Greg Dulan understands the pain of losing a home. As a child, a fire destroyed his family’s house. “When we found new housing, we had to split up. It was horrible,” he remembers.
Recently, when he saw the devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, he felt a strong urge to help those affected — families who had lost everything. As a chef and owner of Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, he knew he could make a difference. He’s a James Beard Award finalist and a beloved figure in LA’s food scene.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Greg partnered with Chef Kim Prince of Hotville Chicken to create the Dulanville Food Truck. So, when World Central Kitchen reached out for help, they didn’t hesitate. “I called Greg, and he was all in. We knew what to do,” Prince says.
“Most restaurant owners feel that way,” Dulan adds. “We feed people because we love it. Feeding those in need is even more special.”
Since the fires began, their food truck has been parked nightly at East Washington Boulevard in Pasadena, serving hot meals to anyone in need. With the help of volunteers, they package meals with utensils, fruit, and water for those who come by.
The setup is easy. You can stay in your car or walk up to the truck—whatever works for you. “We’ll get you fed, no matter how you arrive,” Prince explains.
What they serve matters, too. “We chose warm meals instead of cold sandwiches. People need comfort food,” Dulan shares. They offer dishes like fried chicken, red beans and rice, and vegan jambalaya, ensuring that the menu feels familiar and comforting to those affected by the fires.
They want their meals to evoke feelings of home. “We aim to serve food that reminds people of their mother’s cooking,” Dulan says. They even play upbeat music from artists like James Brown to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Every night, they serve around 400 to 500 meals. But it’s more than just food. “This truck has become a gathering spot,” Prince explains. Volunteers and community members share hugs and stories while waiting for their meals. “I met a woman named Joanne who broke down in tears when she received her meal. It’s these moments that remind us why we’re here,” she adds.
The work is hard, often extending to 18 hours a day, but the rewards are immense. They wake up early to prepare and head to Pasadena by evening. After a long day of service, they finally clean up around 9 p.m. But the exhaustion quickly fades. “After the second night, I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, but I woke up re-energized,” Dulan says. “It’s about hope.”
They plan to keep serving meals for as long as they can. “We can rebuild,” Prince expresses confidently. “Even with the smoke lingering, it feels good to help and bring some comfort.”
Check out this related article: 15 Tasty Food & Drink Fundraisers to Help L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts
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