Topeka food truck owner sets up new BBQ restaurant in West Ridge Mall
2 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Two local food truck owners are transitioning to a new brick-and-mortar location in southeast Topeka this weekend.
KSNT 27 News spoke with Jasmaine and Richard Harris, owners of J Rocks Smoke House. The couple recently announced plans on social media to open a new location in southeast Topeka.
“Just a little different from what we’re used to,” Richard said. “We’re all set and ready to go. Just getting desserts ready today. Hopefully everything goes smooth tomorrow and we have enough food.”
This is the first time the couple has worked in a set location. The move is being made so the owners have a little more room to move around in. Richard said they got started making and selling food out of their home about six years ago, then moved into a food truck about two years ago.
“We’re really excited, nervous, anxious,” Jasmaine said. “We’re hoping for a good turnout.”
The couple will be preparing and serving food to customers on Saturday with help from some family members. Though they are moving to a set location in the Capital City, Jasmaine said they plan to keep the food truck for special events down the road.
“We have a wide variety of things,” Jasmaine said. “We’ll still have our normal BBQ menu for the food truck. Smash burgers, pizza crust, large variety of sides and desserts. One of my favorite things going on the menu will be our shrimp po’boy.”
Other menu items include breadsticks, chicken wings, chili and corn muffins, fried chicken and fried fish. As Richard puts it, “It’s a little bit of everything.”
“My husband has been doing BBQ for many, many years,” Jasmaine said. “His turkey legs are to die for and you don’t want to miss out.”
J Rocks Smoke House will open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. You can find it at 1000 SE 21st Street in Topeka. You can learn more about the business by checking out its Facebook page.
“Give us a try,” Richard said. “Come on up. We’ll make you feel like family.”
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