ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Some people may have tables set up in their backyard for family gatherings with games, lights, and even swings. But Mindy Burger sets it all up in her backyard for work.
MJ’s Back Porch, a food truck in Eastland, is literally located on the back porch of the home of Mindy and James Burger, who want their customers to feel like family.
“Poor guy, he has to drive an hour to work, and I literally have 20 steps,” Mindy said.
For MJ’s Back Porch customers, however, they seem to love the backyard experience.
“We love the atmosphere,” said an Eastland resident who said he was a regular customer. “It’s nice and cool on a hot day and the food is delicious.
“It’s much nicer than going to McDonald’s to play in the playground, and for me, I can’t eat wheat,” another Eastland resident said. “So they have non-gummy options, which is fantastic, and it’s hard to find that in a small rural town.”
Even though it took a long time for this food truck to open, it was the business that made Mindy realize her dreams.
“It’s not a job for me, it’s just something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” Mindy explained.
After working in the food industry for four years, Mindy said she always dreamed of opening her own restaurant. She even told KTAB/KRBC that she once tried to open a mom-and-pop.
“We first considered buying a building and settling down,” said James, Mindy’s husband. “Long story short, God reduced this building to our capabilities.”
After that, the pandemic hit and Mindy and James lost their jobs. Still having to support three children at home, the situation forced the couple to make a big decision.
Mindy and James said they originally planned to name their mom and pop MJ’s back porch — so they decided to put a food truck on their back porch, in the middle of the pandemic.
This business has now been open for two years, due to inflation and incredible heat. Although it is an open-air establishment, the couple said it gives Eastland residents something to do.
Plus, they even host live music events on the second Saturday of every month, starting on Saturday, September 10. They also offer space that can be rented.
A supportive husband, James told KTAB/KRBC he just wants Mindy’s dreams to come true, while Mindy said she just wants to give back to the Eastland community.
In this economic climate, MJ’s Back Porch said they may need to extend their hours to make ends meet, but they assured customers they don’t plan to close any time soon.
This food truck is only open during lunch hours, but they also deliver, which they say was the main thing that kept them open in the heat. You can visit them at 402 North College Avenue in Eastland, and Click here to learn more.
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