Meet Frank Foley | Chef/Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frank Foley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frank, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I think the biggest habit or maybe trait is a better term. Is to just keep going. Oftentimes when you own a business things can get overwhelming and will make you want to quit. The key is to not give up. You can take small steps or even imperfect ones. You might achieve as much as you wanted on a particular day or things might not look the way you imagined them, but as long as you continue to press on, you’ll make it

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So I own Pearly’s Diner. Which is a community focused food truck in Peoria. I think the one thing that sets us apart from other businesses is that have a no tipping model. In a world where everyone seems to flip a screen around for you to add 15-25% to you bill we do not do that. We believe it is the business’s responsibility to pay their staff appropriately and that cost needs to be included in the cost of the food. Now we recognize that tipping is a part of American culture, so we do have a “Jar of Generosity” 100% of the money put into that jar is collected and donated to a non-profit chosen by the staff.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: West Valley

Gotta start out with coffee at Driftwood Coffee. Their “breakfast shot”is my current obsession. After that, I think a visit to the West Valley Arts Coucil Gallery is called for. Their exhibits are always thoughtful and inspiring. For lunch, definitely would hit up Twist Hot Chicken on Thunderbird.. after that, a quick hike through in the White Tank Mountains. For dinner, we’d have to find Lost Burro simply incredible tacos and the Birria ramen is a must try. Finish off the night with a cocktail at Easy Tiger

Day 2: Downtown

Start with breakfast/coffee at Lux on Central. Trip to The Heard Museum. After that we’d grab lunch at Cornish Pasty. If it’s summer, we’re definitely gonna catch a Dbacks game at Chase field. And a little night cap at my favorite downtown bar, Kettle Black

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Kendra Foley. Working in restaurants is an extremely hectic schedule. Often including many nights and weekends. Her love and support throughout my career has been indispensable. On top of her own job; she is the primary evening caregiver to our two sons and manages a small business of her own.

Website: Www.pearlysdiner.net

Instagram: @pearlysdiner

Image Credits
Lamca Media