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Troy resident Kia Jo Hussey unveiled her new food truck, the Happy Shack, to the Pike County area last week at Sipps Food Court.

Hussey, who also works in healthcare, had always wanted to run her own restaurant, and a food truck is the first step in that goal.

“I’ve always wanted to own by own restaurant, but could never settle on a location,” Hussey said. “That’s when I decided to do a food truck, so I can reach more people.”

Hussey plans to set up the food truck all across the county and even in more areas.

“I will be setting up all across Pike and Crenshaw Counties, but honestly I would go anywhere,” she emphasized.

The Happy Shack, which also caters, offers a number of options from hot dogs, chili dogs, sausage dogs, Mexican Street Corn Dip, elote dip, uncrustables and their own special Crusty Dog, which is an uncrustable served with Conecuh Sausage.

“I was born in North Dakota and I remember after we moved to Alabama having my first piece (of Conecuh Sausage) and I was in love,” Hussey said of her recommendations for the Happy Shack. “Don’t sleep on the Elote Corn Dip either, it’s great.”

Hussey said that she hopes to expand in the future.

“I would love to open a few more trucks over the next few years,” she said. “Cute little mailboxes rolling around. When it’s time to sit down and get off the road, I would love a little café somewhere, too.”

The Happy Shack will be in Brantley on March 23 for the 331 Spring Extravaganza, but customers can find out where and at what times The Happy Shack will be open via their Facebook page here. The Happy Shack – which accepts both cash and cards – can also be reached at (334) 722-0993 or via E-mail at thehappyshack2023@gmail.com.