A husband and wife duo serving ‘restaurant quality food’ from a takeout food trailer in Ballymacnab tell how they taylored their business on wheels to local success.
Originally from Downpatrick, Stefan Taylor moved with his wife Chelsea two years ago and they now call Ballymacnab home along with their daughter Lexi and soon to be baby boy on the way!
With a wealth of experience under his belt, Stefan has worked in hospitality for over 15 years, working in some of the top restaurants in Northern Ireland.
More recently, Stefan was head chef in a popular Newry restaurant and worked there for many years before the restaurant closed down.
Through his time working there was a running joke that the “kitchen was small enough you could fit it in the back of a van.”
Always with a creative passion and drive to go out on his own, Stefan always dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant but knew he wanted something different.
With chefs often hidden behind kitchen doors, Stefan wanted a different experience to what he had previously been used to. He wanted a business which was more customer facing giving him the opportunity to meet and greet his customers.
With many friends in the industry and always wanting a place of his own, the final push came from his industry friends providing advice and encouragement to follow his dreams.
Taking the kitchen joke literally, Stefan decided it was a “now or never” chance, to give his restaurant on wheels idea a go.
The tireless search began to find his dream kitchen on wheels – before a 1972 Citron H Van caught his eye – knowing this was the perfect trailer to make his dream a reality.
With the cosmetic work already completed on the van, Stefan’s main job was to change the trailer from gas to electric – in line with regulations – and upgrade some of the appliances.
Working to a tight turn around – and keen to get the trailer road ready as quickly as possible – Stefan, with a little help from others, had the van ready to go at 1.30am Sunday evening before Taylored officially opened their hatch on Monday morning.
Aiming to “push the boat out” with unique menu choices, Taylored offer restaurant quality food in a takeaway format – with top quality food being something Stefan was very adamant about from the get go.
With a varied menu with something for everyone, Taylored’s menus are updated every season with a new spring menu launching this week!
Stefan gives us a sneak peak of what to expect on the upcoming menu including whiskey glazed pork belly, steak and egg with pressed potato and duck wings.
With dishes created based on the season, Stefan works closely with local suppliers to ensure he gets quality ingredients and produce whilst still supporting local using suppliers such as Tony Muldrew in Markethill, Pinkertons, Ballylusk Cheese and Burrean Balsamics to name a few.
With Stefan saying his inspiration from menu dishes often coming from online videos or TV cooking programmes which help create his weekly special dishes.
Taylored is pitched outside O’Tooles Bar in Ballymachnab every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening – with the team set to open up on Thursday evenings during the brighter summer evenings.
Any food purchased from the trailer can be eaten inside O’Tooles beer garden.
Taylored also offer catering for outdoor events including parties, weddings and business visits with all food from their menu available and served on site. Buffet options are also available for private events.
Click here to follow Taylored on Facebook and check out their menu
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