Wichita food truck owners are opening a stationary restaurant, will move in soon

They first opened their food truck almost a year ago.

And for much of that time, Sorrel and Christine Rhoden have been dreaming about opening their own brick-and-mortar restaurant where they could serve their authentic Jamaican cuisine.

Now, the owners of Sorrel’s Jamaican Food — who have been serving from their truck permanently parked in a lot at 2808 E. Douglas since the summer — have finally found a stationary spot.

Sometime in early November, they’ll open in the tiny building at 3090 W. 13th St. that has most recently been home to Taqueria Dona Alicia. The building sits just in front of the former Byblos space, which is now home to Gaga’s Grub food truck’s private evening dinners. It has room for about 20.

The couple will serve the jerk chicken, jerk pork and ox tail that they’ve become known for. They’re not exactly sure about the hours yet but anticipate being open for both lunch and dinner.

The truck will leave its spot on Douglas after Halloween, Christine said, but there should be no interruption in Jamaican food service. When they drive away from the current spot, they’ll drive over to the 13th Street spot and serve from the truck there until they’re able to get the restaurant open.

After that, they’ll take the food truck to serve in more traditional spots, like food truck rallies.

The couple also hopes that by summer, they can have their liquor license and will be able to start answering a burning customer question.

“There are a lot of people who ask us, ‘Where’s the Red Stripe?’” Christine said with a laugh.

This story was originally published October 24, 2018 at 5:36 AM with the headline "Wichita food truck owners are opening a stationary restaurant, will move in soon."