We were lucky to catch up with Andriko Gipson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andriko , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My life changing risk started in 2020 when I set out to further my business Midwest Coney Connection. At the time, we had already gained recognition and a following in the city since our establishment in 2015. We were in a good place to expand; however, so I sought out a building, where I settled on our current location off of S Kirkwood and Richmond Avenue. In the midst of the pandemic, it was a blessing to be able to operate in this new space and still maintain the success of the Galleria Food Truck Park. Even with having to adjust to the rising prices of produce and handle being short-staffed, we flourished. During the peak of my career, I decided to step back from the business and shoot a movie for one month. Now, as the #1 coney and wings establishment in the city, this probably sounds insane. We were at the top of our game right now, but I had to answer the call of something else that was tugging at my heart.

I have always had this dream of pursuing the entertainment industry, particularly in film and literature. Towards the beginning of 2021 , I received a call to travel to Dallas and be a part of JaQuavis Coleman’s film, “Everything is Both”. During this time, I got the opportunity to work with amazing professionals like Jason Mitchell and Barton Fitzpatrick, while also gaining some producing experience as well. This entire moment was really a lesson in letting go. While I’m so quick to have my hands in a little of everything, I had to trust other people to help me keep Midwest Coney going while I was away. I am truly grateful for my team.

In the end, I built great connections and friendships with those cast members. They helped me grow as an actor because I was able to study them on set and learn how important it is to still bring myself into any character I am playing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I consider myself to be a serial entrepreneur. I have multiple businesses and I believe in catering to a multitude of people and their needs. Whether you are in search of treating your body right or getting your business together, I got you. Aside from owning Midwest Coney Connection, I also manage and operate out of Houston’s #1 Food Destination, the Galleria Food Truck Park. Here, you can grab something from a favorite like Soul Good or try a new snow cone flavor from Tutti Treats, A vital part of the parks’ success came from collaborating with the businesses I could help through A to Z Food Truck Consulting. Though the owners came to me with certain needs, they all had the same end goal in mind. I’m thankful that I have been able to see them through it. Furthermore, for the guys trying to keep their beards together, my organic line of products from Creed of Shea can help nourish your look.

My most recent venture has been writing. My self-help book “Risk it All’ will feature the stories of creative individuals from various industries who betted on themselves to make their dreams a reality. It is my hope that the reader will see themselves in this work and take the necessary steps to start their own entrepreneurial journeys. The book will debut this year.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes. After being laid off from an oil rig in 2015 I knew I no longer wanted to be a number in the system and put the stability of my family’s life in someone else’s hands. If I had to walk away from my business today, I would still be satisfied in all that I have done. Being able to. turn this business into a restaurant from out of my living room was the goal that I have worked tirelessly to achieve.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I decided to forge a lane of my own in Houston. In comparison to our competitors, we offer a unique taste that can only be found in Michigan. Our famous cheesesteak egg rolls, for instance, are actually called “woddles” back home. A neighbor of mine used to make them for us and from the first bite, you could consider yourself hooked. I had fallen in love with this food as a child and was certain that other people would too, so I started this business, Midwest Coney Connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.midwestconeyconnection.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestconeyconnection/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midwestconey
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/midwest-coney-connection-houston-2