In today’s edition:

• Interview with Redneck Hibachi 🥘

• DYK 🔍

• Upcoming Events 📅

THE DIGEST📰

A Sizzling Interview with Redneck Hibachi!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Unpacking Passion! In our latest feature, we’re diving into the world of flavor fusion and down-home cooking with a truly unique culinary personality. Prepare to be entertained and inspired as we sit down with Redneck Hibachi, the culinary innovator who’s turning traditional hibachi on its head with a Southern twist. Known for their inventive blend of barbecue flair and hibachi technique, Redneck Hibachi is making waves in the food truck scene by combining sizzling grills with a hearty dose of Southern charm.

Join us as we explore the story behind this gastronomic phenomenon, uncover the secrets to their signature dishes, and get a glimpse into the passion that fuels their creative cuisine. Grab a seat, and let’s get cooking!

A: The inspiration comes from years of cooking in the backyard on the grill for family gatherings, holidays, and random get-togethers with friends. I always enjoyed preparing delicious meals for anyone who was around, and hearing them praise the food really motivated me over the years. That encouragement pushed me to start Redneck Hibachi, so everyone could enjoy the flavors I love to create.

Q 2: What does a typical day look like for your team?

A: Currently, I only employ myself and one other person. My day usually starts with answering emails, text messages, Facebook posts, and reviews. I also handle food ordering if needed. Once I get to the trailer, I prep what’s required for the day’s events, load up, and head out to serve our delicious food!

Q 3: How did you get started in the food truck business?

A: I had always wanted to open a restaurant after managing various restaurants in my early adult life. I spent about 10 years in the industry before transitioning to construction work for another decade, where I cooked dinner for myself to save money. When that work abruptly ended last year, I decided to enter the food truck business. I saw it as the fastest route to eventually opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. We’ll be officially one year old on August 15th! 🎉

Q 4: What was your experience like participating in the food truck tournament in Pensacola?

A: It was an exhilarating experience! It was an honor to be nominated, and even more exciting to make it to the top two food trucks alongside The Smoking Jokers BBQ. The recognition made me incredibly proud, especially knowing that within less than a year, I had made such an impact on the community. It was a very humbling experience. www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/08/06/pnj-food-truck-bracket-winner/74689975007/

Q 5: What was the competition like?

A: The competition was fun, engaging, and overall a fantastic concept. The Smoking Jokers are great friends of ours, and we made the experience even more enjoyable by doing a video together once we were named the last two standing. We have a wonderful community of food truck owners here in Pensacola.

Q 6: What’s the most frequently requested item on your menu?

A: It’s a toss-up between the YEE YEE Fries, Hibachi Burger, and the Hibachi Wrap. These are our top sellers, no doubt. The Freedom Burger is also becoming a favorite. 🍔

Q 7: What are your long-term goals for Redneck Hibachi?

Q: My goal is to eventually transition into a brick-and-mortar, full-service sit-down restaurant. The food truck offers just a glimpse of what I have to offer. Moving to a permanent location would enhance the customer service experience and provide a more enjoyable experience for people of all ages! 🫂

Q 8: How would you describe your culinary philosophy or approach to cooking?

A: I cook based on what I believe tastes good. I’ve prepared a wide range of meals and consistently received great feedback. My philosophy is to keep things simple and delicious while incorporating flavors that excite the taste buds in unique ways.

Q 9: Do you have any memorable customer interactions or stories?

A: There have been so many memorable interactions. I’ve made numerous friends and business connections over the year, which has been a true blessing. One standout connection is with Sean Desmet from 3D Eats. He’s been a valuable source of information and advice. Another key connection is with Thompson’s Meat Supply, who have provided us with the freshest quality meats at unbeatable prices. They deserve significant recognition.

Q 10: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own food truck?

A: We hope every experience leaves a lasting impression. We want customers to be amazed by the quality, freshness, and flavor of everything we offer. I make each dish fresh to order, so nothing sits around drying out. While we might not be the fastest food truck, our focus is on quality and delivering a flavorful, satisfying experience. We take pride in ensuring that every meal is worth the wait.

 We’re grateful for the insight into the hard work and dedication behind the scenes and look forward to seeing where this exciting journey takes them next.

DYK🔍

Every September, the city hosts the Pensacola Seafood Festival, where delicious fruits of the sea and a variety of continuous local entertainment can be enjoyed over a three-day period.

Sponsored by Very Gentle Moving & Packing 📦

Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and organized relocation, so save this for later:

 1. Build a Solid 1st Tier: Start by loading heavy items like your couch

(standing up, wrapped and padded, legs against the wall, dresser, and washer/dryer to distribute weight properly. Protect your belongings with furniture pads and mover’s wrap. And don't forget to use a dolly for those hefty pieces! 

 2. Mattress Matters: Safeguard your mattress in a mattress bag and position it on its side against the truck's side wall. Plan ahead, as loading the mattress early impacts how you arrange everything. 

 3. Stack with Care: Stack moving boxes and lighter furniture on your established base. Nightstands are perfect for the second layer – keep it organized! Add an extra layer of protection with furniture pads or boxes. 

 4. Weight Matters: Prioritize weight over size when stacking boxes.

Heavy boxes go at the bottom to avoid any toppling surprises. 

 5. Stay Upright: No leaning! Keep items upright within rows to minimize shifting. 

 6. Maximize Space: Use the space above rows for long, lightweight items like skis or folding tables.  

7. Repeat for Success: Repeat these steps for each row and secure with tie-down ropes. Utilize narrow gaps for a snug fit, especially for fragile items. Watch out for scuffing when leaning rolled-up rugs against other items. Final Check: After the final tie-down is secured, you're all set for a confident move! 

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📦Need help loading or unloading your moving truck? Call Very Gentle Moving and Packing at 850-988-4626 or visit www.verygentletransfers.com

UPCOMING EVENTS📅

August 12th - Bingo Night at The Country Gym in Milton - Aug 12th - 06:45 PM - 5198 Willing Street, East Milton, FL

♟Chess at Books-A-Million: Sundays from 2 PM to 7 PM and Thursdays at 6 PM. Pensacola, Fl

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA- Tee It Up - 312 E 9 Mile Rd #7 - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Pensacola, Florida

Enchanted Forest at Coastal Cat Cafe - All month - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM - 15$ - 1508 W Garden St, Pensacola, Fl

Pensacola Eggfest BBQ Lunch - August 16th - 11:00 AM -1 Bubba Watson Drive, Pensacola, FL

GALLERY NIGHT PENSACOLA - CAR SHOW - 13 Palafox Place, Pensacola, Florida. 5 PM - 9 PM - August 16th

Pensacola Beach Star Gazes - August 16th - 8:00 am - August 17th 5:00 pm - FREE - 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Pensacola Beach, FL

The Crestview Market at The Exchange - August 17th - 2pm-6pm - 6260 Old Bethel Rd, Crestview, FL 

Adult Literacy - August 14th - 1445 Commerce Dr, Crestview, FL - 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Life Skills - Tech Literacy - https://okaloosa.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/life-skills-35927

OTHER

THANKS!🫂

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