Message to Hillsborough Street

        One of the basic foundations of my business model is consistency and dependability. I have always wanted people to know that they can get a high quality product, and I have always wanted people to know that they could depend on me to always be there when I said that I was going to be there.
      Lately, for a lot of circumstances in and out of my control, I have let all my regulars on Hillsborough Street down. I haven't been there like I have always said that I would be.
       I feel like I owe all of my awesome regulars that have stood in long lines in the rain, and pretty much come to me once or twice a week, since I have been out there, an explanation.
       As most of you know, I am a trained chef, and I purchased a food truck to be be built back in August to cook a lot of different types of foods than I can't do on the cart.
      Without giving you all the details, there has been one situation after another that I have had to deal with since October. The truck was two months late in the delivery time frame, and since I picked it up in January, it has been an ongoing saga of problem after problem. I have had to fix the suspension, transmission, and had battery issues. There have been equipment problems, and some shady dealings going on with the company that I hired to build the truck for me that are still ongoing.
      In addition to all the normal issues of getting a food truck up and running, such as menu development, staffing, equipment, scheduling, as well, as normal life issues, I have all of these unexpected circumstances thrown in my way that have required all of my undivided attention.
     I had hired someone to help me out to be on the hot dog cart when I couldn't be out there, and he "no-called, no-showed on me."
     This is, of course, what I signed up for when I went into business for myself, and I am fine with all of it.
     These circumstances have forced me to have to make a lot of tough decisions, and unfortunately, you on Hillsborough Street have had to suffer because of it.
     For all of this, I deeply apologize. I miss seeing all of you regularly, laughing and talking with you.
I am working on developing a regular schedule for the truck, so that I can have a regular schedule on Hillsborough Street again, so that you just know on those days that I am there for you.
     Know that I will return to my corner of Hillsborough Street and Gardner Street. I appreciate all the phone calls and messages from everyone concerned about where I have been.
     You are all the best regulars anyone could ask for!
      I promise you, I will be back.  Once I return, I will have a regular schedule that you can depend on me to be there again.
      Thank you all for your patience and understanding

Game on!

I just picked up the food truck! I am ready to get cooking! Literally!

Check out www.cjstreetfood.com for menu updates, information, and locations!

Thank you everyone for your support, enthusiasm, and encouragement!

Website

We are moving up in the world!

I am happy to announce that we have a real website up and running!

check out www.cjstreetfood.com for up to date information on services, menu, and locations!

December Menu

 There was some confusion yesterday at Centre Green. Some of the employees came out looking for the Hillsborough Street menu, which I had posted on this blog. I apologize for not updating the blog with our December menu. Here is what we are offering on the cart this month. Thank you for you patience, and understanding!

 

All-Beef Hot Dog………………………………………………………. $2.00

All Beef Hot Dog with your choice of Good Old Fashioned Hot Dog Fixings!

Italian Sausage…………………………………………………………$4.00

Spicy Italian Sausage served with Sautéed Peppers and Onions

Bratwurst………………………………………………………………$4.00

Braised Bratwurst topped with Sauerkraut and Cheddar Cheese

“Flippo” Brat………………………..…………………………………$4.00

Braised Bratwurst topped with Bacon Mac N’ Cheese

Vegan Sausage………………………………………………………...$4.00

Tofu Sausage served with Sesame-Ginger Slaw

Assorted Chips…………………………………………………………$0.75

Drinks……………………………….……………………………… …$1.00

Ask about Daily Specials, Catering, and Special Events!

 

Menu and Location update

The schedule on Hillsborough Street will be reduced until the end of the year because of exams and holiday break.

I am shooting to be out there Monday the 3rd, Wednesday the 5th, and Friday the 7th from 11am to 1 pm. The exams are all in blocks, and the morning block doesn't end until 11, and the afternoon exam block doesn't start until 1pm.

As far as the week after on Hillsborough Street, I may only be out there on Wednesday or Thursday since most of the students will be gone.

I am using this time to expand, line up new lunch stops, as well as new night stops as well.

After experimenting with different menu ideas and concepts, and getting a feel for what sells and what is popular, I am working on bringing a more consistent menu so that the awesome people that are traveling to find me can know what to expect.

I am so grateful to those of you that hunt down the cart using facebook and Twitter. I love seeing the regulars, and I am amazed at how far some of you travel! I am sorry that some of you had come looking for a menu item, and it wasn't there. I am working on correcting that for you.

The Hillsborough Street menu will remain pretty much unchanged, with straight up hot dogs and a sausage sandwich specials being served.

At the other locations, the sausage sandwiches are much more popular than the hot dogs, so the menu will be more geared in that direction.

I have been serving the different sausages in a small hoagie roll, and it is the size of a mini football by the time I add all the toppings! I am really liking the whole concept!

I will post the permanent menu in a few days after I do some soul-searching, and narrow it down.

As always, your feedback on menu items and locations are always greatly appreciated!

Location Update

I am developing a pretty regular schedule for the Gastrodog cart.

I have been going strong out on Hillsborough Street. I have been setting up weekdays by 10 am and staying open until 2 pm.

I have been slinging Gastrodogs at least one day a week at Lonerider Brewing Company in Raleigh. That is a blast out there.

I have been trying to make it out to the Saturday Arts Market at the Durham Farmers Market Saturday mornings, in Durham Central Park, which is a really good time.

I have also been at Deep South in Downtown Raleigh the past two Saturdays, which is also a lot of fun.

I have been really good about posting where I will be and when on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Thank you for a great time!

New truck pictures

 

 

 

Here are the latest round of truck pictures. The manufacturer and I are hammering out a few last minute details, but it is pretty much ready to go!

 

I am super excited to get it rolling and to cook for you!