BLJune21.ToWeb

Brevard Eatz
Downtown Melbourne At Rigg’s Outpost
Hog Snappers
Rigg’s Outpost by the Melbourne Harbor has always
been a busy place for renting boats and
getting fishing gear. Now it’s making waves as a
food destination since Hog Snappers has opened
its windows and became the new food truck sensation
in the parking lot right next to a spacious deck
with tables and sun umbrellas.
Meet the new entrepreneurs - Drew Ivey and Justin Mc-
Intyre, two seasoned chefs: “We have about 50 years of
experience between us,” says Drew. Ten years ago both
worked at Ichabod’s Dockside. “We have always talked
about getting a food truck with a different recipe concept,”
says Drew. “This is not a new idea.” For four years they
worked together, then Drew moved on to Ole Fire Grill, but
the idea stayed around. Then during last year’s pandemic,
both were fortunate to be employed, they started talking
about their dream. “It was a difficult time to open a restaurant
but a great time for food trucks.”
Where to put a food truck? Anthony Marks, owner of
Rigg’s Outpost, was approached because it seemed to be a
great spot, “and we all know each other.” Rigg’s had tried
to get a deli established in his shop but did not find the right
associate, so he agreed to join forces. The spacious deck
outside the store, mostly used as storage area, got cleaned
and decorated. “We bought the food trailer just 3 weeks before
we opened,” says Justin. “We had everything in place.”
For the past 2 months both men have been serving food
Wednesdays thru Sundays from 7am to 3pm. Their food
concept is pork belly and snapper served as tacos or pressed
sandwiches, and there are 12 varieties - all so good. Everything
is super fresh; the lime slaw, the fire roasted pico or
tomato hollandaise give their creations a special taste that
you only get here.
“We could not have done it without our wives,” says
Drew. Christina Price (Drew’s wife) and Carissa McIntyre
also have lots of experiences in the hospitality business and
are working their jobs to make sure this enterprise gets off
the ground. Hog Snappers’ future is full of opportunities.
There is a lot of space in Rigg’s Deli, lots of refridgeration,
so the longterm plan includes a fresh seafood market. They
also want to buy another travel trailer for events, festivals
and catering. But for now Justin and Drew concentrate on a
“unique waterfront dining venue” as they call it. “This is not
a restaurant. We don’t have waitresses, folks pick up their
food at the window and find a place to eat or take it with
them,” says Drew. It’s a new and very tasty enterprise that’s
built from the ground up by four people who have been appreciated
in the service industry all along. Cool people in
cool places with a tasty menu - a recipe for success.
16 - Brevard Live June 2021