Owner introducing loyalty program for food truck’s fourth year serving Mahoning Valley
The owner of Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches is getting ready to reopen for his fourth food truck season in the Mahoning Valley starting March 14.
Tra’von Eley said he is looking forward to seeing returning customers, as well as new ones.
“We’re doing a new loyalty program so as your points add up, you’ll get to redeem those points for your next visit,” Eley said.
For every dollar spent, loyalty program participants earn one point. When you reach 60 points, you’ll get $5 off.
Eley started serving signature gourmet sandwiches in 2022 after learning to manage a kitchen as a chef and kitchen manager at Bistro 1907 in Youngstown.
“I’ve built and created so many relationships with people who are right in front of me. I can take the time and create relationships with my customers easily,” he said. “Before I opened the food trailer, I used to manage the restaurant and you’re stuck in the back.”
“You don’t really get the great relationships with the customers, because they’re out in the dining room, and by the time you come out the kitchen, everyone’s gone,” Eley added.
During the off season, Eley has been busy feeding fans and families at the Canfield High School concession stand.
“We do boys and girls basketball games. We have our burgers, grilled cheese and a few other concession items,” he said. “We also do volleyball and winter sports concessions.”
Grab a bite from Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches on March 14 at Penguin City Brewery in Youngstown and on March 15 at Birdfish Brewery in Columbiana.
“I’m really good friends with the owners of Wok on the Wild Side,” Eley said. “We call each other and help each other out. In the food truck community, we’re all friends and our goal is pretty much all the same.”
