How do you describe Tony Watson? A delightful fellow, animated, zealous, funny, passionate, fierce, ambitious, and maybe a little OCD…. but in a good way!
My friend Tony has been in talks to purchase a trailer that can be used as a full cooking facility. Well, it has happened and he is excited! You cannot miss Tony’s enthusiasm for starting a new endeavor and this one is no different. He and his family has started and currently operate at least three businesses including: Hometown Pantry and the Ice Cream Depot.
Tony was driving semi-truck and might be gone from his family for days at a time. He wanted to do something different, something with his family.
Since he was out on his own after high school, he developed a love of cooking. With all the time his truck driving took, he hasn’t always been able to fulfill this desire. After starting other food businesses, he has learned from the difficulties and pitfalls, knowing what works and what doesn’t. He had been looking for a way to get into catering and onsite cooking and found the trailer named, “The Country Chef.”
He loved it!
Tony gave me a tour of his new outfit. Rebecca McCroskey was working at the time, scrubbing the menu board for the next event. She said she likes to help, but it can get crazy, especially since their just learning how all the cooking appliances work! This trailer is not your regular “county fair” french fry vendor. It is 40 foot long with a walk-in cooler. There are five sinks and a 160 gallon water tank for a complete commercially licensed cooking facility for both Ohio and Indiana. There are six pressure fryers that run on propane and plenty of storage space. Along with this trailer,
Tony also has a 10’ smoker and grill that he can make specialty cooked food for any event from weddings to church fish frys.
It’s not just the equipment that makes the food taste good — it’s skill and patience. The chicken is all marinated in a delicate blend of spices and sauce 12-24 hours before it ever hits the cookers. All of the fish and chicken is Broaster Chicken brand, giving tasty treats and delightful dinners.
By now you are thinking, “Tony must be Superman!” Not exactly, he has his family helping him look good! Diana, Tony’s better half, manages the Hometown Pantry and helps with all of the other ventures. Josh & Elayne Tressler, along with Rebecca and part time workers help with the Pantry and Ice Cream Depot.
Creating jobs in Paulding County is one of the passions Tony talks about. Why? He wants people to be employed locally if they can. If jobs are here they don’t have to travel or move, being active participants in their communities.
Since Tony has started and operates businesses, I asked him what words of advice he would give someone who is starting a business. “You must research. Is there a market for your product or service?”
On Tuesday, July 1st, the Country Chef will be back in Paulding for another day of cooking ecstasy on the square at the new Herb Monroe Park.
Large events are no problem for Events by Tony. This traveling commercial kitchen as served events as large as 1200 people with no problem. Smaller affairs, even business parties are just fine for a kitchen that completely adjusts its size for what is needed. Scheduled events coming up include the Van Wert County Fair, Flat Rock Creek Festival, Payne Fall Festival and more.
The Country Chef is up and ready to serve, just ask for Tony.
