desert lot. Students and hikers alike missed the welcoming presence. A small memorial started collecting memories of André at Tumamoc.
But not for long.
The legacy of serving tasty and healthy food with kindness that Newman left behind was one that Davia and her husband Peter wanted to protect.
In early 2023 Newman's closest friends and supporters joined Davia and Peter in a small but meaningful ceremony of renewal and hope. The Purple Truck was back, and patiently started to rebuild.
