by Tara Williams | CNA Media Team
In the midst of the pandemic, Lindsay Knight Sligh created a brick-and-mortar version of her popular Supernova food cart in Back to Eden’s former space at 2215 N.E. Alberta St.
Lindsay said the year has been a doozy. “It was just one thing after another. August through December of last year was probably the hardest time of my life. I learned some really beautiful lessons and some really hard ones.”
Letting go of her staff and closing for several months was devastating. “And it came in conjunction with a significant loss of a family member at the end of the year. We thought we were done for good.”
But Lindsay has faced many challenges since starting Supernova as a food cart in Woodstock in 2017.
“The part I have been able to share in the vegan community has been very important to me. We pushed through, we pulled together some resources, and we’re still here.”
Reopened in April, Supernova’s Alberta location includes menu offerings of favorites developed at the Woodstock and Sellwood carts. The Space Cowboy, what she calls a “messy, decadent BBQ sandwich,” surprised Lindsay by becoming a signature item.
“I thought to myself, well, wouldn’t you want it all wrapped up inside a warm flour tortilla? You get all the same flavor profiles, but it’s handheld, and you can take it on the go,” she said. “Hence the play on the (Steve Miller Band) lyrics: Space Cowboy and Midnight Toker.”
A single mom and daughter of a single mom, Lindsay isn’t new to the food industry. “My family owns a bar and restaurant. I’ve been working my whole life to get to this place where I could open my own business.
“I wanted my kids to be able to come work with me and share in a family business.” Her oldest child now works weekends at the Sellwood location. Another will soon be working at Alberta.
“As a queer-identified female, I feel exceptionally fortunate. We have such a strong community here that lifts us and inspires us and reminds us of who we are, to keep pushing forward, to be seen and to be heard. I love this area and this part of town.”
Coming in May, Supernova plans to introduce a new brunch menu and vegan frozen desserts this summer.
“We’re excited to settle in and connect with the other businesses and people, get to know the names and faces and start to figure out what our place is.
“We hope we can contribute here in a real way.”
Tara Williams is new to Concordia and loving life on Liberty Street. She’s a writer and English professor, not always in that order. Contact her at Eudaimonia.Dr.Williams@gmail.com.