@JoelECarlson: Hello everybody! Welcome to the last #TCFoodTruckWeek guest for TwitterReviews, it’s @chefshack1! Carrie Summer will be Tweeting.
Q – #1 To start off Carrie, how and when did you and Lisa connect to develop @ChefShack1?
Carrie: Lisa & I met 10 years ago when she hired me as her sous-chef on a restaurant project here in Mpls.
we started @chefshack1 on a table top in 2007 @MCFarmersMkt
Q – #2 What was the plan or concept that you and Lisa first came up with for @chefshack1? How did it grow to several trucks?
Carrie: ..well it all started with the Indian spiced mini-donuts.. Brenda Langton from @spoonriver1 asked us to create a concept
..for the new @MCFarmersMkt ..and as a pastry chef that I am , I was passionate about doing a really great donut
..chef Lisa then also started with her signature hierloom tomato/watermelon gazpacho. That was 2007
..after that first year it was just gangbusters..then we started looking for a trailer and bought chefshack1
..the following two trucks were acquired in 2009 locally. Now we work @chefshack1 full time May-Oct.
…our goal was to create really seasonal, tasty and organic streetfood to the public at fair prices
Q – #3 Great! In addition to the 2 items that you mentioned, what are some of the other regular options on your menus?
Carrie: ..we do bison burgers w/ fixins’ , that soft-shell crab sandie, pulled pork nacho, beef tongue taco, grass-fed hot dogs
..our signature donuts, chocolate mousse, creme brûlée, farm ice creams, charcuterie, Farm salads, duck specialties
..we really concentrate on cooking within the seasons and of course #organic whenever possible and within MN & Wi..
..our menus are always changing, at any given time we are fortunate enough to have many farmers bringing us .
..spectacular ingredients. All Local !!! Sustainable & #organic ..#knowyourfarmer
Q – #4 High quality menu choices with local ingredients is important to both you and Lisa. Why not a Greasy Spoon instead?
Carrie: ..integrity is paramount to us. Yes, great ingredient cost a lot, but it’s important to us…
..I think that’s why people like our food so much , because of our ingredients..it’s all so fresh !.
..we decided on opening the trucks/trailer ..as it was more affordable for us at the time. And so we could travel
..in the winter months to refresh and to experience different cuisines around the world..
Q – #5 Integrity is a good thing! :) With having a few trucks, how big is your staff/crew that works with you and Lisa?
Carrie: ..it fluctuates as it’s seasonal. A few! Lisa & I really try to do all the cooking ourselves, she on savory & I do the sweets
All 3 units are usually not out at once. The trailer goes to @MCFarmersMkt @kingfieldmarket,Red goes to #foodtruckcourt
..lil’ Donut truck is finicky cuz she’s an oldie and we have her out here and there. She just got out of the shop..
..so she’ll be back on the streets next week!it’s a full time job just keeping all the fleet (including 2 catering vans)
..on the road w/ maintenance, fuel, washing, propane etc..
Q – #6 I see that! With you being at the beginning of the food-truck introduction to MN, do people approach you for advice?
Carrie: ..yes, consistently. Via e.mail, calls or just on the street. #jectv ..looking for advice
Q – #7 If someone has a restaurant or cafe idea, would you suggest a food-truck as a good way to test the market for interest?
Carrie: ..yes, absolutely. It’s less over-head =less risk. But do not miss-understand , it’s still rather costly.
..I am just parking a truck now , after service :)
Q – #7 Any plans for additions to the menu(s) that you care to share? Any additional expansion plans in the works?
Carrie: ..new curries, and a few new sandwiches are on deck, and we plan on introducing some new desserts too!
..with 3 units, it’s enough. Probably no more ! #jectv we always have something up our sleve, when you see it you’ll know:)
@JoelECarlson: Not trying to add work to you Carrrie. :) Thank you for your time today and for sharing some things about @chefshack1. Enjoy the day!
Carrie: ..thank you Joel! Great to meet you, have a fantastic weekend. And thx 4 the tweets on #jectv !