Kim and Mike are the original creators of Burnt Side Down, a food trailer born from their shared love of grilled cheese and a story that’s as real as it gets. As self-declared foodies who simply love eating good food, grilled cheese quickly became one of their favorite comfort meals—timeless, dynamic, and satisfying. Like many home cooks, they experimented with countless sandwiches, but it was Kim’s multitasking in the kitchen that sparked the moment that defined their name. In a rush, she would place a sandwich in a hot pan, walk away, and return only when the smell of smoke called her back—then flip it, lower the heat, and serve it proudly... burnt side down.

That running joke became a signature moment between them, and during a vacation with friends, it became something more. Kim was distracted while making grilled cheese for the group—again burning them—and when she served them, burnt side down, a friend shouted, “I think you found the name of your food truck!” From that point on, Burnt Side Down wasn’t just a concept, it was an identity. Together, Kim and Mike turned that personal kitchen moment into a full grilled cheese experience, filled with warmth, flavor, and a sense of humor that continues to shape the BSD story.