Meals Off Wheels

"The food truck is probably the hardest work I've ever done," says Hodgson. "In restaurants everything comes right to you, ... and it's easy if you do it right."

"Everything is bigger; everything happens on a grander scale," says owner Jae Stulock. Best lesson learned? "We are capable. It's been really quite rewarding to see it come together."

Hodgson decribes Hodge's as lively, energetic and friendly. In an ode to his truck, it will feature a Dim and Den Sum bar area with a chef serving small bites.

Contemporary and, of course, hip. Patrons will order at a window, get drinks at the bar and have their food run out to them. "It's a fresh new look at the service industry," Stulock says.

Expect affordable food fusion with food truck favorites, such as the PBLT, remaining on the menu alongside new imaginative dishes such as French onion soup ravioli. Hodge's will open in late March or early April.

Similar to Umami Moto, the fare combines global cuisines with American dishes. Save for the popular short rib sliders, the menu features new items such as a Moroccan lamb sausage sandwich and flatbread pizzas, as well as nonalcoholic mixed drinks.