Fo'Cheezy chef announces new Tampa-based food truck offering 'Korean-Mexican' confusion

Local restaurateur, chef, and St. Pete native Robert Hesse just announced his newest culinary venture, and it's unique menu features way more than grilled cheeses.

Hesse’s latest food truck dubbed Grillaking will offer “Korean-Mexican confusion” food with a rock and roll-themed twist, with tongue-in cheek-dishes like the “Judas Beef Gogi Hoagie” and “Deadhead Dawg.”

Hesse had two concepts in mind for his next business: a Korean-Mexican fusion spot or a rock and metal-themed burger joint that looked more like a traveling venue than a food truck. Unable to choose between the two, he decided to merge both ideas into one, eclectic business with fare that may be a bit “confusing” for some. But Hesse says that Grillaking’s unique menu and atmosphere is a playful way to showcase his latest creative musings.

“I understand that we’re doing fusion, but it may be confusing, too. But I think we’re paying tribute to the techniques, traditions and chefs that came before us in order to get the flavors right,” Hesse, who recently survived two heart attacks, tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “This new concept is all about having fun and creating food that we love to eat. With all of the health issues I had last year, I really want to focus on creativity and doing what I enjoy."

Since the new 31 foot-long food truck is still getting its finishing touches, Hesse says that Grillaking is slated to serve its first customers sometime in May.

The new food truck will be Tampa-based for the most part, but will also travel to St. Petersburg, Clearwater and other areas in Central Florida.

A quick scroll through Grillaking’s new social media pages teases dishes like bulgogi-filled burritos, Korean fried chicken sandwiches, bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Kewpie slaw and queso blanco and homemade kimchi, plus a variety of tacos, quesadillas and sandwiches.

Hesse has partnered with his longtime friend and former Fo’Cheezy employee Matt Crowley and 717 South owner Michael Stewart for his latest venture.

He tells CL that he plans to return to the South Tampa fine dining restaurant when renovations are completed later this year, and will split time between his new food truck and 717 South.

And for the future of Fo'Cheezy Twisted Meltz, the grilled cheese concept's many food trucks and locations on St. Pete Beach and inside of Tropicana Field will remain open, despite its downtown St. Pete restaurant closing last month.   In addition to serving the greater Tampa Bay area his "Korean-Mexican confusion" food, Hesse also plans to incorporate some sort of music-related philanthropy into his newest venture. “I want to continue my outreach work—maybe we can create a charity or partner with other nonprofits to help give kids instruments or a music education,” Hesse explains.

For the latest news on Chef Hesse’s latest venture and next month’s grand opening, head to Grillaking’s Facebook page or @grillaking on Instagram.

And if you’d like Grillaking to cater your next event or party, head to grillaking.com to book the up-and-coming food truck.

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