We explore the Huntington food truck scene.
By Kasey Stevens
HQ 106 | SUMMER 2019
If you read the last edition of this magazine, then you learned about Huntington’s burgeoning dining scene. You now know where to grab a great dinner when you’re in town, but what about something more casual, you ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The latest trend cropping up is food trucks, and they just keep rolling into town. The next time you’re at a fair, a festival or maybe looking for a new lunch spot, check out one of our favorites.
SOUTHSIDE SLIDERS
CUISINE: BURGERS
ESTABLISHED: 2015
TOP MENU ITEM: TATER TOTS
Now going on his fourth year in the food truck game, owning a food truck has been a long-time dream for Jason Webb.
“I actually wanted to open a deli when I was younger, but when the food truck craze was going on all around the country, I thought it would be a good idea for me to bring the trend to Huntington,” Webb said.
Webb’s truck features a wide variety of sliders, with some given Huntington-specific names like the Ritter Park. What makes the tater tots so unique is that they are deep fried for a little extra crunch.
“The most rewarding part of this job is when people tell me our food is good. You want people to be happy and enjoy it,” Webb said.
As Southside Sliders continues to serve burgers curbside, this year the business is pushing toward doing more catering.
Find out the next stop for Southside Sliders on its Facebook page @southsidesliders, or on Instagram under @jwebbsouthside.
GRINDSTONE COFFEEOLOGY
CUISINE: COFFEE & TEA
ESTABLISHED: 2016
TOP MENU ITEMS: DIRTY CHAI OVER ICE AND TOASTED MARSHALLOW
Along way from his original home in Australia, owner Brendan Fenn opened the Grindstone Coffeeology truck on Memorial Day in 2016.
“We made the decision to start our business with a truck. We didn’t want to start with a fixed premise, even though we knew we would head that direction eventually,” Fenn said. “Where we’re from in Australia, there are always a lot of coffee trucks and we knew there was nothing like that in this area.”
Lovingly referred to as “Bonnie,” the chrome coffee truck can be seen all around town, serving hot and iced beverages and specialty snacks.
“The coffee truck is a lot of our identity now. We wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Fenn said.
In May 2018, Fenn planted roots with a Grindstone drive-thru location at 816 Eighth Street. And earlier this year he purchased the house next door to expand, linking the two properties with a renovated shipping container.
“We didn’t want to grow too big too quick, but instead expand our business based on demand,” Fenn said.
The next goal is to develop an outdoor seating area and a roof deck at their permanent location, and then begin renovations inside the main home.
Watch for the opening of the new shop on social media, or find Bonnie in town on Facebook or Instagram by checking out @grindstonecoffeeology.
TRUCKIN’ CHEESY
CUISINE: SANDWICHES
ESTABLISHED: 2019
TOP MENU ITEM: PHILLY CHEESESTEAK
Tyler Shelton has been in the restaurant industry for almost 12 years, and while he loves cooking, Truckin’ Cheesy gives him another opportunity he enjoys — interacting with people.
“Being able to interact with the customers and get feedback immediately is the most rewarding aspect,” Shelton said. “You always want to hear that someone liked what you made.”
It’s no surprise that customers enjoy the creations from Truckin’ Cheesy — the menu features items like Gnarly Nachos and the Kujo Tacos, where two grilled cheeses are used as a taco shell.
“We just want to stick with what we’re really good at, food that we know will sell, and that basically means cheese — every item on the menu, except one, has one or two types of cheese on it,” Shelton said.
Truckin’ Cheesy has a new menu rolling out soon including quesadillas, burritos, wraps, pepperoni melts and more.
Grab the cheesiest eats in town by checking the Truckin’ Cheesy truck schedule on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @truckincheesy.
Did you know? Food truck vendors must obtain a health permit from the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, as well as food handler’s permits for all employees. For more information on mobile food vendors in the city, visit www.cityofhuntington.com/business.
