The owners of Fries Galore say they’re hiring, as they work toward opening a specialty “Food Lab” restaurant at the Historic Apple Valley Inn in 2026.
The Fries Galore team told the Daily Press on Tuesday that they expect to hire about 25 employees, with the goal of opening the restaurant after serving off-road enthusiasts at the King of Hammers event.
The 20th anniversary of King of Hammers is scheduled from Jan. 22 to Feb. 7 in Johnson Valley, east of Lucerne Valley.
“We just need people to apply,” said Fries Galore, which has taken their food trucks to multiple events to serve up French fry-based menu dishes, such as Korean BBQ, Pizza, Buffalo Hot Wings, Philly Cheese Steak and more.
Now hiring
Fries Galore said they are growing and seeking hard-working, motivated team members to join the family. Some of the available full and part-time positions include:
Applicants must be 16 years old or older, obtain a food handlers certificate, have a strong work ethic, be team-oriented and motivated.
Last year, Cordova said Servi Plus robots from Bear Robotics will deliver food to customers inside the “370-seat” eatery with multiple dining areas.
“The Food Lab will have pool tables, an arcade, a stage for karaoke, multiple TVs, and an audio system for music,” Cordova said. “It’ll be a place where families can hang out and have a good time.”
To apply, visit the Fries Galore Facebook page, and search for the application link in the bio.
Fries Galore stop sign
Last summer, owner Robert Cordova said he expected to open his restaurant before Halloween 2025, the Daily Press reported.
He explained that his restaurant was called a “food lab” because his team would be like scientists concocting new menu items like ramen, pizza, burgers, chicken wings, beer and more.
But foodies began to wonder if the Fries Galore food lab idea was still happening after the restaurant’s bright red, yellow and black “Food Lab” sign near Highway 18 was removed and the eatery didn’t open.
The Food Lab sign at the entrance to the main Apple Valley Inn building was also removed.
Meanwhile, the Fries Galore team continued to serve foodies across the High Desert and Southern California.
Fries Galore did not reveal the cause of the restaurant’s opening delay or removal of the signs.
New signage
In January, Fries Galore installed new signage, with the main sign near Highway 18 reading, “The Historic Apple Valley Inn,” and “Fries Galore,” with the words, “Family, Food, Drinks, and Games.”
“We’ve been in business for 11 years in the High Desert, where we have two vendor trucks and expanded to a store on Main Street in Hesperia,” Cordova said in a previous interview. “Since that time, we’ve expanded the menu, so we’re not just about fries anymore.”
Fries Galore is a family-run business, which includes President Robert Cordova, Vice President Veronica Cordova, Corporate Chef Angelo Cordova and Creative Director Hector Cordova.
The Apple Valley Inn is located at 20601 Highway 18 in Apple Valley.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Fries Galore hiring for new ‘Food Lab’ restaurant at Apple Valley Inn
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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