Ericka Donaldson was nervous as she prepped for lunch rush on Saturday morning.

Close to a year of work led to the opening of her new food trailer, Colorado Philly, and she wanted to make sure everything went right.

To help, she brought along her boyfriend, her mother and another friend.

“I just want everything to go great,” she said.

It was last year when Donaldson had the realization she wanted to get in business for herself. She was working another job and wasn’t finding fulfillment in what she was doing.

Ericka Donaldson and her mother Cheryllynn Steele prep for a lunch rush on Saturday. (Justin Tubbs | Montrose Business Times)

One day, she drove by a food trailer that was listed for sale. “Philly Cheese Steaks” was labeled on the side, and it felt like fate.

“When I was a teenager, I worked at a place selling Philly cheesesteaks and making them,” she said. “I loved that job.”

She had the knowledge, and she saw a fully equipped trailer. So she bought it.

On Saturday, there were some quick and quiet celebrations as Donaldson sold her first cheese steak: “Our first sale.”

Quickly, more customers came, all looking for a cheesesteak.

Sandwiches come in winter and summer (basically, toppings differ).

All have steak. One offering has mushrooms. Others, just peppers and onions.

She also has several types of cheese, ranging from the safe bet of provolone to the classic Philly-style (lathered in Cheez Whiz).

Donaldson is an Eckert resident, but said she realizes the potential for business in Montrose, hence her deciding to open down here.

Ericka Donaldson stands outside her Colorado Philly food trailer on a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon. She sold her first sandwiches to a busy lunch rush and was sold out of everything by evening time. (Justin Tubbs | Montrose Business Times)

She plans to be here at least once a week, slinging delicious cheesesteaks. On Saturday, she was in the parking lot of Smokin’ in the Rockies at 820 N. Townsend Ave, but she is open to moving around to various locations.

Donaldson also recently received her license to serve in Delta County, so she plans to park there often, as well.

Sandwiches are large, and filled to the brim with shaved beef. They receive a healthy amount of cheese and other toppings, so they come out a little messy; but that’s the way they should be Donaldson said.

They are priced modestly. A half-sandwich (which is more than plenty for one person) is $12-$13, while a full sandwich is $23-$25, depending on what you order.

Donaldson also offers chips and drinks, as well as cheesecake bites.

She plans to travel around to local festivals, as well, so those who frequent local fun should have a chance to try her cheesesteaks.

Asked what people love most about cheesesteaks, Donaldson said, “It’s steak, and it’s cheese. What’s not to love?”

Colorado Philly can be found on Facebook, and Donaldson said she plans to update locals as to her next locations.

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.