We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Jean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea began when I was inspired by other local restaurant owners & food truck operators and how they managed their businesses, all the good and even the bad. Working for several great chefs over the years I had my own vision of what I wanted to create and offer, and I stuck to it. I wanted to expand into events all throughout Michigan and offer a delicious chef created menu that interests everyone! Im determined to keep our business thriving and it’s working!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jeano’s At 989 is a food truck that offers a chef created menu that also offers a different chef special each week. Id say what sets us apart is that we are consistent on what we do and serve. Also our loaded grilled cheese is to just die for… or so I’ve been told. We also stay loyal to our community, by supporting other local businesses and doing events throughout our area! Im so proud of where we are and where we are heading! Its awesome seeing the following we have gathered over the years, seeing all the regulars come support us is just amazing. Getting started was anything but easy, all the hoops we had to go through as we didn’t buy one of those “pre-built” trailers, just a stock trailer with electric and plumbing, Getting everything else installed and built and up to code, it was stressful but all definitely worth it. Getting our following and being able to keep up and “compete” with the other local food trucks by offering something that they didn’t offer and staying quick, it was anything but easy, we were doing all kinds of events far and wide, but we met some awesome people along the way and that’s how we were able to create our following.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to downtown Bay City! My hometown Bay City offers a lot of activities to do during all seasons & months! Plenty of entertainment, bars, and restaurants! We even have an adult arcade or if you prefer art we have a painterly pottery! And of course I would take them to my food truck for some of the best street food in the area! My favorite spot to get drinks and hangout would either be Castaways in Bay City on the kawkawlin river or downtown at Drift where they offer drinks and a range of food trucks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Taylor, she’s the one who has believed in me and my vision without a single doubt in mind. Taylor was the one to push me to just start my dream. We traveled to Ohio to pick up the food trailer, and that’s when we truly knew that we had something amazing on our hands! She deserves the most recognition for the success our food truck has and where we are in life!

Instagram: Jeanos989

Facebook: Jeanos At 989

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.