Loyal to Local: Crown Majestic Kitchen
The Riverside Arts Market (RAM), now in its 15th year, is a weekly makers and farmers market hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Each week, more than 100 small business owners gather under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge to sell their products to the local community. Keep reading to learn more about some of the incredible vendors that make RAM a must-visit part of every Saturday.
Food truck owners have many jobs beyond serving as a chef.
“Arriving and serving food is the shortest part of our day!” said Derrick and Theresa Hampton.
As owners of local food truck Crown Majestic Kitchen, they are bookkeepers, marketing experts, purchasing managers, operations staff, dishwashers, mechanics, truck drivers, and more. Since 2019, the couple has run their business wearing all these hats and are no stranger to the duties of the job. However, their usual routine was disrupted in September last year, when a reckless driver hit their trailer on I-95 and left their business inoperable. Now, five months later, Crown Majestic Kitchen is ready to reopen and go back to the business they love.
The accident wasn’t the first time that the Hamptons had to make an unexpected pivot in their business. Originally a part-time catering company, the COVID pandemic shifted their business model to delivery, serving neighbors throughout the Yulee area. Their ability to take popular foods and raise them to a higher level of flavor profile and presentation enabled the delivery business to quickly grow a following. One loyal customer suggested the couple open a food truck, and their comment “planted the seed” that eventually led the couple to step away from careers at the Ritz Carlton and begin offering their services “to a broader audience, on our own terms, and in our own way.”
Rebuilding after the loss of their trailer gave the Hamptons the opportunity to reflect on what was working with their original set-up and what could be done differently. Working with a builder, their new truck was designed to be streamlined and efficient.
“The whole process was very exciting,” said Derrick. “We knew exactly what we wanted and were able to execute it.”
With permits and inspections completed, the Hamptons are now ready to get back to sharing their chicken wings, cheesesteaks, and smoked gouda mac and cheese bowls with the community they love. As the business continues to grow, they also hope to expand in a new direction. The couple has plans to package their sauce and seasoning blends for retail nationwide. Ultimately, Derrick and Theresa hope to not only connect with the community, but also “inspire other small businesses to pursue their dreams and carry out their visions for the future.”
Crown Majestic Kitchen can be found at local venues like Art Walk and James Weldon Johnson Park, as well as Saturdays at the Riverside Arts Market. Customers hoping to get a taste of the food the Hamptons “create from the soul” can find the truck’s weekly schedule on Facebook and Instagram.
Are you interested in becoming a RAM maker in 2024? Please visit the Applications tab on RAM’s website to learn more and submit your interest form. Before applying, please note that the market is at capacity for many product categories and not accepting applications for: ceramics/pottery, clothes, jewelry, soap/body products, candles, cut flowers, macrame, and all food items.
By Chloe Kuhn, Market Manager, Riverside Arts Market
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
