Chaddy’s debuts new cafe at Buchanan County Courthouse

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Hot and fresh food is back once again at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Chaddy's Food Truck has officially transitioned from a food truck to a cafe, opening up shop on Monday for the many travelers and regulars who visit the courthouse.

"It's finally here and it's fantastic," owner Chad Watson said. "We've had a lot of good feedback in the last two days. And we are looking forward to serving people at the courthouse."

Watson said they had roughly 60 customers file in on the first day to try their signature comfort food, and many were left impressed. Popular menu items include smash burgers, chicken tenders, Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches like BLT's and Reubens.

In making the move from food truck to cafe, one aspect Watson emphasized was reduced costs of having the physical space versus the automobile, which allows for lower menu prices.

"There's lots and lots of costs (with a food truck). That's why my menu pricing has dropped quite a bit," Watson said. "We're here to make money of course, but we have to be fair and we have to be honest with our customers."

Previously a food truck in Northwest Missouri for the last year and a half, Chaddy's quickly grew to become a fixture at local events and festivals in Northwest Missouri, Kansas City and St. Joseph, operating primarily out of the Deluxe Truck Stop on Packers Avenue until making the move Downtown.

As they continue to get settled, Watson -- a longtime veteran of the food industry -- hopes to start having fun events and ways for customers to get involved such as meal of the day suggestions and free meals on customers birthdays.

"When people come in, they can put their name in a basket up front," Watson said. "Every Friday we're going to pull the name of the basket. And whatever special meal they want is what we will try to prepare. We're also going to do birthdays. If it's your birthday, I'm going to buy you lunch. I think that's birthdays are special and I want to make everybody's birthday a special occasion."

Chaddy's is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the basement level of the courthouse.