Local Graduate Finds Success With Food Truck

MASTIC-SHIRLEY, NY — From high school graduation to culinary success: Just under three years from graduation, Brandon Cahill, William Floyd High School Class of 2015, is the owner/operator of “Build-A-Sandwich."

The food truck specializes in high-quality sandwiches such as pulled pork, wraps, grilled chicken, steak, hamburgers, sausage and peppers, quesadillas, breakfast sandwiches and more.

Cahill, who graduated with a career development occupational studies pathway designation from the William Floyd High School Hospitality Services Academy Culinary Arts program, is gearing up for his second year operating a small business, the district said.

After receiving a truck from his parents as a graduation present, Cahill spent his first year getting the proper food service permits and outfitting the truck into a state-of-the-art kitchen before opening up for business at special events across the Long Island/New York City region.

During his first year in business, Cahill gained experience at various events such as the Polish Festival in Riverhead, the Maritime Festival in Greenport, the Apple Festival in Sayville, the San Gennaro Feast in Hampton Bays, as well as at private parties and backyard barbecues, the district said.

This year, Cahill said he's ready to take on new challenges and has already grown his business with an additional food truck for ice cream and fried foods.

To that end, Cahill has secured a new location to serve his delicacies, located at 656 Montauk Highway in Moriches, near Monti’s Barbershop.

“Build-A-Sandwich” is scheduled to be at that location beginning on April 15.

During his time in the William Floyd High School Culinary Arts program, Cahill honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned chef and Guinness World Record ice carver, Richard Daly, as well as teaching assistant Wendy Waldron, the district said.

He also learned the business end of the food service industry through classes taken in the William Floyd High School Business Academy including virtual enterprise, which teaches students about all aspects of running a business from human resources, to accounting, sales, marketing and more.

After graduation, Brandon attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island for two years.

“Brandon is a great all-around young man — dependable, honest and hardworking,” said Daly. “He came to class and made things happen. If something extra needed to be done he was the first to volunteer and always eager to learn. He volunteered at every function and stayed after class to help out if needed. It’s not surprising that he is an entrepreneur at such a young age. We knew he would do great things. Hard work pays off every time.”

Looking ahead, Cahill hopes to have a fleet of trucks and work solely as a supervisor on the business end.

He thanks his parents, Melissa and Michael Cahill, who, he said, have helped him tremendously. His father also helped him customize both food trucks.

Cahill said it's his dream to continue making his family proud including his late Uncle Charlie, who also worked in food service.

And despite his rising star, Cahill hasn’t forgotten where it all started as he returned to William Floyd High School last November to participate in the third annual “Taste of the Town” event, a gathering of more than 50 local and area food establishments that come together to offer their best dishes for the community to sample.

Proceeds from the event go toward Culinary Arts student scholarships and assistance with the local food pantry.

Culinary Arts is one of seven career and technical education offerings available for students at William Floyd, which also includes automotive technology, business, carpentry, cosmetology and medical assisting, along with the two brand new offerings this year, barbering and small engine repair.

Patch courtesy photos.