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Hidden Gems: Meet Andriko Gipson of Midwest Coney Connection

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andriko Gipson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Flint, Michigan was where I got my start. Being born and raised there, I was surrounded by strong-minded street hustlers, and business owners. I loved the streets growing up, but I always wanted to make a difference in my community by building jobs, and opportunities.

My mother Katrina and father Willie Ray worked hard to provide and keep me out the streets, but unfortunately, we are a product of our environment. I knew at a young age; however, that I wanted more than the poverty and violence that surrounded me.

My grandparents, Dafora, Chester, and Marvin where all intentional about pushing me towards better. Thanks to them, in 2005, I took their advice and started my first clothing store Prezidential Apparel at age 18. I thank God because that started my entrepreneurial journey and I’ve never looked back!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After the economy dropped in 2012, I closed both store locations in Flint and moved to Houston, Texas with $3000 and a dream. I was working as a car salesman at the time, practically making no money and ended up getting evicted from my apartment. From there, I was sleeping in my rental car until I moved into Motel 6. For the first time in my life, I had hit rock bottom and lost a lot of peoples’ trust, but the struggle taught me to depend 100% percent on God. During these times, I learned that nobody has your back like you!

We’ve been impressed with Midwest Coney Connection, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In November of 2015, I started my current business Midwest Coney Connection out of my apartment as a catering company. Within the first three months, I built a hot-dog cart and started catering local car dealerships, trail rides, etc. Business took off from there and within eight months, I built my first food trailer. In 2018, we partnered with Tuttis Treats and opened a food truck in the Galleria Food Truck Park, where you can still find it located today. As of 2021, we have been fortunate enough to maintain and grow our two locations, a brick-and-mortar, and the food truck, here in the city.

We don’t believe in cutting corners. Our food is made fresh to order with love and top ingredients every time. We specialize in American cuisine and Michigan inspired coney dogs, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and gourmet chicken wings with our signature Sienna Sauce.

As a company, we know what works for us and we stay in that lane. We focus on staying true to our creativity as we continue to build the brand. I’ve learned that our biggest strengths have come from networking with local brands and influencers. I’m most proud that we represent Michigan’s culture and have brought that to the food scene here in Houston.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned that if you have a dream, don’t wait on validation to pursue your journey. God gave me the dream of Midwest Coney Connection to build jobs and opportunities, but I procrastinated while listening to others. My book, “Risk it All” will release this summer, and my hope is that it will inspire everyone to take the necessary risks to build the life they want the most.

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