By Liz Witbeck
A woman who has been involved in food
service for many years, Heather O’Neill, is now
getting involved with a food truck.
“I made an offhand statement saying ‘I would
love to open a food truck'” said O’Neill. Her
father was supportive of her goal and helped
her open O’Pablos, a Mexican food truck, this
month.
After months of searching, O’Neill found a
trailer and renovated it to her needs. The food
truck will be stationed at the French Mountain
Commons Outlets in Lake George, right off
Northway Exit 20 on I-87.
The food truck features Mexican dishes
such as soft and hard shell tacos, pork carnitas,
quesadillas, flautas, rice and beans, homemade
tortilla chips, soups, and churros. There are
gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Shoppers will be able to grab a quick bite to
eat and take their food to go, or sit and eat at the
picnic tables located outside the truck. Outlets
at the mall include Banana Republic, Nine West
and Tommy Hilfiger.
The food truck will be the first one in the
Glens Falls region.
“It’s the hottest trend in food service right
now” said O’Neill. “It’s fun, it’s different … I’m
excited to be the first one out of the gate.”
The most difficult part of establishing the
food truck was finding a brick and mortar
location, according to O’Neill. The application
process required her to connect the food truck
along with a permanent location, even though
it is a mobile venue.
O’Neill plans to purchase a second food truck
next spring, which she will use for catering special
events such as weddings, corporate events,
birthday parties and more.
O’Neill has been involved in the food industry
scene in Glens Falls for several years. She
opened Olde Post Grille in Lake George six
years ago with her mother. She also previously
worked as director of food and beverage at West
Mountain Ski Resort.
She was offered the opportunity to come back to West Mountain but declined. “Right
now we’re really focused on building our family
business,” she said.
The O’Neill family recently became managers
of the French Mountain Commons Deli. The
deal came as a surprise, although the family is
excited for the opportunity. The deli opened in
August and is under management of O’Neill’s
mother, Nancy.
The menu at the deli features lighter sandwiches
and salads. Catering for special events
is available as well.
The deli will be remodeled, with tables,
chairs, and mirrors being part of the repairs.
Remodeling will be done after the Columbus
Day weekend.
O’Neill is allowing her family to handle the
deli, while she gets excited to open O’Pablos
food truck.
“We’re coming out with guns blazing” she said.
For more information, visit http://frenchmountaincommons.com.
Photo by Jake Van Ness