High Street staple JQ's on High unveiled a new expansion at the eighth annual Angiepalooza street party on Sept. 28 - a food truck called JQ's on Wheels.
John Johnson, co-owner of JQ's on High and the new food truck, said the truck allows the almost two-year-old restaurant at 911 E. High St. to grow.
"We had a huge demand of people asking how and when we could expand, and at our location there wasn't a practical way to expand," Johnson said.
So, JQ's on Wheels was created. Johnson said he went out of state about six months ago to purchase a truck, only to find out it wasn't in as good of quality as he wanted. But he wasn't going to give up, so the next day, he went to Doolittle Trailer Manufacturing in Holts Summit. About five months later, the truck was open.
Their first night in operation was at Angiepalooza, and Johnson said the truck was well-received by those at the street party.
The truck will offer a similar but smaller menu as the restaurant. Last Saturday, the menu included pulled pork, a bacon-wrapped deep-fried quarter-pound hot dog and chicken wings among some other options, along with the restaurant's popular loaded baked beans.
Johnson said the truck will continue offering a similar menu, but he is still experimenting and developing the full menu, including some new options.
"I want one item that you can't get anywhere else, including the restaurant," he said.
Johnson said the full plan for the truck isn't established quite yet, but he hopes to have a consistent schedule of where the truck will be parked, as well as participating in events like Angiepalooza or Food Truck Fridays. He said he's already been contacted by several event organizers.
"One appearance has already created a demand," he said.
Johnson said he plans to set up in Fulton occasionally as well. Follow the JQ's on High Facebook page for future updates on the truck.
New dog day care on Dunklin Street
A new option for Jefferson City residents' furry friends will be opening Monday.
Theos Hideout, at 115 W. Dunklin St., is a new dog day care center providing an off-leash, no-kennel day care experience for dogs.
Owners Heather Moeller and Tyler Wilbers wanted to create a place where dogs can spend the day having fun and working off their energy, so they don't spend the whole day in a kennel. It was inspired by Wilbers' dog, Theo.
"When people bring their dogs here, we're just here to have fun with them, get them a little bit tired so when they go home they don't have all that energy," Moeller said.
Theos Hideout doesn't have a size limit or breed restriction, but there is a side room for smaller or senior dogs, if they want to be away from the more energetic or large dogs.
For a single dog, rates range from $15 for a half-day of up to five hours and $25 for a full day, $100 for five days and $360 for a monthly plan. If you're interested in bringing two dogs, the rates for the second are slightly lower at $10 for a half day, $20 for a full day, $80 for five days and $300 for a month.
Check-in is between 7 a.m. and noon, and pickup is from 3-6 p.m. For late pick up, there is a $15 per dog fee.
All dogs must be at least 4 months old, spayed or neutered, and up to date on vaccinations including rabies and canine influenza. Proof of vaccination must be given before the dog can stay.
Dogs interested in attending the day care also have to come by for a 30-minute "sniff around" to make sure they are safe to come and are "pack-ready," because all the dogs play together throughout the day. There are two kennels in case of any dog fighting, but Moeller said the sniff around helps to lower the risk.
At a sniff around, the dogs will be introduced to Theo, and if all goes well, to some other dogs there that day.
"That way, you pretty well know right off the bat if anything is going to happen or if they're going to be able to play well together and interact well together," Moeller said.
They ask that the owner be there for the sniff around, but once the dog is settled, it can be left for the day. They recommend making a reservation on their website, because they currently have a maximum capacity of 24 dogs.
The dogs will spend most of the day as a group. The building has three rooms for the dogs, including the small dog room. There is also a fenced outdoor space in the back. Each dog will get some one-on-one time from the staff each day, as well.
"Social interaction for dogs is a big thing, and it also helps then to where when you're out in public and there's 30 other dogs, it helps with behavior. They get used to being around other dogs," Moeller said.
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