If you’ve spent any time in New Town lately, you’ve likely seen or even stopped by the Queso Whaat!?! Kiosk. We talked with owner Shonte Harmon-Young about how she has transformed the humble quesadilla from a simple snack into a gourmet experience.
Q: How long have you been in New Town?
A: We celebrated our one-year anniversary on April 21st, a very significant date for me. It’s the day Prince died. My cousin lives out here and a couple of years ago, she let me know that one of the New Town kiosks was available. She suggested I should cook out of “the she-shed”. Right after I retired from a long career in Saint Louis County government in 2024, I submitted a business plan to the NTGA and then went to Mexico for 10 days. When I came back, I was approved to do it.
Q: What would you say is different from one year ago?
A: I would say the people. We've gotten to know a lot of great people. We've built really good relationships with all of the folks. Our menu has changed a little bit but it's been the same awesome situation as day one. We've added some new items, added new sides, soups in the winter and we have a few other little things in the hopper. We recently introduced flatbreads, nachos and we have elote now, which is street corn.
Q: For those not familiar with your menu, what is the first quesadilla you would suggest they try out?
A: Personally, I would suggest the burger. That was the first one I ever did. My kids and I used to go to Applebee's and they have the quesadilla burger and my kids loved it. When I decided to open Queso Whaat!?!, they said “Mom, you gotta do that burger quesadilla!” So, it’s that one I recommend. It has all the cheeseburger flavor and it's healthy.
Folks love chicken bacon ranch so that's the most popular item, and the burger is second. I have low carb tortillas and corn tortillas for people who are gluten free. We try to cater to everybody's dietary needs. We also have a vegan option, the vegetable quesadilla and the “Walking Chick”, named for the Walkie-Talkies, a New Town walking group. It has grilled chicken and our veggie blend and it's really taken off.
Q: You’ve been in the food industry for two decades—what’s the story behind your kiosk in New Town and that catchy name?
A: I have been catering for about 20 years now and that business is great, but I wanted to do something that's quick, that you can have in your hand, that you can take and go.
Queso Whaat!?! had to be different because as a chef I don't really want to pigeon-hole myself into something. A quesadilla is usually made with chicken, shrimp or beef. I decided that if I am going to do a quesadilla, I'm going to do it big. I'm going to put oxtail in it (for example). When somebody bites into it, they are going say “This is queso whaaaat?”. That's how the name came about.
Everything that I do has a story behind it and an intent behind it. I love food and it makes me happy. It brings people together and makes people happy. Our ingredients, as much as I can, are sourced locally from a farm in North County called Rustic Roots Sanctuary. They grow my jalapenos and I use them to make my own cheese sauce. I use great ingredients and it's important to me to put out a really good product.
Q: Your special sauce is very popular. Have you bottled that yet?
A: Yes. The spicy jerk and the special sauce are bottled. They are each $7.00 for 16 ounces.
Q: Are you offering free delivery in New Town and Charlestowne?
A: Yes. I have a golf cart now. Since I've been here, the community garage sales have been going on and during this last one I rode around with breakfast burritos and Mimosas. They were chasing me down the street. It was such a dream come true. I was in my golf cart with my flag waving. The weather was beautiful. It was an awesome way to meet people and to get to know the neighborhood.
Q: Do you have a rewards program?
A: My loyalty program is awesome. You get a point for every dollar you spend and every time you reach 50 points, you get a free quesadilla. You also get a free quesadilla on your birthday. Customers can sign up for that on our website.
Check out Shonte’s new website to learn more about her chef-driven cuisine for private dinners, catering and unforgettable eats built around any dietary need.
Website: https://whaatfoodsinc.com/
Address: 3242-1 Rue Royale Street, New Town in St. Charles
Hours: Open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.