Food Truck Venture (Round Two) Comes To Sports Complex
Photo by Lydia Berglar – Gabriel Stitt serves samples of pulled pork and Philly cheesesteak to SLTC students during a busy lunch rush on May 22.
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Last summer, Baby Hughy’s took a stab at establishing a restaurant directly north of the Dade County Sports Complex. This summer, a new food truck is trying again at the same spot. G’z Dawg House specializes in authentic Philly cheesesteak, and having learned from a few of the complications that Baby Hughy’s ran into, they’re hopeful for success.
Gabriel Stitt (chef/owner) was born in Fort Bragg, N.C., when his father served in the United States Army as a Green Beret. The family moved to north Philadelphia when Stitt was young, and his love for Philly cheesesteak began. “I’ve been making Philly cheesesteak for 35+ years,” he said. “I stopped driving a tractor trailer about three years ago. I sold my trucking company, bought a food truck, and did what I’ve always had a passion for: cooking.”
The food truck’s main offerings are cheesesteak, beef hot dogs, and Cajun sausage with an occasional special of pulled pork. Entree prices range from about $12-$15.
Stitt showed the Sentinel the food truck’s 100 percent health inspection rating and offered the Sentinel free samples as well as a complimentary cheesesteak. We can confirm, the food is delectable.
Stitt said, “I don’t want to sell you just one sandwich: I want to sell you a thousand. We offer free samples because I’d rather you try the food and know exactly what you’re getting, and you decide what you want to purchase.”
G’z Dawg House got started with the late night crowd in Chattanooga, routinely setting up at places like Whiskey Cowgirl and Southside Social. The truck still makes its rounds in the city, but Stitt hopes to make the Dade County site home base.
One problem with Baby Hughy’s that locals reported was long wait times. Most enjoyed the food, but the long lines (especially in the hot summer) deterred customers. Stitt and his crew, however, have worked out an incredibly efficient system. In the less than 30 minutes that the Sentinel spent at the food truck, G’z Dawg House served about 20-30 Southeast Lineman Training Center students with just a team of two, and they weren’t slowing down any time soon.
Another key issue that caused Baby Hughy’s not to build a restaurant at this site was the question of selling alcohol. Stitt doesn’t plan to sell alcohol, so that won’t be an issue for him. “I deal with all the drunks at late night anyway. When I get over here, I just want to deal with good ole fashioned people that are just trying to eat some good food.”
For background from when Baby Hughy’s first came to Dade, refer to the May 29, 2024, Sentinel. For conflicting reports about the end of their short tenure here, refer to the Sept. 18, 2024, issue.
This property is still owned by Steven Henry, chairman of the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners and owner of Steven M Henry Construction. Living in Ringgold, Stitt has crossed paths with Henry. Stitt said, “Steven gave me permission to come out here and see what kind of capital it generates, because he ultimately wants to put a restaurant out here.”
The food truck will be set up in Dade on Thursdays from 12-8 p.m. for lunch and dinner and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m. for dinner only.
Find G’z Dawg House on Instagram and Facebook, email gzdawghouse@yahoo.com, or call 678-848-9629 with any questions.
UPDATE: May 30, 2025
G’z Dawg House expanded their Trenton hours. They won’t be here Monday or Sunday; Tuesday-Thursday will be noon to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday will be 4-8 p.m. Also, toddlers eat for free.
