A Stayton couple is blessing spud lovers one potato at a time – even on the hottest summer days.
In April 2017, Amy and Ken Carey started Baked and Loaded Potatoes, offering for a reasonable price a large “baker” with all the fillings. Their reputation grew, and most recently the Careys were awarded the 2021 Best of the Willamette Valley award from the Statesman Journal for food cart/trucks.
“We are very humbled and honored to have so much community support for the last four years,” said Amy Carey, who credits their customers for the recognition.
Before starting the business, Amy was employed with the North Santiam School District for 12 years and Ken served as the NSSD transportation manager.
“We both enjoy serving our community and we can even work well together,” Carey said. “Our initial desire was to work for ourselves, and the challenge of being able to make a food truck successful.”
When the pandemic hit, the Careys were fortunate to be able to remain open by selling potatoes at Wolfgang’s Thirst Parlor Tap House.
“Our saving grace is that food trucks are designed as the ultimate ‘to-go’ food,” Carey said. “We have been able to open up for events of different kinds all around the county, as restrictions are being lifted.”
The couple serves their fare from a small, converted school bus, called the “Spud Bus.” The concept started as a vision and a dream and has taken about nine years to come to fruition, Carey said.
“Our most popular spud is the cheeseburger spud,” she said. “The spud includes seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar jack cheese, and of course, butter, sour cream and chives.”
Other favorites include broccoli and cheese, homemade stroganoff, homemade meatloaf and pulled pork.
“Our most unusual would have to be our chicken pot pie spud, or our shrimp po’ boy,” she added. “Who needs a hoagie, when you have a spud!”
When there are leftover spuds, the couple occasionally makes a tasty baked and loaded potato salad as well as their ever-popular baked and loaded potato soup, “which sells out every time it is offered,” Carey said.
“On special occasions, we offer our Carne Asada Spud,” she added. “That one is only offered on rare occasions, since the meat is so expensive, but it is very popular when it is on the menu!”
Beyond serving loaded potatoes, the duo spreads love to the community, bringing people together “one potato at a time,” they claim.
“The reaction people get when they visit us for the first time is priceless,” Carey said. “The serving window has become Ken’s ‘pulpit’ which has allowed him to build strong relationships with our customers and engage in amazing conversations.”
More than 100 customers have given the food truck a five-star rating. Feedback ranges from “delicious,” “reasonably priced,” “large portions” to “great customer service.”
“Absolutely delicious!” posted Hanna Wyoming on the couple’s Facebook page. “Seriously hit the spot – and such sweet humans, too. Fast, filling, creative, tasty and excellent price! Can’t wait ‘til next time.”
Karessa Piesker posted regarding her stroganoff potato, “By far the best baked potato I have ever had.”
“Our business has allowed us to bring unity into our community, which has been our vision from the beginning,” Carey said.
