Note: This episode was recorded a little while back, so a few dates have passed. Tito’s has also moved from the West Green Street spot Matt mentions. Their latest location is listed below. A friend texted me, "You have to go there." She knows how I am about chicken. So I sat down with Matt, the cook behind Tito’s Chicken Shack, to find out what the fuss was about. The truck had been open for just two weeks, and it already has a following. The concept started with a family that loves to travel. Matt and his wife noticed that wherever they go, food is what brings people together: celebrations, hard days, football season. They wanted a place where people could share a meal and talk about life, family, and dreams. Now they’re building it from a bright orange truck, with three kids in tow and a grandma living right behind the house. Hand-battered to order When your ticket comes in, Matt batters the chicken right then and fries it fresh. It’s fried or grilled, your choice, though he’ll tell you everybody loves the fried. What’s on the menu * The Desert Popper: a jalapeño popper sauce with pepper jack and bacon, and the number one seller. * The Cowboy: barbecue sauce from Matt’s father-in-law’s secret recipe, with onion rings on top. * Also on the board: the Cactus Kick (chipotle mayo), the Rancher, and the Green Gold (cheddar, Swiss, bacon, and green chili). * Build your own: tenders or sandwiches tossed in hot honey, mango habanero, or chipotle mayo. * Sides: sweet potato fries, regular fries, fried corn, mashed potatoes, and Matt’s wife’s mac and cheese. * Desserts: homemade tres leches, strawberry tres leches, and banana pudding. Always ask what else is on the dessert table. A note on gluten: the sides have their own fryer, but components can share oil. Matt says that’s okay for gluten-sensitive eaters, not for celiacs. Grilled chicken, no bun, works well for low-carb eaters too. Find the truck⚠️ Closed through November 4 for family celebrations.📍 Last spotted at 516 S Canal St. Call or check Facebook to confirm before you go.📞 Call to order or confirm their location: 575-909-0421👍 Tito’s Chicken Shack on Facebook🕒 Monday, 4 to 7 p.m.🕒 Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.🕒 Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then 5 to 7 p.m.Closed weekends for family time. Also on DoorDash. Get extra on Friday. The tenders come four to an order, and they make excellent leftovers. In the episode, Matt talks about growing up in restaurant kitchens, how he and his wife have been together since they were 14, and why Carlsbad’s support for working families makes this kind of dream possible. Listen to the full conversation above. The KCCC Eddy County Dispatch is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Already a subscriber? A one-time donation goes just as far. Get full access to KCCC Eddy County Dispatch at kccc930am.substack.com/subscribe