Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Billups.
Hi Adrian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Virginia, where I grew up surrounded by a rich culinary tradition, especially centered around seafood. When my day job relocated us to Texas, I found it challenging to find the same quality and type of seafood I had grown up with. I explored numerous local restaurants, and while some were decent, I realized they didn’t quite meet my expectations.
This experience led me to reflect on my passion for food, which has always been deeply rooted in family. Cooking has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, with many family members being talented home chefs. A close friend of mine, Ben Hartsfield, decided to join me in exploring the food truck industry. We had previously looked at several food trailers, considering various concepts and styles, and were excited about the possibilities.
My supportive wife, Kathy, has also been an essential part of this journey, encouraging us every step of the way. Additionally, my father-in-law, Warren Jones, a chef with over 60 years of experience, has been an incredible source of inspiration and guidance. His expertise has been invaluable as we navigated the world of food trucks. Although we could have planned more thoroughly, we took a leap of faith and purchased our first food truck.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that our family business has flourished. Last year, we expanded by acquiring a second food truck. We are incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities we’ve received along the way, which have helped us turn our dream into a successful reality. Meeting wonderful people in the community has been a true blessing, and we look forward to continuing this journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth; it has been filled with challenges and ups and downs. One of the biggest obstacles we encountered is that Dallas and North Texas aren’t traditionally known for seafood. This presented several issues, particularly regarding sourcing our seafood and managing costs. Many people don’t realize that seafood can be significantly more expensive than other food options, which affected our pricing and profitability at events.
What truly kept us going were the positive responses from customers who enjoyed our food. The support we received from various local events and markets has been a tremendous blessing. Places like the McKinney Farmers Market, Melissa Farmers Market, Melissa TX, McKinney Tx, Anna Tx, and the Krugerville Farmers Market provided us with opportunities to showcase our dishes and connect with our target audience. Additionally, partnerships with other local businesses that allowed us to serve daily breakfasts and lunches have significantly improved our visibility and reputation in the community.
As we navigated these challenges, we learned the importance of adaptability. We pivoted from our original concept, “7 Cities Seafood,” to broaden our appeal and cater to different tastes. Understanding which events to participate in and which to avoid was crucial for our growth.
Overall, the journey has been a mix of struggles and successes, and we continue to learn and evolve as we move forward in this exciting industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my day-to-day life, I have been a government employee for nearly 30 years, with a total of 34 years of experience that includes military service. While I take pride in my work in that capacity, my true passion has always been cooking. I’ve loved to experiment in the kitchen, trying new recipes and flavors. Cooking has been a significant part of my life, and it brings me immense joy to create dishes that bring people together.
Through our food truck, 7 Cities Seafood, I’ve had the opportunity to blend my professional experience with my culinary passion. This venture allows me to share my love for cooking with the community while offering a unique seafood experience that reflects my Virginia roots. We take pride not only in the quality and authenticity of our food but also in our commitment to helping others and feeding people.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our willingness to adapt our offerings to cater to the tastes of our customers. I take great pride in the positive feedback we receive from our patrons who appreciate the care and creativity that goes into each dish. Being able to connect with people through food and seeing them enjoy what we create is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of our culinary offerings.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Absolutely, I have plenty of advice to share based on the mistakes and hurdles I’ve encountered along the way. First and foremost, you need to have a solid plan and be prepared to pivot when necessary. For example, when we recently acquired another food truck, I expected it to be up and running quickly. However, I quickly learned to expect the unexpected.
Investing in a food truck can be costly, but you can save money by doing some work yourself. I thought I found a great deal on a truck, but it had water damage that required significant repairs. In this business, you never know day-to-day how much you’ll spend, how much you’ll make, or what the customer demand will be.
Marketing is crucial, especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. As someone who will be turning 55 this year, I recognize that I’m not as tech-savvy as I once was, but it’s essential to stay engaged with your audience.
You also need to be prepared for the hands-on aspects of the job. From welding and tire repairs to fixing fryers and refrigerators, you’ll often find yourself acting as a maintenance technician and problem solver. There are days when you’ll feel on top of the world, and other days when everything seems to go wrong.
Planning is key—whether it’s budgeting for events, managing inspection fees, or preparing for unforeseen issues like a generator going out or a flat tire on the side of the road. You need to think about how you’ll get to events if your truck breaks down.
While many people in the industry are supportive and willing to share their experiences, be aware that some may be less forthcoming about their successes. It’s a competitive space, and not everyone is eager to disclose their secrets. However, I’ve been fortunate to meet many genuine people who have offered valuable insights.
In summary, be ready for challenges, plan for the unexpected, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. There’s a lot to learn, and every experience—good or bad—will contribute to your growth in this exciting industry.
Pricing:
- Breakfast Menu Items: $5.00 – $16.00
- Catfish, Cod, Pollock, and Shrimp Baskets: $16.50 – $27.50
- Smash Burgers, Po’ Boys, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Strips, Chicken Wings, and Seafood Tacos: $12.50 – $17.50
- Flavored Sweet Tea (JUS Sweet Tea, Peach, Raspberry): $6.50
Contact Info:
- Website: http://7citiesseafood.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/7citiesseafood
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/61557790979045/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/poctcrZprgA?is=aguoP-qMyoo-sOqr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/7-cities-seafood-mckinney?uid=a99UEn7P8oZhwvxj_ePuGQ&utm_source=ishare
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@7citiesseafood
