Marc McCoy’s vision for Acme Chicken Bowls goes beyond serving meals. He said he’s working to build connections in Owensboro through healthy food, community support, and future expansion.
McCoy, who owns the local Acme Chicken Bowls franchise with his wife Mandy, said the food truck has been busy since opening, with many customers returning for both the health benefits and flavor of the menu.
“They just love the food, and they think it’s more mainly because of the health aspect of it,” McCoy said. “It tastes good, and that’s a plus.”
The core menu features chicken bowls served over rice with up to 59 grams of protein, but McCoy added a second menu of comfort favorites, including buffalo mac and cheese, chicken bacon ranch mac, classic mac and cheese, and a Frito bowl topped with honey Sriracha, sour cream, and cheese. The buffalo mac and cheese has been especially popular.
Based out of Louisville, Acme Chicken Bowls was launched about two and a half years ago by the owners of Jay Gumbo’s and Sukuk Foods. The company has grown to about 15 franchisees in five states.
McCoy, a U.S. Army veteran originally from Lebanon, said his path to Owensboro was shaped by family ties and a desire to give back. He and his wife moved to the city about five years ago to be near her family, and he quickly saw potential to bring more healthy dining options to the area.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and be able to have the ability to do so,” McCoy said. “I think the vision here is to be able to feed as many people as we can, not just Owensboro, but the surrounding areas — and to also have the ability to create jobs.”
McCoy said his wife plays a key role in managing the business, especially on the administrative and design side, and his father has also been supportive. He credits Mario, Acme’s chief marketing officer, as a mentor and one of the main reasons he joined the franchise.
“He saw something in me I didn’t see in myself,” McCoy said. “We connected on a personal level, and this business means a lot to me because of him.”
The McCoys operate under McCoy Hospitality Group LLC and are working to add a website, catering services, and more private events. McCoy also plans to partner with other food trucks as part of the “Four Nations on Wheels” alliance, offering different cuisines at events.
They hope to create a monthly Veteran Appreciation Day and are exploring ways to provide food for people experiencing homelessness.
McCoy said the most rewarding part of running the business has been seeing customers make healthier choices because of his menu.
“When I posted the nutritional facts on Facebook, people came to the truck just because they saw that,” McCoy said. “That makes me happy, knowing we’re making a difference in people’s health and bringing the community together.”
Acme Chicken Bowls Owensboro can be found on Facebook at “Acme Chicken Bowls OBKY,” while their website is in development.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times