1115: Cultivating a Genuine Community
When Henry Fletcher traveled and went to events with his friends who ate a plant-based diet, he noticed a common trend. There was immense difficulty in finding a place that could provide tasty vegan options in addition to the traditional meat-based options. He had always been a chef and as a self proclaimed “flexitarian”, saw an opportunity that he knew he could capitalize on. He wanted to offer real deal plant-based items with ‘no cost to flavor’, creating a food truck where everyone could find something suited to their needs. In June 2020, during the chaos that the year brought everyone, he went all in and took the necessary steps to bring 1115 Mobile Kitchen to life.
Eleven Fifteen signed a lease with us at Hatch Kitchen, and after going through all the necessary steps, began their service in November 2020. Henry and his team quickly gained popularity not only for their delicious plant-based and traditional items, but for their magnetic and warm personalities. Found throughout the River City at breweries and other pop-up venues, they show Richmond how the future of dining could (and should) be. They take great care in being sure that there is no cross-contamination by using separate fryers, utensils, and more. This is something that is always top of mind for those living a vegan lifestyle.
There’s a sense of genuine love and dedication that you can not only see, but taste in their dishes. In less than a year, they have become one of the most beloved food trucks in the scene, and it’s no surprise why. We are seeing that love and sense of community even more as they face major setbacks due to mechanical issues. Truck repairs are a dreaded but common difficulty that food truck operators deal with. It began with generator issues in the spring, and as soon as there was a light at the end of that tunnel, their engine gave out.
At a time when the odds seemed stacked against them, the Richmond community stepped up. Fellow Hatch Kitchen Member and owner of Salt & Forge, David Hahn, lent his food truck to 1115 so that they could continue on with a pre-scheduled catering event. Carlos Ordaz-Nunez, owner of TBT El Gallo, let them take over his brick and mortar as a pop-up venue for 3 days. These two amazing acts of kindness lessened the blow for Henry and his team.
After a successful fundraising pop-up at Hatch Cafe as well, we are sure there will be even more opportunities to help out Henry and his crew. Give them a follow on Instagram so that you are up to date on how to support this small local business when they need it the most!