May 14, 2021

From a tiny trailer parked three days a week in Brandon, Ericka Jackson delivers big flavor with her fish and chips.

This is her third season with the food truck, which is based in Pipestone, Minn., where she lives with her partner LaRon Tivis, and their blended family, who often pitch in to help.

“Basically, we had 1 million and one ideas of what to put on the trailer,” she said. “With only a 16-foot trailer, having a grill and fryers wasn’t going to work. We said let’s do something that’s not in the area. That’s fish.”

Her business, Fish & Chips, offers three types of fried fish – cod, perch and catfish – with waffle fries and coleslaw. Other sides include fried mushrooms, fried okra, fried sweet corn, hushpuppies, onion rings, and mac and cheese balls. Meals are $12. Fish sandwiches are $8.

Jackson uses a cornmeal batter, and after the fish is fried, she sprinkles it with a choice of Cajun, lemon pepper or parmesan ranch seasoning.

Last year, Jackson operated out of Pipestone, but this year, she’s coming to Brandon a few days every week. Thursday through Saturday, Fish & Chips is in the parking lot of a retail center at 509 N. Splitrock Blvd. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until the fish is gone.

“Not to toot my own horn, but usually I sell out,” she said of Saturdays, when she’s part of the Brandon Farmers Market.

She can pack only so much fish in that 16-foot trailer.

Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2021 season