Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ducote.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Always had a dream of starting a Bar and grill, it’s all the family talked about. After the second round of Covid hit, my employer was unable to keep staff working. Being an acting manager, I had many rolls to fulfill, including duties that I had to carry out from missing Employees due to illness. With all of the responsibility and stress with no relief or help from upper management, I decided to quit. Cold turkey with no plan in sight. For about a week racking my brain a light bulb appeared. I immediately acted on it! Drew out my 401k and TSP, and bought a food trailer. I’ve always had a love for cooking so it wasn’t a hard decision! With both may partner and myself being rooted from Louisiana, we decide to make Cajun cuisine . Formed all the legalities and permits within the first month and we were ready. Only thing left to do was give it a name! My partner in business came up with the snazzy little name which is coincidentally a spin off name from her apparel line. The apparel line is named after her father who passed years ago to commemorate him. So we named the business Pollywog’s Cajun Persuasion!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The food industry is never an easy one, especially for a food truck/trailer. The location is the key to success! For us, we find it a little difficult having customers to want come out and dine on our patio seats because of extreme heat or extreme cold. So alleviate that problem, we usually do events.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This food trailer is our life and career. It is our passion, and we love to cook with heart! There is no better feeling than having someone tell you How happy they are with your service and how delicious the food is! We specialize in Cajun food, seafood boils, and crawfish! We have anything from crawfish Etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya Alfredo, to burgers, swamp fries, and deep fried Mardi Gras Empanadas!!
We are most proud of our customer service! We go above and beyond for our customers, they are like family!!!
What sets us apart?! We have our own branded sauces and seasonings that will be hitting the market within the next few months. We are known for our homemade Pollywog Sauce! It’s highly addictive!!!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish I knew how hard it would be to gain traction of having a regular customer base! We have traveled all over the world and have done so many events and there is nothing like having your own restaurant! Which is currently what we are setting out to try and do. Moving around is hard on the body, mind, and soul!
My advice is do what you love, never give up on what you want to do, and don’t listen to other people downplaying your decisions! It will totally restrict you from success and set doubt in!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollywogscajunpersuasion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17t2k1F8EU/
Image Credits
All photos are self taken
