Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Dries
Hi Clarissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The aroma of perfectly toasted bread and melting cheese hung heavy in the Memphis air, a testament to the love and dedication of Allison and Terry Larue. Say Cheese wasn’t just a food truck; it was a dream born from a simple need. For years, the Larues poured their passion into Say Cheese, becoming a beloved fixture in the community.
Then, in 2020, life called them to a new chapter. It was time to pass the torch, or rather, the spatula. Enter us, Clarissa and Jacob Dries. No strangers to the food truck scene ourselves, having run our own truck (El Mero Taco) since 2014, we recognized the magic of Say Cheese. We saw the love poured into every sandwich, the loyalty of the customers, and the potential to carry on the Larues’ legacy. With a shared passion for good food and a deep respect for what Allison and Terry had built, we stepped in. Now, we proudly serve the Memphis community, continuing the dream one delicious grilled cheese at a time, honoring the foundation laid by the Larues while adding our own touch to the Say Cheese story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the Memphis community has greatly accepted us since day one, it is never smooth sailing when it comes to owning a restaurant, nevertheless, a food truck. We have had endless of flat tires, plumbing issues, etc. but the hardest hit we’ve taken has been our engine blowing up. That was a very costly expense hard to recover from. Luckily, we were able to add a new trailer to our fleet and can now travel again through Memphis and surrounding areas.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our story began at culinary school in Austin. For Jacob and me, it was practically love at first sight. We bonded over our shared upbringings in the restaurant business and a common dream of one day owning our own restaurant. We pour our hearts into every dish, driven by a love of food and a desire to create a warm and welcoming experience for our guests.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
It’s hard to say if it’s luck or something more, but we’ve been incredibly blessed by God and the support of our community. We’ve built lifelong relationships with so many people through this business, and that connection is invaluable. We’ve definitely had our share of challenges, times when we’ve stumbled and had to get back on our feet, but the community’s support has been a constant source of strength. We’re so grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saycheese901.com
- Instagram: saycheese901
- Facebook: saycheese901
