One day while getting his MBA at DeVry University, a professor called Hanif Davis aside. She told him he was quiet, but also the best writer in the class. With this in mind, she encouraged him to write a business plan for his future. Hanif didn’t know it yet, but this was the catalyst leading to the creation of Hadez Food Truck.
In that business plan, Hanif detailed his desire to work in the food industry. His professor shared the plan with a friend, who suggested Davis launch a food truck. Given his southern roots, Hanif began imagining a food truck focusing on barbecue soul food. By 2019, Hadez Food Truck – named after his grandmother, Hattie – was ready to roll.
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Finding the Right Flavors
Prior to finalizing the menu, Hanif received three months of training from former food truck owner Rennie Wilson; specifically in the art of barbecue. “I wanted to add something that I like, and here we are,” Hanif says of the barbecue soul food. For instance, he smokes meats while mixing in macaroni and cheese to bring out familiar Southern flavors.
Popular Hadez Food Truck menu items include loaded brisket fries, brisket tacos, oxtail tacos, and tacos with mac and cheese. Hanif loves the brisket in particular. “Brisket is detailed in its smoking,” he says. “I enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun. Smoking brisket is different. I take my time on it. It’s like building art.”
Likewise, kids rave about his fries and mac and cheese. He loves watching toddlers and babies smile when they eat his food. “Kids are honest,” he says. “They don’t lie. They’ll spit something out if they don’t like it.”
Hanif also wants to add barbecue vegetarian fare to the menu; they currently don’t offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free items. But they do accept catering requests for special events.
About Hanif Davis
Prior to starting Hadez Food Truck, Hanif was a police officer and also spent 10 years in the army. In fact, he currently works full time for the Department of the Army. However, he aims to make his food truck venture his full-time role. Until then, he is looking for a commercial parking spot where he can serve the army and his customers.
Future plans include launching a touring gourmet bus. The idea comes from a bus serving high-end food he came across in Germany. But first, he plans to use NJ as his barometer of success. “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. We reflect every type of environment in the country, from rural to suburban to city people. If it works here, we’ll know it would work anywhere.”
Where to Find Hadez Food Truck
Patrons can find Hadez Food Truck at the following Just Jersey Fest events for 2023:
- July 1: Red White & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest in Teaneck. Click here for details.
To learn more about Hadez Food Truck:
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Facebook | Send them an Email |
All Photos: © Hanif Davis / Hadez Food Truck
