ALEXANDRIA, Va. — About two months ago, Shihan Chowdury and Amgd Gende decided to open Flavor Hive food truck.
"I was born in Bangladesh and came to America when I was 3 1/2. We're children of immigrants and we always find ways to hustle and make money in America that's the American dream," said Chowdury.
He told WUSA9 he's a social media content creator who cooks online.
"A lot of people said 'when are you gonna come out with your own spot?'," said Chowdury.
So he decided with Gende, to take a leap and buy a food truck. They got the licenses, and were given permission to park their food truck for a few hours each day in the back parking lot of 5249 Duke Street in Alexandria.
"Alexandria is a diverse community. If you look around there's apartment complexes that have every different type of people you can think of," said Chowdury.
But what was lacking, he says, was high quality food at low costs, late at night.
"People are working late. Working two jobs and when they do get off of work their only option is fast food places," he said.
He says their dishes are unique. "It's a fusion concept," Chowdury said. "Our number one dish is called Crazy Chicken Quesadilla. It's a quesadilla which is a Latin dish, but the spices that we use are South Asian."
He says business was slow for the first week, but then quickly picked up.
"We've had nonstop lines," he said.
However last week, they were hit with a challenge, when an Alexandria City official stopped by.
"They told us I'm giving you a warning because you have stayed past 8 p.m. and here is a warning. If I come back out here again, I will fine you $100," said Chowdury.
According to Alexandria City Ordinance, food trucks can only operate between 7a.m. and 8 p.m.
"The 8 p.m. rule has just been the biggest challenge because we have to close down by 8 p.m. but there's people who don't get off of work until 10 p.m.," said Chowdury.
He posted a video on Instagram, that got a ton of attention.
He says they've also been in touch with Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson.
"The mayor did reach back out to us and said he will see what he can do. But, beyond the mayor there's been actual people in Alexandria. Tell us what we can do. Who do we need to email we don't want you to keep closing down at 8 p.m.," said Chowdury.
The mayor told WUSA9 Monday night that he's "looking into it."
In the meantime, Flavor Hive is focused on their community and keeping them fed.
"We do everything from our heart," added Gende.
"From our heart to your plate. If your wallet is empty let us feed your stomach. We really believe in serving the community," said Chowdury.