The dream began when it seemed another dream was ending.

Months after working to grow his food truck business in Lexington, Ray Hargons was forced to put on the breaks. 

“We went so hard I almost put myself in the hospital,” Hargons said.

As he rested, Hargons scrolled online through commercial properties listed for sale. He found one in Louisville that looked perfect for a dream operation. 

That listing, 3215 Preston Highway, is now the home of the Back of House Collective, which Hargons founded because he, along with others in the industry, were “sick and tired of the high barriers to entry into owning a restaurant.” Hargons and his family moved to Louisville in part to open the collective.

Back of House Collective, shortened to B.O.H.C, will provide coaching, resources and kitchen access to help up-and-coming restaurateurs reach their dreams, Hargons said. 

He also recently launched B.O.H.C. Yard, a food truck park hosting a rotating selection of area eateries on wheels. Featured food trucks include The Jerk, which Hargons owns. 

“This is a food trucker’s dream,” he said. “All the resources are here. You don’t have to scramble and struggle. We hope to address every need they have.” 

Starting out, B.O.H.C. Yard is open weekends including 2-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 3215 Preston Highway near Audubon Park. Hargons hopes to eventually be open daily and draw patrons from nearby businesses such as the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the Kentucky Exposition Center.

As Hargons said, this is just the beginning of his plans for B.O.H.C.

“My ultimate goal is to help build well-rounded entrepreneurs,” Hargons said. “I want to help people do well and keep great restaurants open.

For more info, visit bohcyard.com

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at [email protected]