A new food trailer specializing in whipped cheesecakes and lighter lunch fare officially launched in Owensboro on July 11.
Simply JoCo, owned by Courtney Abney, opened during the Deer Valley subdivision block party after years of developing recipes and sharing desserts with family, friends and coworkers.
“I’ve been making these cheesecakes for family and friends for the last seven or eight years,” Abney said. “One day I looked at my mom and my husband and said, ‘You know what? I want to open a food trailer and do my own desserts.'”
Abney said the business grew out of recipes she first created after being diagnosed with diabetes at 17. She wanted a dessert with less sugar than traditional cheesecakes while still maintaining its flavor and texture.
“I realized they only contain about a cup to a cup and a half of sugar for three cheesecakes,” she said. “I started making them because it was something I wanted, and then I took them to a get-together where I used to work. Everybody loved them and said, ‘I will pay you to make those.'”
After moving to Owensboro four years ago, Abney began making the cheesecakes for more customers before deciding to turn the idea into a business.
“I don’t see a lot of dessert trailers, and the ones that are out there usually offer baked cheesecakes, cakes, cupcakes or cookies,” she said. “I wanted to do something different.”
In addition to whipped cheesecakes, Simply JoCo offers banana pudding, dirt pudding for children, and lighter meal options including traditional chicken salad, Cajun chicken salad and tuna salad served on sandwiches or wraps.
“I’m going to have lighter lunch options that most people don’t think about,” Abney said. “A lot of food trailers serve heavier, fried foods, and that’s not what I’m offering.”
Because the trailer does not rely on fryers or other heavy cooking equipment, Abney said it can operate more comfortably during the summer months than many traditional food trucks.
For now, she plans to operate primarily at community events while continuing to work a full-time job. She also hopes to become a regular vendor at Street Eats and Treats on Parrish Avenue and participate in Friday After 5 next year.
“I still work full time, so I’m balancing both jobs,” she said. “I’ve adjusted my schedule so I can set up the trailer on Fridays and Saturdays.”
Customers can find the trailer’s schedule and locations through its Facebook page, where Abney also accepts special orders.
In addition to serving customers, Abney said she looks forward to participating in local community events, including the Street Eats and Treats Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 1, where school supplies and backpacks will be distributed to area children.
“I’m excited to be launching and getting started here in Owensboro,” Abney said. “I’ve lived here for four years, and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community and giving back.”
