Web Desk
Brandee Bradfiel had only been in Houston for a short time when she encountered a major obstacle in her journey to build a successful food truck business.
This week, she discovered that someone had stolen a vital component of her operation—her generator.
Bradfiel relocated to Houston to be closer to her fiancé in Orange, Texas.
She launched “Not Your Average,” a food truck specializing in custom nachos in Montrose.
More than just a business, the truck represents her independence and financial stability.
“It means a lot to me because it’s me,” Bradfiel shared. “It defines my livelihood, helps me stay out of trouble, and gives me financial stability.”
However, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, a thief used a chainsaw and other tools to cut away and steal the generator that powered her truck.
“They used the electrical bar and removed it,” she explained. “Then, because he had trouble getting it himself, he went around the neighborhood and found a local person—I guess someone who was destitute and homeless—and had them assist in the theft.”
Surveillance cameras from the building where she parks—Club Kiki, also known as Club Play, at 2409 Grant Street—captured the incident. When she found out what happened, Bradfiel said she felt “violated” and “vulnerable.”
“It’s already a bad climate right now for small businesses. This just makes you second guess doing business altogether,” she added.
The stolen generator is worth around $2,500.
Bradfiel filed a report with the Houston Police Department but was told that without a license plate or solid lead, there wasn’t much they could do.
“That frustrated me even more,” she admitted. “I’m taking losses, and nothing is being diligently done while I’ve been victimized.”
Now, she is turning to the public for help.
“If you see this man, please alert me,” Bradfiel pleaded. “Try to get his license plate, take a picture, get an accurate make and model of his truck.
If you know his whereabouts, please say something. We want to press charges to the fullest extent of the law.”
When asked what she would say to the thief if given the chance, she paused before responding: “Why? Why would you take something from people that are working class just like you?”
