REVIEW: Grabbing a late-night bite from Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches food truck
.jpg "Grabbing a late-night bite from Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches food truck")
I told Tra’von Eley I felt like I already knew him when I ordered from his food truck Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches.
He’s an inspiring young entrepreneur in the Boardman and Youngstown food industry. I’ve looked up to him for years and followed him on Facebook for a while, wondering how he got started.
Everyone raves about the sandwiches from Eley’s business, Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches, savoring toasted burger buns stamped with his name on top so you can’t possibly forget the name.
Eley graduated from Boardman High School and the Mahoning County Technical Center for Culinary Arts.
After working in kitchens at Bistro 1907 and Downtown 124 in Warren, he bought a cargo trailer in 2022 and started his own business. The business not only survived the COVID-19 pandemic but thrived.
His traveling food truck frequently parks outside Mahoning Valley festivals, fairs, and popular live music establishments like Birdfish Brewing and Penguin City on weeknights throughout the year. They also do private parties and events.
I was in the mood for something sweet and savory, so I ordered the maple chicken and waffle gourmet sandwich, prepared by Eley and his cook manager, Donrico Stoutmire.
.jpg "IMG_9429 (1).jpg")
Outside Penguin City in the windy weather on Friday, they were smiling, friendly, and filled with warmth, serving burgers and fries to everyone visiting for the St. Patrick’s Day kickoff party.
Some crowd favorites are the loaded waffle fries with queso and bacon bites and the beyond burger, which is all plant-based.
The fried chicken is so well-cooked in the maple chicken and waffle sandwich that it doesn’t even feel heavy. It’s juicy and filling!
I loved the savory addition of bacon and green onions. Still, with my sweet tooth, I wanted more of the unique maple syrup!
The best part was the waffle. It was fresh and warm and went so well with the crispiness of the fried chicken. If I could, I would eat it for breakfast daily.
Next time I visit Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches, I’m trying the loaded waffle fries and the fried chicken sammie. Both come with honey, bread and butter pickles, and all the fixings.
Eley is one of the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals’ 25 Under 35 Awards nominees.
It’s a well-deserved nomination for the entrepreneur who, at the age of 22, took a chance and bet on himself and his skills.
Stop by Steel Valley Brew Works this Friday from 9 p.m. until midnight for a sandwich from Eley’s team at Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches.
This story was originally published March 19, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
