The Man and Woman Behind the Grill
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — John H. Giles Sr. doesn’t smile a lot. When working out of his food truck his positive energy is on full display. “I like this job,” Giles said.
Giles is a jack of all trades. Growing up on the east side of Syracuse, Giles has worked in the food industry for over thirty years.
His most recent foundation is the “Johnny Gee’s BBQ & Catering Services” food truck. Located on the corner of East Fayette Street and Crouse Avenue, Giles can thank “Collins Barber & Beauty Shop” for the opportunity. “I went to Collins and asked if the space was available and here I am,” Giles said.
Coming up on just over a year in business, Giles is excited for the future. His goals are to expand to ten trailers in five different states. These aspirations can’t be accomplished without the help of friend and former Syracuse University dining employee Joyce Burwell.
Together Burwell and Giles work hand in hand. “I basically just fry his wings, and his fish, and his fries,” Burwell said. “I make sure food goes out timely to the customers, so it’s like a teamwork.”
Burwell’s work doesn’t go unnoticed. “She’s a trooper, she’s a worker,” Giles said. “She works harder than me.”
The teamwork of Giles and Burwell hope to feed the hungry at the “Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival” in Clinton Square this weekend. A month of preparation has kept Burwell excited.
“I love the events and festivals,” Burwell said. “All of the activities, craziness and people.”
Giles said Burwell’s motivation provides her the effort to work just as hard to make this a success. A dream that has only just begun hopes to please hungry fans of jazz music this weekend.