From Culinary Champion to American Trucker: Speaking at GATS
Culinary Expertise Meets Trucking Kathereen Abbiegayle Shafer, commonly known as Chef Abbie, has been driving for Crete Carrier Corporation for 15 years while boasting nearly 20 years of experience as a master chef. Shafer, hailing from Corsicana, Texas, believes that once someone becomes a chef, th
Culinary Expertise Meets Trucking
Kathereen Abbiegayle Shafer, commonly known as Chef Abbie, has been driving for Crete Carrier Corporation for 15 years while boasting nearly 20 years of experience as a master chef. Shafer, hailing from Corsicana, Texas, believes that once someone becomes a chef, they remain a chef for life.
Inspiration to Drive
Shafer initially specialized in British and American cuisines but decided to leave the food industry due to challenges with fellow chefs. A visit to a truck stop inspired her to become a truck driver after observing several overweight drivers struggling with mobility. This prompted her to consider how she could use her culinary skills to promote healthier lifestyles among truckers.
Leading by Example
Determined to make a personal impact, Shafer recognized that she needed to lead by example. Weighing 287 pounds at the time, she knew she had to demonstrate that a healthier lifestyle was achievable. She enrolled in truck driving school, obtained her CDL, and now, as a driver and trainer, has reduced her weight to 168 pounds.
Culinary Creations on the Road
During her time as a driver, Shafer has prepared a variety of meals from her truck, including a challenging Beef Wellington and her favorite dish, Bubble and Squeak—a patty of cabbage, carrots, meat, and potatoes with gravy, reflecting her British heritage.
Truck Driving Chef Show
Currently, Shafer is working on a reality show titled Truck Driving Chef, aimed at teaching truckers how to cook healthier meals while on the road. The show plans to feature drivers from Crete, who have supported her culinary initiatives, and will focus on promoting healthier lifestyles among them.
Engagement and Community Support
Although details about the show’s network and premiere date remain under wraps, Shafer has been actively sharing cooking content on her YouTube channel and Facebook page. She intends to film segments for Truck Driving Chef at the upcoming Great American Trucking Show.
Great American Trucking Show Participation
At the event scheduled from August 23-25 in Dallas, Texas, Shafer will lead a presentation on healthful cooking and lifestyle choices for truck drivers. She hopes to demonstrate strategies for maintaining a healthy weight while on the road, inviting others to learn from her experiences.