Beefin’ Up the Business
The Food Dudes – From Farm to Truck to Table
Food trucks have become convenient options for people who are on the go, but still want an enjoyable and affordable meal. Drawn to the wonderful aromas and the creative menus on display, people eagerly line up to get a taste of what’s in store. The North Country food truck scene draws in many, with The Food Dudes being a highlight.
The Food Dudes is not your average food truck. Their menu offers a variety of fresh meals stacked with meat from their very own slaughterhouse. There’s an array of poutines to sample, such as brisket and pulled pork with authentic Canadian gravy. Other choices include fried curds, fried pickles and double-fried french fries.
If you’re still feeling hungry after the main course, the truck also offers homemade dessert. Soft-serve ice cream and sundaes are available, featuring flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, maple and black raspberry.
The Food Dudes is just one of the many offshoots of the original family-owned business, D&D Meats, which was started by Adrien Dutil in 1981 and has been run by him, his wife, Sharon, and their son, Shane, ever since. Through hard work and dedication, the family and its two other businesses, Tappin’ n Sappin’ Sugarworks and Jeezum Crow Smokehouse, have secured their spot as a reliable staple within the community.
After leaving the military, Adrien used his prior experience of working in meat packing to start his own business.
“It was pretty hard, ‘cause there was nothing here,” Adrien said.
Reflecting on the early days of the endeavor, Adrien talked about how he started a meat delivery route and how it saved the business. The Dutils worked hard to keep the store running, putting all of their profits right back into the business, supplying it with more groceries and eventually buying meat scales.
The first major expansion came in 2006, when they received a license to make their own beef jerky, leading to the Jeezum Crow Smokehouse product line.
However, disaster struck in 2010 when the store burned down. The Dutils worked quickly to rebuild, and in less than a year they were back in business. They bought a smoker soon after, and were able to keep up with the demand of hunters bringing in their own meat to be processed.
They took their next leap in 2014, when they began making their own maple syrup. From maple sugar to maple cream and maple candy, they tapped into a market that led to even more profits. The biggest bonus of this venture was being able to smoke their own products with the maple, instead of having to outsource it, leading them to greater self-sufficiency as an independent family-run store.
“It kind of all works together, all the businesses. You’re cutting out the middleman, and keep the money in your own circle,” Shane Dutil said.
Shane handles many aspects of the business, including running the food truck, prepping food and marketing.
With the rise of larger chain stores and corporations, mom-and-pop shops have been on the decline. However, the Dutils have found ways, such as the food truck, to keep evolving and meeting the demands of the times in order to keep customers coming back. Multigenerational families keep coming back for more.
“Their parents were customers, and their kids are now 65, and their kids are in their 30s, and then they have little kids,” Sharon said.
Despite the evolution of the business, some things have remained the same.
“We’re still there for the community first,” Shane said.
The Dutils value not only their loyal customers, but their employees as well. With some working there for a few decades, they have practically become a part of the family.
“I find if you’re not hands-on in your business, you don’t really always get a feel for your customers,” Sharon said.
The business is also known for its annual Halloween event, “Bumpkins Halloween.” It’s held on Shane’s property at 148 Olena Road, West Chazy, New York, and draws in thousands of people. All proceeds are donated to the North Country Honor Flight, which honors World War II and Korean War veterans by bringing them to Washington D.C. for a ceremony. Spooky displays and sets are built, along with a scary trail for visitors to explore. It’s the perfect opportunity for the Dutils to set up the food truck and gain even more exposure.
It was just last year that Shane started up The Food Dudes catering truck. He opened it not only to expand D&D’s reach, but also to help those who work with him.
“Just another way to keep employees employed,” he shared, further reinforcing the strong bonds that tie the family and its workers together.
Shane had worked in catering before, but the idea to start the truck didn’t come until later. While Shane was camping with his family, he was approached by food truck owners who frequented the campground. They knew of his previous experiences and suggested he start his own food truck.
“I said I was only going to do five or six things a year and then the phone started ringing and ringing and ringing,” he said.
With the truck’s unique commissary kitchen and soft-serve machine, it provides an experience that feels like an actual restaurant. Shane markets each catering event, designing fliers and menus.
The next time you’re attending a community event in Clinton County, be on the lookout for The Food Dudes. You can also follow them on their Facebook page, D&D Meats.