We recently connected with Angela Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Angela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

With over 40 years in the business, I have answered this question many times. The answer is, Corporate America has forgotten the one of two guests. There are two guests in our industry, the first guest is our Customer. The second guest, is our Employee. The industry is complicated. Customers want their food fast, great, and economical. The industry says, no problem. But, we set high expectations on our Employee to meet each expectation. The employee normally has limited training, low wages, and limitations on growth.

Are we growing businesses the correct way? Is it just easier to save money on labor? When we are asked to skip on training or cut labor to the bones, is that the correct tone to set? Possibly running a bad shift due to less staff to make a profit or do we invest training better employees that can handle large crowds with minimum staff and make more money!

Reinvesting in people is key to success.

Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Heny’s Fly Chicken was built on the dream of being a brick and mortar just a couple of years ago. I’m Angela Johnson, owner of Heny’s Fly Chicken food truck. We serve scratched made southern foods through our food truck and catering services. On our food truck we serve hand marinated and breaded chicken tenders, homemade macaroni, flavorful chicken sandwiches and chicken& waffles. I have worked in the restaurant industry for over 40 years. Anyone that really knows me, knows that i LOVE food! I love everything about the food industry. I have so many ideals and things that want to create everyday! So, I’m learning to slow down and plan out a move effectively.

Doing anything on your own is tough and it definitely helps having a great support team. My parents and siblings have been there for me which is a blessing. The friends and family that have driven miles to support me are amazing. But, I have to shout out two people. My daughter Jada and my best friend, Yvette. Jada grinded through good times and bad times in our first year together. I will say working with your own child was insane, but there’s no one who can replace her. Yvette was here from day one when I created Henys Fly Chicken. She has been a sounding board, fan, fill in, and just honest!
And, to soo many other friends, customers, and new friends who have joined my this journey, thank you!

Heny’s Fly Chicken is based on the thought that the hens run the coop! WE the women of the world run everything. I think female empowerment is needed for all females. The food industry is a very male denominated enviroment. I hope to make a difference in my community and show the next dreamer, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was working for Wolfgang Puck Catering (Dallas) when the initial wave of quarantine hit and shutdown the unit. During this time, my father’s health was declining. I spent the majority of the time in my hometown of Waco with my Dad, who was a great man and an awesome father. Before he passed, he told me to “Elevate Angela!” Dad passed, June 21, 2020. I was officially laid off October 2021. Moved backed to Waco in the spring of 2021.

It’s been tough moving through life without him, but I did fulfill one of my dreams. I opened my first food truck, Heny’s Fly Chicken January 11, 2022. Business has been great since opening and yes, there have been many challenges. The brutal summer of 2022, finding a “great” venue, enduring mechanical issues, and what not to do in the rain!

My mother just recently passed, and that’s were the truth test of resilience began within my journey. For me, and I know many have similar losses. So I say this with compassion while this feeling is fresh and I can only say what the loss in my life has affected me. For now, I’m shaken on how to push thru the feelings and regain focus. I love what I do and I know will get that fire back so I can continue to elevate!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Festivals! Large group settings, for cities, holidays, and anyplace large groups are gathered have been excellent for new clients. Events at bars with limited kitchens are great spots too. You meet people from all over and word of mouth steam rolls from these functions. You meet a ton of amazing people.

Also, you meet other food truck owners who share information and network with others in the restaurant indudstry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @henysflychicken
• Facebook: @henysflychicken