Flying Beetle food truck takes off in Russellville

Nix talks animatedly about locally grown blackberries he found that can be used in his signature blackberry barbecue sauce, and a new strawberry salad he's created with locally grown lettuce and strawberries.

Bui asks about the new stuffed potatoes featuring pulled pork, and they talk about putting those on the menu along with their "wicked chicken" and waffles, and loaded fried rice with teriyaki chicken.

All of these things, and more,can be bought from a food truck — The Flying Beetle Grub Shack.

Since its soft opening June 13, The Flying Beetle Grub Shack gained a number of followers who show up multiple times a week for the fresh flavors served from the brightly colored truck with the depiction of a flying Volkswagen Beetle on its sides.

"The Flying Beetle symbol came about because the image of a classic car like the Volkswagen Beetle that was flying, which is very futuristic, made me think of what we're trying to accomplish with our food truck," said Bui, the brainchild behind The Flying Beetle Grub Shack.

Bui said when they hit a few roadblocks in obtaining a restaurant loan, he began to rethink his approach and explore other ways to bring a fresh, West Coast-style dining concept to this small north Alabama town.

Once Bui realized The Flying Beetle Grub Shack would soon be a reality, he got in contact with Nix, who had been working in upscale restaurants in other cities.

It was a tremendous opportunity for me to get to do something I am extremely passionate about, and a chance to introduce some fun, organic, interesting food to everyone back home.