Two guys and a Greek food truck

Ted Long and Stephen Monroe run the KC Gyro Guys that many south Kansas Citians see parked at BP Gas Station on Blue Ridge and State Line. Photo by D’Ann Dreiling

 Two guys and a Greek food truck

By  D’Ann Dreiling

Here they are, the KC Gyro Guys!

    Army veterans Ted Long and Stephen Monroe have teamed up to bring south KC the best Mediterranean food this side of the sea!  You can’t miss their colorful food truck on the corner of Blue Ridge and State Line at 13015 State Line. 

      Long and Monroe have worked in the restaurant business in all capacities, from waiters, bartenders, cooks, franchise owners and general managers. They knew all facets of the business until two years ago when Monroe approached Long with a new idea. “How would you like to start a 100-hour work week? Let’s buy a food truck!”  Long agreed and their new adventure began.

     The former truck owners, Sam Rafay and Adnan Kahn, were willing to sell their top of the line vehicle equipped with a new $60,000 kitchen as well as the secret family recipes from their family roots in Pakistan. Once the new buyers tasted the incredible cuisine, they bought the recipes as well.

     All of their food is made in house with the freshest ingredients. Their roasted beef and chicken are the best quality prepared halal with no preservatives. Produce is ordered fresh from local distributors. “Our motto,” says Long, “is ‘eat healthy, live healthy.’” The gyro sandwiches on pita bread come with roasted beef or chicken, fish, shrimp or combos. For the vegans they offer a falafel gyro. “Our sauces are amazing,” he says. “ We have a juice bar and smoothies with freshly extracted fruits and vegetables, no sugar added.”  The platters include a variety of side dishes.

     KC Gyro Guys is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 pm.  Customers can order anytime for takeout or delivery or just step up to the truck.  Go to kcgyroguys.com or call 816-316-9437.

The truck will be unavailable for dinner on Saturdays from now thru November while they participate in special events. Catering is available.

     For a healthy snack, the guys suggest this recipe for hummus.   

Here’s the dish…

     Hummus a la KC Gyro Guys

•  1 15 oz. can chick peas rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini (well stirred)
• 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cloves pressed or smashed garlic
• a pinch or two of salt to taste
• 1 to 3 tablespoons COLD water for desired consistency 

     In food processor add tahini and lemon juice.  Process for 1 minute.  Scrape sides and process for additional 30 seconds.

     Add garlic, olive oil, cumin and salt.  Process 30 seconds.

     Add 1/2 can drained chickpeas.  Process 1 minute

     Scrape sides and add remaining chickpeas. Process all for 2 minutes. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons COLD water to reach desired consistency.

Place in bowl and drizzle a little olive oil on top. Add a dash of paprika or sumac.  Serve with pita chips.  

Will keep in refrigerator for up to 7 days.