Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris and Keri Nurthen.
Hi Chris and Keri, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I used to go camping with family in Wisconsin. My relatives in Wisconsin introduced me to the camp cooker concoctions and the delicious idea never left my mind. I was gifted some pie irons and began experimenting at home with family friends around bonfires.
They were always a hit and this was during the beginning of the Food truck Movement we see today, so it was always a running joke there may be a business opportunity here! Fast forward a few years – My wife and I started our life together in Virginia Beach, VA, where I was stationed in the US Navy. In Virginia, we officially launched our “Iron Pie” concept under a tent at local Farmer’s Markets and the concept was really well-received!
As my commitment to the Navy was nearing its end, we were putting plans together for the next chapter in our life and the pursuit of a career as a Singer/Songwriter in the music industry. With a proven concept with our Iron Pies, and a strong support network in Keri’s hometown of Memphis – we thought together they could provide us the runway we need to launch the master plan.
Ironically, not only could our Iron Pie concept sustain as a business alone, but it also became a platform to gain a captive audience to hear my music. So we decided to upgrade our SweetNur Tent with a reconverted horse-trailer (thanks to the help of some very handy Navy friends), packed up our family and belongings, said farewell to the Navy, and moved to Memphis, TN.
We’ve been hard at work for a little over a year now here in Memphis and SweetNur’s Home of the Iron Pie has received a great response not only as a delicious flavor blast but a platform for the independent artist like myself. We’ve come together with other artists and small businesses to collectively put on “SweetNur HouseShows”.
It gives the listener an intimate music experience and allows great exposure for not only the artist. but other small business vendors supporting the event like SweetNur’s Home of the Iron Pie.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID certainly provided a struggle everyone can relate to, but luckily the food truck scene turned out to be one of the safer ways to dine out, and our concerts have been typically held in open-air venues (i.e. someone’s backyard). The concept entirely was a breath of fresh air (no-pun-intended) for everyone!
The greatest struggle was ultimately trying to make ends meet. At the end of the day, it was me and Keri (my wife) wearing every hat of the business while the support and survival of our two children depended on it. I personally wouldn’t want it any other way. It certainly takes a village and a great plan, and God equipped us with both. I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Keri.
Together we make a great team, and our kids get to witness the magic of hard work and the American Dream. This kind of struggle makes the fruit of our labor even sweeter – it means a great deal more to pull off our HouseShows or compliment a private event knowing the journey that got us there.
We’ve been impressed with SweetNur’s Home of the Iron Pie, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While SweetNur’s can play the role of a food truck, we consider us a blend of mobile catering, personal experience, and entertainment.
The Iron Pie itself is a gourmet, pressed sandwich and we pride ourselves on our sweet and savory flavor blasts. Not only do we have a signature menu of savory and sweet Iron Pies, but the beauty of our concept is you can put whatever you want in between the irons. We have an infinite amount of possibilities to your liking, and we like to add that as a personal touch to your event – you can customize menu names and the menu ingredients!
The redesigned dimensions and farmhouse look of our horse trailer “Sweet Mobile” give us great curb appeal and allow us to compliment ANY event. Keri’s taste in exterior/interior design and seasonal touches disguise us as only a fitting decoration to your party. We also take pride in our efficient delivery system and eliminating any wait times, or as we like to call it “Super Fast Flavor Blast!” And lastly, we’re QUIET and don’t crash your party with a noisy generator
This is why we classify ourselves as “not your average food truck” and fall more under a private catering gig.
What matters most to you? Why?
I’ve never been asked this question – and it’s tough to answer. In life – my relationship with God matters most. But I care deeply about the story I’m leaving for my children. To have courage, to pursue what’s on your heart, to press through the trials and tribulations, to be creative, to trust in God… I could go on.
Maybe what matters most is proving the statement that anything is possible?
As a business owner, my relationship with God still is what matters most! For our customers, what matters most is transparency. I get so annoyed with marketing today, and I like to stay straight with folks while having some fun while we’re at it. I have faith if we just show you the real “us” you would be happy to take our business.
Keeping a positive attitude is also a game-changer!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sweetnurs.com
- Website: www.sweetnurs.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/901ironpies
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/901ironpies
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SweetNur
Image Credits
ALN Images, Sam Slay Photography, and Brooksh Photography
