BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The COVID-19 pandemic gave people the time to seriously evaluate their situations, and Tieraney McFadden is no exception. When her hours got low at the Graves Gilbert Clinic, she discovered that owning her own salad business would be her new way of life. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tieraney McFadden launched her own salad business during the pandemic

  • She now runs Chopped by T, which provides over 15 kinds of salads

  • The food truck has gained popularity in the area

  • McFadden hopes to expand

“I went from full time to three days a week down to one day a week, so I had a lot of time just sitting at home," said McFadden. "I got bored one day, put together a salad, gave it to my stepmom and college friend. They posted it and ever since then, it kind of took off."

A customizable salad from Chopped by T. (Tieraney McFadden)

And so Chopped by T was created. The customized salad business on wheels gives local customers a chance for healthy options.

Her food truck carries more than 15 options for salads, and after a grant got her started, it's been smooth sailing ever since. 

“I was home-based for about 10 months, and I was too busy. I had a full load and had a delivery driver, and he had a full load," said McFadden. "That's when I tried to venture out and do different things and after 8 weeks at the train depot, I was able to get this food truck.”

McFadden said social media has been a huge player in her up-and-coming success. Dealing with cold foods like salad makes for easier maintenance as well.

"I wouldn't be where I am without social media and people posting my salads," said McFadden. "I just think that when you are dealing with cold foods it is much easier to manage."

It creates a nice change for customers like Kim Dix. 

“Its fantastic to have a healthy choice because all of the other food trucks are fast food," said Dix. "It's just something cool to have fun with, and I'm excited.”

McFadden said she started out serving around five customers a day but that number has quickly risen to triple digits. Her ultimate goal is to keep expanding and serving surrounding areas in Kentucky. 

“I really believe that the future of Chopped will be a fleet of food trucks," said McFadden. "Being able to be mobile, I would like more food trucks to reach more people in the surrounding cities.”

She serves weekly from Tuesday to Friday, 11:30-2 and 4-7 at Limestone Bank and Hunters Crossing.