New custom food trailer focuses on seafood and family fun along Hannegan road
After four decades of working in the restaurant industry, Steven Engels is putting his experience to work with a Whatcom County seafood trailer.
In September Engels opened The Galley at 6069 Hannegan Road. It’s a food trailer with a custom made kitchen that’s next to Hannegan Seafoods, using many of that company’s products.
There’s an enclosed area with seating at Hannegan Seafoods for people to enjoy a variety of seafood items, including fish and chips, clam chowder and salmon burgers, as well as oyster and shrimp po’ boys.
Engels, who grew up in Bellingham, has worked at many different restaurants locally and outside the area. With the support of his mother, Aldene, Engels decided to take the leap into business ownership. It’s already turned into a positive symbiotic relationship between the eatery and the seafood store, which are separate companies.
“As soon as we opened up it’s been busy,” Engels said, adding that sales are currently 120% above projections.
So far the fish and chips have been the best seller. Engels said he focuses on creating a light, crunchy batter, which has made it a hit.
The initial success has Engels thinking that the area has the potential for more food trucks — possibly a food truck row seen in places such as Portland, Oregon. Whether it’s truck drivers, commuters or people who live nearby, he said it is a varied group of visitors stopping in to check out the menu.
He also wants The Galley to be a family friendly place. Some of that atmosphere comes from the wood carvings of a local craftsman that are on the property. A large carving of the comic book character Thanos greets customers as they walk in the front door, for example.
Engels hasn’t got into catering, but is already considering the idea of buying another trailer that he can take to special events, such as SeaFeast and Ski to Sea.
The Galley is open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week and closed on Sundays. Updates can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
