Hidden Gems: Meet Chaunti Griggs of Coney Shack & Grill LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaunti Griggs.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The idea for our food truck started with a craving—a craving for authentic Detroit Coney Island flavors I grew up with, but couldn’t find anywhere in Arizona after moving to Phoenix over 10 years ago. What began as a personal food mission quickly turned into a bigger vision: to bring bold, Midwest-style comfort food to the Valley, with my own creative twist.

In 2021, I finally brought that vision to life by launching the food truck. With a lifelong passion for cooking, my own signature spice blends and sauces, and a love for community, I hit the road serving up everything I wished existed here—Coney dogs, loaded fries, juicy burgers, and more, all made with real Detroit flavor.

Today, we’re proud to serve at local festivals, corporate functions, and private celebrations. We’ve built a loyal following of foodies who come back again and again.

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?
Starting a food truck is exciting, but it’s also full of learning curves. From the jump, there were challenges with permitting, equipment costs, and navigating Arizona’s food truck regulations. I was passionate about the vision, but the logistics of turning it into a real business took persistence.

Then came the reality of being a one-person show—handling cooking, scheduling, social media, customer service, and events. I hired my wife and my family needless to say! I had to learn how to balance quality and speed during service, all while figuring out how to stand out in a growing food truck scene.

We’ve also had to ride out slower seasons, unpredictable weather, and last-minute event cancellations. But every time a customer takes a bite and says, “This reminds me of home” or “This is soooo good,” it reminds me why I started.

Every struggle pushed me to grow as a business owner and sharpen my craft. We’ve come a long way—and each challenge has fueled our journey forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re more than just a food truck—we’re a movement of flavor, culture, and community. Our business was born from a craving for something familiar, authentic, and bold: Detroit Coney Island-style food. After moving to Phoenix over a decade ago, I couldn’t find those nostalgic flavors anywhere—so I decided to create them myself.

Our food truck specializes in Midwest comfort food with a twist, blending Detroit staples like Coney dogs and chili cheese fries with homemade sauces, spice blends, and flavor profiles inspired by my travels and culinary creativity. We’re known for serving up juicy sliders, loaded fries, and wings that hit the spot every time. Everything is made with care, intention, and flavor that speaks for itself.

What truly sets us apart is authenticity. This isn’t just a menu—it’s my roots on a plate. Our food is crafted from scratch, inspired by real stories, family recipes, and the energy of the streets I grew up on. We’re not trying to be trendy—we’re staying true to what made Midwest food iconic in the first place and bringing it to Arizona with pride. Whether it’s a family-friendly festival or a corporate catering gig, our goal is to leave guests raving, satisfied, and excited to come back.

What I want people to know about our brand is simple:
We bring real food, real flavor, and real heart. This isn’t fast food—it’s flavor better made. (Homage to BetterMade Chips)

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice is: don’t wait for everything to be perfect—just start.
Plan, but don’t overthink. While having a business plan is important, real growth comes from doing—getting out there, serving customers, and learning through experience.

Budget for the unexpected. Whether it’s truck repairs, licensing fees, or event cancellations, the unexpected will happen. Build a cushion into your budget and always have a backup plan.

Start small, but think big. Focus on quality, consistency, and customer service from the very beginning. Your reputation is your brand—and word of mouth can take you further than any ad campaign. KEY!

Network and ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other food truck owners, vendors, or local organizations. I’ve learned a lot from conversations with people who’ve been in the game longer than me.

Social media is your friend. Your online presence is your storefront. Take the time to show up consistently, share your story, your food, and engage with your audience. It builds community, and community builds loyalty. Still working on this btw.

Above all, believe in your flavor. No one can bring your unique twist to the table like you can. It won’t always be smooth, but the growth and the journey are so worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coneyshack20/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coneyshack20/