Stephen Fore of Southern Pines has a fine dining background, which you might not suspect when you first come up to the window of his lunch truck, painted with lightning bolts and a Panthers’ team theme.
You’ll see his truck if you are headed to morning classes at Richmond Community College in Hamlet where he can be spotted serving biscuits and coffee. Head over to his truck for lunch and you can choose from a variety of hot and cold sandwiches as well as burgers.
“I wanted to do something on my own,” said the long-time restaurant chef who has done everything from wash dishes to prepare fine dining at resorts like Little River in Carthage. “I had the idea back in October.”
He was brainstorming with his good friend Will Carpenter when he became inspired with his business idea.
“Opening a restaurant is something he’s always talked about,” said Carpenter. “So we talked about the options and a food truck was one of them because it would be less up-front cost and he’d be essentially buying a kitchen on wheels. It would let him be mobile and try out different areas. He got really excited about it and saved up to make it happen.”
Fore bought an 18-foot-long, 8-foot-wide truck and had his friend paint it in an original theme. He soon plans to add glow in the dark paint to the lightning bolts for added impact. But he said most of the added effects are in the ingredients of his food, which he tries to keep somewhat local. He boasts about his burger patties, which are ground beef as well as pork and bacon. He also grinds his own turkey. He uses kosher salt and marinates his chicken in rosemary, thyme and garlic.
“I really take the time to make it all flavorful,” said Fore.
He gets a specially made burger bun from Broad Street Bakery in downtown Southern Pines, and many of his sandwiches and burgers are named after his friends, including Carpenter.
“He’s got the C’s three grilled cheese,” said Carpenter. “He named it after me. It’s always been my favorite growing up. It’s the best one I’ve ever had.”
The C’s three grilled cheese sandwich has American, Swiss and cheddar cheese, thick cut peppered bacon and fried egg on grilled sourdough bread, and costs $7. All sandwiches are served with chips.
“His food is great,” said Carpenter. “I’ve been out there about three times last week and everything I had was great.”
But Fore isn’t limiting himself to RCC. He plans to try to be where the people are.
“I hope the town of Rockingham will let me find a spot downtown where I can serve my food,” said Fore. “It’s all still new to me. It’s my seventh day cooking and my second week at the college. I want to deliver soon, too. I’m down to do anything I can do.”
He’s no one man show, though.
“It’s kind of turning into a family business,” said Fore. “I hired my brother … I’m so happy he was able to help me. I’ve also got a good buddy helping me part time. And my mom bakes cakes and muffins. She makes blueberry, chocolate and double chocolate and they are huge muffins for $2.”
If you would like to speak to Fore about his menu, prices or availability call 910-603-1545.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@civitasmedia.com.
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