End of an Era: Beloved Birmingham Food Truck with Historic Ties Bids Farewell
Birmingham, Alabama. News of a popular food truck connected to a legendary local restaurant came crashing in earlier today, stirring a wave of nostalgia and sadness among Birmingham gastronomes. After nearly two years of serving Asian-inspired meals to the hungry masses, the famed Rickshaw mobile food business is hanging its apron for good.
A Stark Announcement
Chris Joe, the owner and operator of Rickshaw, took to Instagram in the morning to announce the closure. Descendant to the founders of the iconic Joy Young restaurant situated in downtown Birmingham a century back, Joe wrote in regret of his decision to end his gastronomic venture. He reflected on the pleasure it had been cooking unique food, making new connections, and stepping out of his comfort zone.
His Journey in the Food World
Joe’s foray into the culinary domain started in high school, when he worked as a dishwasher in Joy Young. Over the years, he established himself in diverse Birmingham-area eateries including New York Pizza, the Merritt House, Bombay Café, and 26. Notably, he led kitchen operations at Pizzeria GM in West Homewood. The food industry veteran took a hiatus at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but his longing to cook paved the way for Rickshaw.
Rickshaw: A Culinary Delight
Launched in August 2022, Rickshaw introduced the folks of Birmingham to a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. The enticing menu boasted of a pork belly banh mi, General Tso’s chicken sandwich, fried potstickers, and dandan noodles, among other favorites. Joe, speaking about his venture in a 2023 interview, had emphasized that it was more about having fun and paying the bills, rather than amassing wealth or fame.
The Legacy of Joy Young
The legacy of the Joy Young restaurant is deeply connected with Joe’s family history. Mansion Joe, Chris Joe’s great-grandfather, along with his partners, opened the restaurant, originally named King Joy, back in the Roaring Twenties. After business came to a halt six decades later, Henry Joe, Chris’ uncle, relocated and reinvented the establishment in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham. Although it didn’t last there either, the Joy Young’s culinary charisma lingered among the city residents.
A picture of a young Chris was prominently featured on the children’s menu at Joy Young. The impact of the restaurant on his life was profound, and Joe had fond memories of being part of it, right from his early years washing dishes.
Although the shutdown of Rickshaw brings along disappointment, it’s the end of a chapter etched with distinct culinary excellence and historic roots. Birmingham will remember the joy Chris Joe’s food truck brought to its streets, just like the legendary Joy Young restaurant. And as the city bids this beloved food truck adieu, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the inseparable bond between food, memory, and place.
