Brad and Ashley Laslie launched the Kluckies food trailer last fall. The business specializes in chicken tenders, waffle fries, and several other favorites. The Laslies already own Galaxy Pizza in Hawesville and were eager to try something new.
The food trailer continues to grow in popularity across the tri-state, with stops in Owensboro, southern Indiana, Evansville, Hawesville, Lewisport, Hardinsburg, and more.
“We’ve been wanting to open a restaurant in Owensboro or Evansville,” Brad Laslie said. “We thought a food truck would give us more flexibility and time with our family while also allowing us to grow.”
Galaxy features an extensive menu with several dining options, but the Laslies had a different vision for Kluckies. After determining they wanted a small, simple menu, they began brainstorming original options the community didn’t already have.
“Barbeque is really popular, but you hardly ever see any fried chicken trucks,” Laslie said. “We wanted to find a sweet spot, something simple, easy to replicate, and one we could serve fast. Everyone loves chicken tenders – some people tell us they’re the best they’ve ever had.”
The trailer also offers fried cauliflower, pickles, and cheese cubes. To top it all off, they offer 16 different sauces with a wide range of sweet and spicy options. Almost everything is hand-sliced and breaded.
Kluckies stays busy at lunch, often setting up at factories, health care facilities, schools, retail shops, and more. They also pride themselves in hiring young, dedicated individuals with aspirations to open their own businesses.
“I’ve spent my life in the food world, starting when I was 16,” Laslie said. “When I worked for the owner of Galaxy, he promoted entrepreneurship, mentored me, and encouraged me to open my own business. I’m thankful for that and want to help other young people chasing a similar dream.”
Laslie said they’re always searching for business-minded employees. Since launching Kluckies, they’ve promoted one individual to general manager at Galaxy, and they’re currently training an employee with Kluckies who has aspirations to make a career in the food industry.
“We want to help people build resumes and develop a business perspective, especially if that’s a route they want to take,” he said. “We want people to work with us, not for us.”
With Kluckies performing much better than they anticipated, the young couple has a 10-year plan to add another food trailer as well as a brick-and-mortar location. If that comes to fruition, they will own two restaurants and two food trucks before they turn 40.
Visit the Kluckies Facebook page here for more information about the trailer and its weekly schedule.
