After moving to Cincinnati, Dionne Gaddy realized there is a food market to be filled.
Gaddy is the owner of Maryland Flava, a food trailer planned for the area in late spring. This will either be a stationary or moving trailer serving Maryland crab cakes and other seafood. Gaddy told What Now Columbus she is hoping for a May opening.
Currently, the trailer is being built out. Gaddy wants to introduce a menu that harkens back to her time in the DMV area, which is the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. She has already teased the menu on her Instagram page, with dishes like sweet chili fried shrimp, a salmon sandwich with old bay seasoning, and shrimp and blue crab in garlic sauce. Water and soda will also be available, and possibly a family lemonade recipe.
Before starting this new business venture, Gaddy worked in retail while in Maryland. She has always wanted to do work for herself, and when cooking for her friends she realized her dishes would be a hit.
“I’ve always been independent,” Gaddy said.
While there is no location yet, Gaddy is looking at either getting a permanent location in city limits or setting up at local festivals. The trailer will be delivered to her soon, and then Gaddy will start planning where in the city she will be setting up shop. Hours of operation are also being determined.
For more information on Maryland Flava and the opening date, visit their Instagram page.
