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Date: 9/6/2023
CHICOPEE — Island Spice Food Truck is taking advantage of its successes and opening its first brick and mortar restaurant in Chicopee.
The food truck was started in August 2022, by Dee and Welisarage Fernando.
Traveling to breweries, wineries and other events across Connecticut, the couple serves Sri Lankan food items including vegetable fried rice, chicken, potato, beef and shrimp curry bowls, among other dishes, with some vegan and vegetarian options.
Welisarage Fernando noted that the base for all the curries is coconut milk which gives it a “better taste.”
All the spices used are healthy and homemade, with ingredients such as turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and more.
Welisarage Fernando said their food truck has grown to be the “most popular” one at events, with people calling and emailing daily with inquiries.
The Fernando’s have lived in Chicopee for over 30 years. “This is our home base. This is our community,” Dee Fernando said.
The couple has experience in selling food as they previously owned Six Corners Pizza and Slice City pizza shop in Chicopee.
“We got a break after our kids went to college and we thought we had to come up with something new and everyone loves our food when they come to our house [so] we thought it was a good idea to give more Sri Lankan taste to everybody,” Dee Fernando shared.
The location at 32 Center St. was offered to the Fernando’s by the Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Opportunity Council and the city of Chicopee. “We are more than happy to take this place,” she said, as it provides more opportunity for customers to come in and dine, for takeout or catering.
“Everybody asks, ‘Where’s your restaurant we can come to eat?’ So now we have the place,” she said. “We’re serving for everybody.”
The Fernandos officially signed the lease for the space on Aug. 29.
They plan to open to the public during the last week of September or first week of October.
Before opening, there is still a little bit more work to do, including with the walk-in cooler, installing cameras, signs and menus.
Island Spice will be closed one day — either Sunday or Monday — but that has not yet been determined. Hours of operation are slated to be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., so that lunch and dinner can be served.
Dee Fernando noted that there will be a wider variety of food options at the new location. In the future, they are hoping to obtain a beer and wine license.
Service will only be over the counter.
Once the space opens, the food truck will still be available for events and catering.
Island Spice is a family owned and operated business, however, they plan to hire at least four to five people as business picks up.
The Fernandos extended their gratitude to the city of Chicopee, the VOC and the Chamber of Commerce for making this happen.
Island Spice has its protracted menu posted on Facebook and Instagram, with plans of adding it to the website as well, islandspicefoodtruck.com.
“We can’t wait for people to come here,” said Dee Fernando. “We are inviting everyone to try Island Spice.”