Aces of Trades: Up in Smoke food truck is a culmination of cooking from Alexander's life
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CHILLICOTHE – He likes preparing food, wherever that may be.
“Growing up,” recalled Joey Alexander, “we were always outside playing, camping, riding bicycles – typical kid stuff.”
“I was pretty independent,” he continued, “and could fix myself a simple meal. At the age of 16, I started working at McDonald’s, and went on to be a manager until I was 23. I learned a lot of skills being in that role, that I apply even today in my business. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and smoking meats, and love to see reactions to what I prepare. But I never thought in my future I’d be a business owner.”
Today, Alexander, along with his wife Jaclyn, owns and operates Up In Smoke Kingston, Ohio, a local food truck. “We live in Kingston, so that’s why we included that in the name,” he explained. Together they prep and smoke meats and sides for many events.
“June of 2022 is when we first started operating the food truck,” he said. “I was really wanting to do something I enjoyed, and being able to make my own schedule was an added perk!”
“A lot of prep goes into the food we serve,” Alexander added. “The meat goes on the smoker the day before an event, and we use our own house made rub on all of the meat we smoke. Throughout the day and night, we keep a close eye on the temp of our smokers as well as the meat. On the day of an event, our day starts early, stocking the trailer with supplies, prepping food, using the freshest of ingredients. We like to arrive about an hour before an event, to allow for set up time. Then the most rewarding part of it all, serving our customers!”
“As far as our menu,” he noted, “you’ll find anything from pulled pork nachos, mac & cheese bowls, to beef brisket & street tacos. Our menu changes to suit our customers. Depending on the event, we set up and serve downtown Chillicothe, and surrounding areas. We do weddings, grad parties, serving staff at various companies, disc golf outings, pretty much any event you can think of.”
Alexander, by the way, also works part-time as a baker and runs the storefront at High Five Cakes.
Shauna Shanks is co-founder, head baker and CEO at High Five Cakes.
“Joey and Jaclyn are just all-around five-star people,” assessed Shanks. “They just made room in their home and hearts for a stray puppy who wandered into their yard in the middle of winter. That dog couldn’t have walked into the yard of better people. He must’ve instinctively known he was headed in the direction of people who would love him. Beyond their big hearts, Joey makes the best smoked meats and sides! My fav are the loaded nachos. They make their own jalapeño slices that are also bomb. He helps us out at High Five Cakes 3 days a week making cookies, mixing bubble teas, running our sweets counter and reaching the high stuff. We love Joey!”
Alexander was born and raised in Chillicothe and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1997.
“I worked at Cardinal Health in Groveport for a little over 20 years, mostly in inventory,” he said. “I would always bring food into work for my co-workers to try, and I would send food into work with my wife for her and co-workers too!”
His wife, Jaclyn, said her husband has always been very passionate about the food he prepares.
“When he takes on a job, he gives 110 percent,” she said. “He loves to try new recipes, which is a good thing because we've had all types of requests. I love how we can change our menu to fit an event! Making this food truck a success has been his number one dream and goal – and I believe he's made that dream a reality!”
“I can honestly say that I apply the many skills I’ve learned from my previous jobs to this business,” her husband responded. “I love where this path has taken me, and truly enjoy my job!”
For more information about Up In Smoke Kingston, Ohio, look on Facebook.
About the Series
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Joey Alexander took love of cooking to Up in Smoke Kingston, Ohio
