Natasha Creel and Emily Matthes are ready to bring their brand of Southern soul to the streets as they prepare to roll out their new food truck, The Southerner.
Both Creel and Matthes grew up eating hearty, comforting soul food, and many Southern-inspired dishes appeared on the menu for years at their previous restaurant, Roxane. When they closed doors at that Clayton nightspot in September, Creel and Matthes initially intended to open another brick-and-mortar restaurant, but they couldn’t find a suitable location, so Creel said they opted to go mobile.
“Emily and I are big RV-ers,” Creel said. “We truly enjoyed the restaurant and the customers, but there was something about being on the road that intrigued us. When you go to food truck events, everyone is in a good mood and having fun.”
The Southerner’s menu will feature some of the well-received menu items from Roxane, like shrimp and grits and Matthes’ fried potato salad. There will be pulled smoked meats like turkey and pork, as well as sandwiches like a ‘Bama roll (smoked beef brisket, cheddar cheese, smoked poblano peppers on a bed of arugula with an Alabama white sauce) and a Boss Hog (pulled pork and smoked sausage, bacon, a sweet Carolina sauce and a scoop of coleslaw). Creel and Matthes will also serve a street food-style chicken and waffles: skewered chicken dipped in a sweet waffle batter and deep fried, then drizzled with maple syrup and hot sauce. Those searching for lighter fare can choose from chopped salads with kale and other greens, smoked turkey and a house-made roasted Vidalia onion dressing among other healthier options.
The Southerner’s final inspection is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15 and if all goes well, Creel said the truck should be on the road soon thereafter.
“We’re excited,” Creel said. “We went back to our roots, and the food that gives you a warm and cozy feeling on the inside.”
This article appears in December 2014.