The Snack Shack in Valley Forge, open for only two months, has already developed a steady base of return clientele that can’t resist the deep fried Oreo’s, Polish dogs and funnel cakes.
“This place is going to be in business for a long while,” said Gary Jenkins, who frequents the Shack.
Manager Marcy Matherly said it’s people like Gary and his son Joseph that make the business worth while.
Their Redneck Fries, nachos, Snack Dog, sandwiches, chicken tenders and corn dogs may be devoured on the patio or eaten at home.
“We have some foods that are hard to find anywhere else, except maybe at the fair or at ballgames, and we want people to be able to enjoy them year-round,” said Matherly.
The strangely sensational deep fried Oreos are thickly coated in funnel cake batter, fried golden and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

The Kicker Chicken sandwich was named after the Hampton High School football kicker Trevor Waycaster who was one of the Shack’s first clients and ordered the chicken sandwich. Matherly said all beef is fresh, never frozen.
Owner Mark Shaffer, who also owns the Covered Bridge Cafe, saw food trucks at events he had been to and wanted to open something similar with fresh food in a convenient location with a community focus. The Shack is designed for people to eat tasty food fast. With a walk-up window, people can see their food being prepared while socializing with others on the patio.
The Shack is mobile, but it is more than a food truck. It is the beginning of a trending style of eatery that is making its way into the Tri-Cities and even into the mountains. Passersby may not recognize that it is a mobile restaurant because of the patio and seating out front. It was built by locals for folks that live in the area or may be passing through that want a taste of local cuisine. “We get a lot of traffic through here with people going to Hampton, North Carolina or Roan Mountain. It’s a great location,” said Matherly.
Shaffer said he has plans to build a stage out back to host bluegrass concerts in the Spring.
That’s not the only entertainment at the Shack. The patio features old-time games like the triangle peg board game, oversized checkers and puzzles.
Additionally, unlike any nearby restaurants, it offers tables for rent on the weekends for a flea market for $10.
The Snack Shack is located at the corner of Siam Road and 19E in Valley Forge. To place an order in advance, call 423-278-0480.
Call ahead orders are welcomed, and Matherly said she will deliver food car-side in the colder months.