Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Hensley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It started a few years ago when we moved our son into college, I started feeling like I wanted to start a food truck, but something just didn’t feel right.
We talked and prayed about it for a while and never felt like it was something that we needed to pursue. At that time, we were still in Asheville and it wasn’t long before we felt like God was calling us to something, but we had no idea what it was. We knew that it wasn’t a food truck, but other than that, we were clueless. After two plus years of searching, we heard about Coastway Church, a church plant that was going to be stared in Conway and after sitting in on an interest meeting via Zoom, we knew this is what God had for us.
Fast forward a year and half after moving to Conway from Asheville, the desire to start a food truck started to come back up. This time with the endless support from my wife and encouragement from our church family, we felt like it was time to pursue our dream. While we were trying to decide if this was just something that I wanted or if this was something at God would have us do, Isaiah 43:18-19 would continually come up, whether it be in my quiet time, or a text from my pastor, or a sermon I was listening to, these verses would continually come up. So after spending over twenty years in the collision repair industry, I believe that God has made way for us to pursue our dreams.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge has been finding a commissary kitchen and working together with brick and mortar restaurants to help them see that food trucks are not their competition. We are all part of the same food community, and we are not taking business from anyone. We pay the same bills and taxes they do, along with additional permits and requirements they never have to think about. There is a lot of red tape for us to operate, yet they can set up side by side with no restrictions.
This is why collaboration and understanding matter so much. When we support each other, the whole community grows.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Project Smashburger?
We are a food truck and smashburgers are our thing. This is not just food, it is an experience.
We believe in the power of a truly good smashburger, one that is juicy, flavorful, and crafted with real passion. Our mission is simple: serve the best smashburgers on the street. Over the years, we have mastered the art of the perfect smash, searing each patty just right to lock in the bold, juicy flavor that sets us apart.
We spare no expense when it comes to ingredients. Quality matters to us, and our customers feel the difference. Being awarded by our customers “the best tots in Horry County” is proof of that commitment.
But it is more than the burger.
It is the experience.
From the moment you see our truck to the very last bite, we want you to feel at home. Our team is dedicated to making sure every guest leaves with a smile, a full stomach, and the memory of a smashburger done right. We focus on every detail. Our smashburger styles, our signature special sauce, and even our ranch are all homemade with love and flavors inspired by home.
This is who we are. This is what we do.
Smashburgers crafted with heart.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite memories is sitting with my grandma, sharing a barrel of Cheese puffs and watching wrestling together. It was simple, it was silly, and it was ours. It was simple, it was silly, and it was ours. I cannot eat Cheetos without thinking of her and feeling that little spark of comfort she always brought into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectsmashburger.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551838417954
- Twitter: @projectsmashburger
