Ever wondered what it takes to transform a passion for food into a thriving business? Micah from Cluck Truck joins us to share his remarkable journey from Appalachian culinary roots to food truck entrepreneur with dreams of creating a local fried chicken empire.

From the moment Micah reveals his vision of turning Cluck Truck into a local chain (think Pals, but with fried chicken), you can feel his entrepreneurial spirit shining through. What's fascinating is that the Cluck Truck concept wasn't even his original idea—his business partner suggested it while Micah had been planning a more complex Southern fusion concept featuring dishes like panko-breaded catfish with jalapeño cheddar grits and gochujang crema. The pivot to chicken proved brilliant, combining accessibility with exceptional execution.

Micah's story is peppered with delightful surprises, from his high school days selling salt to classmates during the Michelle Obama lunch program restrictions (a quarter per grind!) to celebrity encounters including Papa John himself, who once handed out gift cards from his Escalade. His culinary influences range from his grandmother's traditional Appalachian cooking to his profound love of Asian cuisines—Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese—which have significantly shaped his menu offerings.

Beyond food, Micah demonstrates deep community commitment through initiatives like a shoe drive for a local closet and an upcoming free music festival called "Cluck Core" on August 30th at Big Stone Gap Visitor Center. His blend of culinary skill, business acumen, and community focus offers valuable insights for anyone looking to follow their passion while building something meaningful.

Follow Cluck Truck on social media to stay updated on weekly locations and upcoming events—or better yet, text the number in their Facebook bio for direct weekly updates!

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