It's one of Buffalo's oldest and most famous restaurants. But when a camouflage tarp was lifted Wednesday, Chef's officially became the latest member of the city's fleet of food trucks.
Chef's co-owners, joined by several local Buffalo Bills and Sabres stars, officially introduced their new food truck outside the long-established eatery at Seneca and Chicago Streets. The truck, a 36-foot Freightliner, features a 22-foot kitchen space from which employees will serve many of the restaurant's popular menu items.
The challenge, says co-owner Lou Billittier Jr., is to produce it at a quick pace while maintaining quality.
"One of the things, when I was researching, that really upset me was why does it take so long?" he said. "I understand why, obviously, but let's create something that we can do that doesn't take that long."
Billittier told reporters he believes they can serve orders at an average of three to four minutes.
Six people were added to Chef's staff of 100-plus personnel as part of the food truck venture.
Among the celebrities who helped the Billittier family unveil their food truck were several former Buffalo Sabres and Bills. Ex-Sabres present were Danny Gare, Don Luce and Rene Robert. Buffalo Bills alumni present were Joe DeLamielleure and Lou Piccone. Former National Hockey League star Marcel Dionne, who did not play for the Sabres but settled in Western New York, was also present but did not take part in the unveiling ceremony.
Like the many diverse and popular food trucks already established and doing business in Buffalo, Chef's will post its food truck schedule online through its official website and through its social media accounts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp0CUNqw_NE&feature=youtu.be