During my girls trip to New Orleans last month, I checked out one of the hottest wing spots in town, We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp.
The walls are decked in royal purple with paintings of New Orleans entertainers like Supa Cent, and New Orleans Forward Anthony Davis, and HBCU logos including the owner’s alma mater, the illustrious Tuskegee University. The story behind how New Orleans native Gregg Tillery went from slinging wings on a food truck to having multiple locations is truly one that is inspirational.
It was just three years ago that Tillery saved up money from his corporate job and purchased a food truck selling wings, outside of nightclubs and car washes near Canal Street. Truly affected by the layoff of 2,000 of his coworkers, Tillery felt it was now time he took a risk on himself. After a few minor setbacks, he gained a large following through word of mouth, introducing the city to a premier food truck experience.
“When it comes down to my business I treat it as an establishment for my community. Like it’s my home and I opened my restaurant to the people and I treat them like family,” he said.
The 31-year-old bleeds New Orleans, growing up in 7th Ward and giving back to his community through mentorship and feeding the homeless from time to time. The tattoos on both his arms are reflective of his love for his city including the New Orleans Saints team logo and We Dat’s logo of a thumbs up happy chicken, as seen on the truck.
Tillery was featured in rapper Tokyo Vanity’s “That’s My Best Friend” video. Serial entrepreneur and fellow NOLA native Supa Cent shouted out his famous wings on social media and now she has her own flavor, Wuzzam, a mix between fiery buffalo, a kick of lemon pepper and the tangy sweetness of BBQ, made using Tillery’s signature seasoning line. Their wings are so good, they’re even traveling across state lines.
Last week, Tillery and his food truck traveled almost 2,000 miles to cater an extravagant pool party for P. Diddy’s son Justin Combs during BET Experience weekend in Beverly Hills.
We Dat’s now serves New Orleans from three locations: Canal Street, Gentilly, and most recently 4905 Westbank Expressway. As an advocate for his community, Tillery serves food to the homeless from time to time, giving back to the community of people that helped build him up.
If wings aren’t your thing, We Dat’s menu also features catfish combos, shrimp salads, deserts and fully loaded shrimp wraps made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, and shredded cheese. “The Brow” seafood platter, named after his friend Anthony Davis’ famous unibrow, includes fried catfish, fried shrimp and served with their well-known ranch fries.
We Dat’s signature seasoning line is sold in over 50 stores in Louisiana and Mississippi.