Meet Kelly's Gourmet Foods! Nick Tomich-Thorne is the head chef and co-owner of Kelly's. Learn more about the business and their delicious dishes below.
What made you want to start a food truck business?
Kelly’s Gourmet Foods wanted to start a food truck business because they wanted to combine their passion for cooking and to serve the Chico community quality food. Kelly’s also likes to be able to connect with their customers on a more personal level compared to a traditional restaurant.
What are ways Chico State students can help other local businesses like yours?
There are many ways to help local businesses like Kelly’s Gourmet Foods. One of them is being open to trying new foods because it is about the experience. Another way is to tag the business on Instagram/Facebook posts and stories so it can be seen by a bigger audience.
What is one of the best-selling items and how does it make you different from other food trucks?
The most popular item on the menu is the “large mushroom steak sandwich” with the cheese sauce. Kelly’s is different from other food trucks because they have a very diverse menu to show their customers their southern roots. They are also a family owned business and each day they sell authentic and quality food to their customers.
What is an item on your menu that is underrated, and you think more students should try?
The most underrated menu on the menu is “The Classic.” This is the most basic and simple cheesesteak one could get, but it’s so good. This sandwich includes fresh rolls with caramelized onions. “It’s really simple but it will never let you down,” says Tomiisch-Thorne.
What is your favorite part about working in a food truck?
Kelly’s loves to be working in a food truck that is on a university campus. They love to be a part of the Chico State community and serve students, faculty and staff. Tomisch-Thorne says, “It is a blessing and I am honored to be here.”
What is the best aspect of being able to have your food truck on campus?
Kelly’s favorite part about being on campus is making students happy with the quality of their food and getting the opportunity to grow as a business.
What are some gluten-free options on your menu?
Kelly’s is able to turn any cheesesteak into a bowl. This means that everything inside of the sandwich is placed on a lettuce bed to replace the bread.
Do you have any vegan and/or vegetarian options?
There is a sandwich called the green garden which includes onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, lettuce, and tomato.
Kelly's can be found on campus Monday-Friday at one of our various designated food truck spots on campus, and sometimes at Nettleton Stadium supporting Chico State Athletics events.
Follow Kelly's Gourmet Foods (@kellysgourmetfoods) for new menu items, operational updates and more.
The food truck program at Chico State is brought to you by Associated Students Dining Services. Chico State students, staff and faculty can use FlexCash, ReDD$, and Wildcat Dollars at participating food trucks. For more info, click here.
