True Grit Foods: Firing Up the Future with Your Help!

Hey everyone, I’m Chef John Wayne, a US Army veteran with a passion for turning grit into greatness. After years of serving my country and honing my skills at renowned restaurants around the world—plus opening over 20 restaurants worldwide—I’m manifesting my culinary destiny right here in Bastrop, Texas. True Grit Foods is my veteran-owned venture, specializing in preservative-free, globally inspired live fire catering. We’re talking Santa Maria grilled meats, seafood, veggies, and fresh seasonal farm salads sourced locally. But the star? Our artisanal brick oven pizzas, blending Neapolitan traditions with bold Texas flavors that’ll make your gatherings unforgettable!

As a veteran, I know resilience—through deployment and the many restaurant openings I’ve been through, it’s what fuels this dream. True Grit Foods isn’t just about food; it’s about building community, supporting local farmers, and delivering health-conscious eats to families and foodies in Bastrop and beyond. We’ll launch at the Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market, offer online orders for sourdough breads and seasonal pastries, and cater events that bring people together. But to make it happen, I need your support to get our custom pizza oven trailer rolling. This isn’t just a business—it’s a way to give back, create jobs, and share the flavors that inspire unity.

Your donations will help us hit the ground grilling, turning my veteran grit into a thriving spot that honors Texas heritage and global tastes. Let’s manifest this together—every contribution gets us closer to firing up those ovens and serving up smiles!

What We’re Seeking in Funding

We’re aiming to raise $40,000 to fund our custom pizza oven trailer—the heart of True Grit Foods’ live fire catering. This mobile brick oven will let us deliver crispy, wood-fired pizzas at events, markets, and pop-ups, expanding our farm-to-table magic across Bastrop County and nearby areas like Elgin and Smithville.

Here’s the breakdown:

• $35,000: Custom Pizza Oven Trailer – Built for mobility and efficiency, with high-heat capabilities for authentic Neapolitan-style pies using local ingredients. This trailer ensures we can cater weddings, festivals, and private gatherings without limits.

• $3,000: Installation & Safety Upgrades – Professional setup, ventilation, and compliance with Texas health regs to keep everything safe and smoky.

• $2,000: Initial Fuel & Testing Supplies – Wood, tools, and ingredients for recipe trials and our soft launch.

Any extra funds will go toward marketing (like IG ads and flyers) to spread the word and secure our first catering gigs.

This investment isn’t just in equipment—it’s in a veteran-led business boosting local economy, sustainability, and community joy. Thank you for helping us grill our way to success! Who’s in? Share, donate, and let’s make True Grit Foods a Texas legend.

Cheers,

Cowboy Chef