CityView Magazine

40 | April • 2014 eran owned and operated start up that has become an overnight success. ey advertise their next day's stop location on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Not into social media? at's okay, they even leave messages, the old-fash- ioned way, at their customer's request. e Russell's have 15 years of com- bined restaurant experience, but Rob retired from the military and Mary was a teacher at VanStory Elementary be- fore they hit the road doing what they love – and filling a niche in the com- munity at lunch. Known for their simple menu spe- cialties, hot dogs and freshly ground hamburgers are their staple. Choices for burgers include four kinds: Grilled, Carolina, Southern and Wisconsin. Burgers run around $4 to $4.50 and most customers add on the hand-cut fries, for a few extra bucks, served up piping hot with just enough salt to make you lick your fingers. Rob recalled that their first location where they opened their doors was in the joint parking lot at e Sandtrap near Raeford Road at Purdue. e owner Bridget is still a loyal follower and happened to be out in line at the Jim's location during our interview. eir second location was in the front of the Big Lots parking lot. "Some people think that anyone can start up a food truck, but it's work," said Rob. "You have to be able to fix the genera- tor and do your own repairs as needed or you'll end up losing your profit." Rob says there is no "secret family recipe." Aer a few months of testing different meats and blends with family and friends, and with the help of Travis from Kinlaw's Supermarket, they came up with the R special blend, with the right flavor and juiciness. ey have been making double patty burgers for their youngest daughter Made- line and her friends for many years and they became a signature item at the "R house." Now, on occasion, Made- line works right alongside her parents when she is home from college breaks. Each morning inside the truck the line is prepared for the day with the toppings being chopped, diced or handmade – like the pimento cheese. R Burger is owned by Veteran Rob Russell and his wife Mary. Photograph by Jen Tarbox Photograph by Kia McMillan

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