Aww Shucks! Meet the Woman Behind This Plant-Based BHAM Favorite
Avrie Powell experienced a total health transformation when she adopted a plant-based diet. Now, she’s on a mission to prove plant-based street food can out-delicious meat-based and fried options. Image: Aww Shucks
When Avrie Powell shifted to a plant-based lifestyle in 2020, she was disappointed by Birmingham’s lack of vegetarian quick-service options and food trucks. The few available were almost always fried and expensive. With her husband, Phillip, Avrie spotted a niche that needed to be filled and landed on just the thing: corn.
Inspired by traditional Mexican street corn, Aww Shucks makes fresh, plant-based quick eats accessible throughout Birmingham and beyond. Their gourmet fire-roasted corn, drizzled with flavors like Sweet Heat BBQ, Creamy Lemon Pepper, and Buffalo Ranch, has quickly become a staple at festivals, concerts, and community events.
How did Aww Shucks come to be, and why street corn?
Shucks was created during the pandemic. During that time, I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle. My husband and I were looking for healthier food options when we were out at events. Mostly everything was fried. We wanted to offer a healthy and delicious alternative, and Aww Shucks was born.
We chose corn as our product because it is so versatile and delicious. Most importantly, corn can be roasted, which is a healthier option. It’s yummy, fire-roasted, and full of flavor!
Aww Shucks stands out among Southern food trucks for being vegetarian and non-fried. Was it difficult to get people on board in the beginning?
From the very beginning, things were great! I don’t think people cared about us being vegetarian. They just wanted to try it. Once they did, the rest was history. Word of mouth was huge for us, also. We have a unique concept, and the flavors are undeniable.
Corn is a Southern staple, and Aww Shucks puts a twist on fire-roasted corn! Our goal is to make people really, really happy when they eat our food.
What was the process like starting a new business in the food industry, and how did you develop your menu?
Phillip does not have a background in food service, but he is gifted when it comes to cooking. When I was in college, I worked at Ruby Tuesday in Vestavia and then went on to work at the Cheesecake Factory. So, I was very familiar with the importance of customer service and serving food.
Aww Shucks was created out of necessity. We felt there was a fresh, non-fried, vegetarian component missing. We wanted to fill the gap. Prior to my transition to a plant-based lifestyle, we ate wings a lot, so we gave a few of our cobs wing flavors. Aww Shucks has 14 different flavors to choose from, so you can always switch it up a bit! We also serve Creamy Skillet Stuffed Corn Bakers in a variety of flavors.
What is your best advice for people wanting to explore a plant-based diet, but don’t know where to begin?
My best advice for anyone wanting to try a plant-based diet is to start with Plant-Based Monday. Don’t pressure yourself to change everything at once. Just commit to one day a week where you focus on meals built around fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. One day feels doable, and it gives you space to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.
What’s on the horizon for Aww Shucks?
As a small business, every step has been hands-on, personal, and built with intention. There were long days, risks, lessons learned the hard way, and moments where we simply had to believe in what we were building before anyone else did. It has been such a joy and accomplishment to be the first corn franchise in the nation.
Aww Shucks franchise applications are still open, and we’re looking for passionate entrepreneurs to join our team, especially in the Hoover and Tuscaloosa area.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to relax and travel with my husband. In 2021, I lost 50 pounds through a plant-based lifestyle and exercise. I’m really into health and fitness, so Pilates has been my thing for several years now.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
Right now, I am my own inspiration. I just started teaching Pilates at 45. I’m super proud of myself!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never stop learning; education is transformative and life-changing.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Pilates, books, and my husband’s cooking.
Lightning Round!
Favorite street corn flavor: Veggie Garden
Last delicious local meal: The falafel plate from Taziki’s
Favorite place to vacation: Jamaica
Favorite recent TV show binge: Land Man
Book on your bedside table: Finding Me by Viola Davis
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.