Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Westover.
Hi Eric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began catering for the Wounded Warrior Project while in Culinary school. In 2016 I decided to purchase and build a food truck. We finished the food truck in 2018, ran it for 3 years, it broke down about 6 times, and in 2020, after Covid killed sales so badly that we decided to shut down for the year, the motor in the food truck blew while driving it home. I went back to work for other people again, saved money, and was planning to re-launch the food truck when I ran into an old acquaintance that was trying to sell a failing Restaurant. We bought the store, did a quick remodel, and opened 4 weeks later. We have now been operating for 22 Months and going strong. I am planning to re-launch the food truck in the spring of 2026 and hopefully open location #2 sometime in the next 12-18 months!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every struggle you can imagine. Truck breaking down, equipment failures, Staff quitting or not even showing up to start, especially back in the day when we were just catering and it was one off gigs. The worst is overspending on bad ideas hoping to turn a profit to later find out it was not worthwhile. Having to fire staff for bad behavior like the sous chef who started slamming doors and throwing things or the guy I hired that seemed normal then casually threatened to stab a 16 year old female cashier. Literally anything you can think of that could go wrong has gone wrong. The key to it all is don’t give up, because eventually it pays off. At least I hope it does someday!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After a decade in construction trades building houses I decided to attend culinary school. Best decision of my life. I have always leaned into southern style cooking but I like to give my food some northwestern flare to it. We call our concept Northwestern Comfort Food. We host very high end dinners every once in a while, because secretly someday I want to open a place that earns Michelin Stars.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It takes a lot more strength to be kind when you have every right, rhyme, and reason not to be, but that is the true test of character and integrity.
Feeding the unhoused who come in and ask for leftovers doesn’t mean they will keep coming back forever, it just means you had some compassion for someone in need and that’s a good thing.
Pricing:
- $8.99-19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HuckleberryGrill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huckleberrygrill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/169806016832052
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/huckleberry-grill-salt-lake-city
