From Engineer to Wing Master: The Rise of Str8 Drop Wings

In the world of wings and barbecue, Tony, the owner of Str8 Drop Wings, has built a name for himself through his passion for food, dedication to his craft, and desire to work for himself. Transitioning from an eight-year career as an engineer to becoming a successful food truck and restaurant owner wasn't easy, but Tony's leap of faith has paid off. His food truck, which initially gained traction during the pandemic, has grown into a popular local spot, and his story is both inspiring and insightful for aspiring business owners.

From Smoker Trailers to Str8 Drop Wings

Tony's foray into the food industry began with a love for smoked wings. He bought a big green egg smoker for his home and started cooking wings, attracting friends and neighbors with his delicious creations. Encouraged by the response, he took things further by purchasing a smoker trailer to pursue barbecue professionally. However, local regulations required him to have a fully enclosed setup, forcing Tony to rethink his approach. Rather than be discouraged, he adapted, eventually launching his food truck.

In 2021, Str8 Drop Wings officially hit the road, offering locals the mouth-watering smoked wings Tony had perfected. His food truck made waves, especially during pop-up events, where hungry customers lined up for his signature dishes. Tony recalls how the food truck industry, though challenging, was fulfilling, but he knew he wanted more space to explore his creativity. That desire ultimately led to the establishment of a brick-and-mortar location, allowing him to expand the menu and scale his operations.

Challenges and Triumphs: Running a Food Truck and Restaurant

Running both a food truck and a restaurant has its difficulties, and Tony has faced many obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges for him has been navigating the permitting process for food trucks. According to Tony, there is no clear roadmap for obtaining the necessary permits, and much of the process requires knowing the right people or learning through trial and error. Even recently, he discovered that food trucks were subject to inspections by the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control), a rule that most food truck owners weren't aware of.

Despite the hurdles, Tony has persevered and expanded his business. His strategy? Adapt and learn. For example, during the pandemic, materials for building the truck were in short supply, but Tony sourced equipment locally, including a fryer from a nearby carnival popcorn business. His resourcefulness has been a cornerstone of his success.

The Menu: Smoked Wings, Fries, and More

At Str8 Drop Wings, the smoked wings are the star of the show. Tony smokes the wings, flash-fries them for crispiness, and then tosses them in either a dry rub or a variety of sauces, depending on customer preference. One of the most popular items on the menu is the Jamaican Jerk Fries, a dish that has earned a loyal following.

Tony also plans to reintroduce his popular Korean Fried Chicken, a dish that's labor-intensive but worth the effort. He's working with a distributor to bring back the smaller, more manageable wings that are key to perfecting the crispy texture of this dish. Other customer favorites include classic buffalo wings, which Tony notes are a familiar and comforting choice for many customers.

Expanding the Business and Looking Forward

Tony's ambitions don't stop at his current location. He's already thinking ahead, planning to launch another trailer with a different concept focused on Philly cheesesteaks, Chicago-style sausages, and other grilled specialties. His goal is to continue offering high-quality, flavorful food while maintaining a small footprint, ideal for both food trucks and small venues.

In addition to expanding his food offerings, Tony is also working on bringing more events to his restaurant. Trivia nights and potential music bingo evenings are already in the works, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for the community.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For anyone looking to enter the food truck or restaurant business, Tony's advice is simple yet powerful: Take the leap. He emphasizes the importance of not letting internal fears or doubts hold you back from pursuing your passion. Asking questions and seeking advice from those with experience can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the right path.

Tony's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and following your dreams. Whether it's his smoked wings or his exciting future plans, one thing is clear: Str8 Drop Wings is a business built with heart, and Tony's success is sure to continue for years to come.

For more information on Str8 Drop Wings and their journey, check out their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.