Whole-E Roasters food truck opens a restaurant in Greece

Large hunks of succulent pork, turkey and flank steak are perched beneath heat lamps on cutting boards, ready to be sliced at Whole-E Roasters, a new restaurant at 3208 Latta Road in Greece.

The concept started as the Whole-E Roasters food truck, which was inspired by the carving stations at weddings and brunch buffets. Co-owners Chris Marmo and Mike Sokolski launched the truck in 2016. Encouraged by two successful seasons, the partners decided to take the concept to the next level: a brick-and-mortar establishment with a quick service format.

One reason for the leap was Rochester's weather. "In Rochester, you just can't (operate a food truck) year-round," Marmo said.

The proteins are roasted slowly until they are tender and juicy. They are carved thickly to order and served on airy salty breads from Amazing Grains in Fairport. The proteins are the stars of the sandwiches, the breads the supporting actors; they do not share the limelight with conventional sub toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. Instead, five sauces and coleslaw are the simple adornments offered. 

The new restaurant follows the food truck's format but with a few additional items and sides. Some sandwiches that were served as specials on the truck are on the permanent menu, including turkey salad and spiedie beef and cheese. A portobello mushroom is offered as a vegetarian option. 

But one thing that has not been added: a fryer. There are no french fries, onion rings or chicken fingers. Instead, there are roasted potatoes, macaroni salad, roasted red potatoes, sweet potato hash, veggies and coleslaw.

The setup offers options for people on gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan and milk-free diets. 

It is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday. It expects to be set up for delivery through GrubHub soon. 

Whole-E Roasters is one of a handful of trucks that have added brick-and-mortar establishments in the past few years. Marty's Meats evolved from a food truck to a storefront called Marty's on Park at 699 Park Ave. Effortlessly Healthy started as a food truck before opening an eatery at 1921 South Ave. And the Macarollin gourmet macaroni and cheese truck expanded to Eastview and Marketplace malls in 2014; the Marketplace location has since closed. 

TRACYS@Gannett.com

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