Damon Stevens emphasized the relevance of leaving one's comfort zone as he elevated his little girl, Azur, in North Carolina. Not just did Damon apply this lesson as a basketball trainer for the various AAU teams which Azur bet, he urged an open-minded strategy to life when he hung out with his little girl in the kitchen area. "Azur constantly used to try various points I 'd cook for her," Damon said. "She's a foodie type. You recognize, she'll most likely to Japan and China, eating squid, sharks, eels and things like that, she'll send pictures. I was like 'Wow you ate that stuff?' She resembled, 'Yes dad, I tried it. '" While this unique bond in between father and daughter was currently strong, their shared love and enjoyment in the direction of food required to brand-new levels early in 2014. "We were tossing around concepts around little dining establishments and stuff like that," Damon stated. "I always think of creeping prior to running. So I said, 'Let's go right into this food vehicle thing initially. ' Food vehicles have a low expenses, so we might start that up and see exactly how that goes. " Food preparation and preparing the food was one consideration, however establishing the kinds of dishes the duo wished to market need apart conceptualizing sessions. Damon claimed they recognized barbeque and hamburgers would certainly be a very easy sell to customers, however like he had increased his little girl to be, they didn't intend to play it secure. "I'm the sort of cook that likes to tip outside package and do something various," he said. So, the two agreed on fish and grits, a food they could concentrate on making their particular niche in the Raleigh-Durham food vehicle business. As soon as the food selection was decided, it was time to call their future operation. Not remarkably, Damon transformed to his family's other enthusiasm: basketball. The food truck's name Exact same O Dame O's Shrimp, Fish and Grits harkens back years to Damon's high school basketball days. After missing out on a layup during one technique, Damon's former pal and teammate "Pops" called him "Exact same O Dame O. " While the nickname made his colleagues laugh for just a number of minutes, it inevitably stuck and even was executed as part of Damon's company state of mind. " We use it as a motto," Damon claimed. "Be regular in whatever you do. " Sustained by a solid organization philosophy and bordered by a determined team, the Stevens family members equipped a trailer, produced an enticing menu and opened up for company on June 20, 2020. For more than a year, this food vehicle has traveled across the Raleigh-Durham location, providing Sizzling Salmon Cakes, Creamy Sharp Cheddar Grits and the business's most preferred item, Same O's Famous Shrimp. While Azur equilibriums the professional and individual program that comes with all WNBA gamers, she continues to serve a steady duty in the operation. Regardless of being 800 miles away for months each time, she aids make organization choices, food selection adjustments and broadening their food truck's social media visibility. Azur stated she has actually additionally located resemblances between her responsibilities as a business owner and an expert athlete Sky Store. "I think about the days when we're out offering the food and how these are type of like a video game day," she said. "You still need to prepare and prepare, however there is a lot of stuff you have to handle the fly and find out. " Area service is equally crucial to Very same O Dame O's. The Stevens take satisfaction in having actually collaborated with local organizations in North Carolina to offer jobs to people that are experiencing homelessness. And after conquering a lot of the obstacles came up with by the COVID-19 pandemic, the family continues to conceptualize how they can grow the business. Some concepts that have been circulated consist of bottling and offering Very same O Dame O's popular sauces in shops as well as driving the food truck beyond North Carolina. Azur really hopes that in the close to future, Chicago Sky fans will certainly have the ability to try out her family's recipes. "I most definitely wish to obtain the vehicle up right here for video games at some time. I'm gon na make that a goal of mine," Azur claimed. "Every person below will certainly all be able to attempt it, which will certainly make it much more unique. "