Brown Bagger Food Truck, East Hill, Pensacola

Tim Thompson and Ellis O’Neal, Pensacola natives, met playing disc golf. They both worked in the food industry; Tim was a line cook for Global Grill and Peg Leg Pete’s while Ellis worked in kitchen and equipment sales for restaurants. They tossed around the idea of opening a food truck business while playing disc golf together.

They spent a year planning the venture because they wanted it to be done right, with a strong business plan, great food truck offerings, and a branding concept that would capture people’s attention. Their mission from the start was “Serve great food consistently and have fun while we do it,” says Tim. “We wanted to have a deliberate approach and for it to run like a small restaurant. Consistency is the main focus.”

They purchased the food truck and Brown Bagger Food Truck was born six months later in January 2021. “We took a huge risk,” says Tim. They started at Wisteria Tavern, the oldest bar in Pensacola, according to Tim. “We began by pumping out good food and worked really hard. With our restaurant background and experience, we were confident that it would work.”

Alga Beer Company opened its brewery on 12th Avenue in August 2021 and had some undeveloped property in the rear of the building. It would become a perfect marriage of beer and burgers. “We saw a great opportunity and decided to give it a go,” says Tim. “We had confidence in them, and they had confidence in us.  We worked together to design and build out a nice outdoor patio area for dining and enjoying great food and beer.”

“It’s turned out to be a great spot for us,” says Tim. We just want people to get lost in a burger.” The Gouda burger is the most popular and I can attest that it’s delicious. They offer several Smash Burger options with lots of topping choices, special sides like fried brussels sprouts and cauliflower, and three kinds of French Fries. Fried Chicken is popular, and the Brown Bagger Food Truck offers salads, wraps, and a kid’s Chicken” Tendies”  meal.

“We’ve been here for six or seven months and it's going great. Every week is a new experience,” says Tim. “We don’t skimp on ingredients. Our smash burgers are made with wagyu beef, and we source the best food products available.”

So far, so so good. Get one of the Brown Bagger Food Truck's great burgers served in a neat slide container that keeps everything in one place. Place your order at the window, grab a soft drink or a beer inside Alga Beer Company, sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. When your order is ready, they will text, and you can pick up your food in a nice, clean, crisp, neatly folded beautiful brown bag. Enjoy!

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