HOUSTON – Brandee Bradfiel hasn’t even been in Houston for 90 days, but she’s already building a new life through her food truck business. That journey hit a setback this week when she discovered someone had stolen her generator — a key component of her operation.
Bradfiel moved to Houston to be closer to her fiancé in Orange, Texas, started a her food truck called Not Your Average, which serves custom nachos in the Montrose area. The truck has become more than just a business.
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“It means a lot to me because it’s me,” she said. “It defines my livelihood, helps me stay out of trouble, and gives me financial stability.”
But early Tuesday morning, Bradfiel said a man came by and used a chain saw and other tools to cut away and steal the generator that powers her truck.
“They used the electrical bar and removed it,” she explained. “Then, because he had trouble getting it himself, he went around the neighborhood and found a local person — I guess someone who was destitute and homeless — and had them assist in the theft.”
The incident was caught on surveillance video from the building where she parks the truck — a club at 2409 Grant Street, known as Club Kiki or Club Play. When Bradfiel learned what had happened, she said she felt “violated” and “vulnerable.”
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“It’s already a bad climate right now for small businesses. This just makes you second guess doing business altogether,” she said.
The stolen generator is valued at around $2,500. Bradfiel filed a report with the Houston Police Department, but says she was told there’s not much officers can do without a license plate or solid lead.
“That frustrated me even more,” she said. “I’m taking losses, and nothing is being diligently done while I’ve been victimized.”
She’s now asking for the public’s help.
“If you see this man, please alert me,” Bradfiel said. “Try to get his license plate, take a picture, get an accurate make and model of his truck. If you know his whereabouts, please say something. We want to press charges to the fullest extent of the law.”
When asked what she would say to the thief if she had the chance, Bradfiel paused before replying: “Why? Why would you take something from people that are working class just like you?”
