Why the Best Chopped Cheese in NYC Comes From a Food Truck - The Experts

Bodega Truck is the first and only chopped cheese food truck in New York City. Ride along with owner Jeremy Batista, aka Chop Cheese Papi, as he starts the 18-hour workday as early as 3:30 a.m. to pick up ingredients, snag a parking spot, and serve fresh, hot chopped cheese in the city's busiest neighborhoods.
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Credits:
Producer: Carla Francescutti
Directors: Carla Francescutti, Murilo Ferreira
Camera: Carla Francescutti, Murilo Ferreira
Editor: Michael Imhoff
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Supervising Producer, Operations: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Audience Engagement: Frances Dumlao
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[@tyleryoung2348]

when she described him and cried.....you know the love is so pure

[@wackrapsatire]

sweetness 💖

[@biegebythesea6775]

but also he spoke about her with respect and love. love is not something women just give men, it has to be the other way round too.

[@j.gtheautotech8455]

I’m a thug tho, don’t let the tears fool you 😊

[@winstonphillips1908]

​@@j.gtheautotech8455I concur

[@danielb.1567]

@@wackrapsatire Jesus answered, “I’m the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 I pray you make your eternal destiny secure through Jesus right now. It sure beats burning in Hell forever. Ask Him into your heart and to save you right now, you’ll be glad you did.

[@kingbball66]

Respect to this team. Working so hard and love that the owner is giving props and love to his partner

[@etf42]

baddie...😍😍😍🥺🥺🥺

[@Ghostface944]

Sick shitty version of a Philly Cheesesteak

[@Bob1332s]

They don’t even need the owner 😂 you could tell them mexicans are doing all the work

[@MrSamoannn]

For real. Idk why but it’s so refreshing to see it too. Been seeing so many negative stuff on social media a lot the past years

[@Beastie_Boy33]

mad respect. the definition of 'hard working'

[@locastromaia]

I wanna cry. I don’t think I have ever seen so much love involved in making food. This guy, his mom, his wife, his chef, I have no words! You all deserve the world. And shout out from Brazil!

[@manpizza37]

All the women that live in brazil are super models confirmed

[@Gr8Incarnate]

SMH, yall don't even know what good food is. This is garbage food.

[@Jcrispy825]

Proud that Drake is taking this path 💯

[@lloxias]

LMFAOOOO

[@sergejspanier4932]

wanted to write the exact same thing...

[@iLLESTMADE]

Dude just has such a positive vibe. He’s also killing it! I remember chasing his truck the last time I was in NYC.

[@sauravistheascended7161]

He kept driving away, didn't he?

[@PatrickS.Tomlinson]

sure you did baldlet

[@averieandhunterbanks]

I met up with this guy in 2019 and he told me he wanted to start this truck, he’s an icon now in the city! Proud of you bro!

[@patrickormerod3472]

He wasn't such an icon when he kept getting into trouble ignoring covid rules and driving his truck around at the peak of the pandemic

[@averieandhunterbanks]

@@patrickormerod3472 and you’re still bitter about it 4 years later?

[@patrickormerod3472]

@@averieandhunterbanksHe placed his business profits above people's health and safety. That is not something that you should just forget about.

[@averieandhunterbanks]

@@patrickormerod3472 he had bills to pay too, why is his business different than any other store or restaurant that was open?

[@americannightmare2109]

He isn't social distancing

[@randyguzman7906]

Crazy I found him on social media because he was a sneaker head and always posted crazy eats now he got his own truck selling his food .. congrats man hope you go far 🙏

[@chrisknight5996]

I love how the Misses is so proud of him and how he big ups her!!

[@SenorSussyPants]

Truly, the main ingredient here is love. His love for the culture, and his wife, it shows.

[@Jaycy]

Facts

[@wackrapsatire]

most important ingredient

[@danielb.1567]

@@Jaycy Jesus answered, “I’m the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 I pray you make your eternal destiny secure through Jesus right now. It sure beats burning in Hell forever. Ask Him into your heart and to save you right now, you’ll be glad you did.

[@llynn4206]

The little cat he had as a manager🥺🥺🥺

[@pastasoo]

Obligatory bodega cat

[@p.s.lovely1810]

😂😂 A Bodega signature

[@leob.1755]

The kitty is too cute, best part of the video meow!!!

[@Gr8Incarnate]

Another reason to not eat there

[@Fairestof]

@@Gr8Incarnateit’s a plush figure 😂not a real cat

[@MonkeyWrenchz]

This my guy love this truck try to hit every Sunday when it’s in Williamsburg the food is legit but Jeremy’s kindness and realness is what makes it one of my favorite bites in Brooklyn.

[@mjoseph4947]

You gotta respect the hustle. You can tell this dude is genuine and passionate.

[@Breitman123]

Finally, a food vendor that loves what he does and the great food he serves to the community. No arrogance filled rhetoric. Just sincere passion for what he does. 👊🏻🙏🏻

[@alancrome3684]

This is a real man that loves what he does... No one can pull hours like that and not. Reminds me of Japan and the specialized restaurants, ramen, yakitori, sushi. Those guys pull hours like that and are so fulfilled, whereas in America we are like lead to think work is separate, whereas if you can make it fulfill you and give your life, then you can do it all day every day.

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

he sells weed

[@danielb.1567]

@@juanshaftpatel7488 Jesus answered, “I’m the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 I pray you make your eternal destiny secure through Jesus right now. It sure beats burning in Hell forever. Ask Him into your heart and to save you right now, you’ll be glad you did.

[@rainy5517]

​@@juanshaftpatel7488 Weed's good

[@Jay_Pixel]

What do you mean finally? There are passionate restaurants all over NYC with amazing food..... Clearly you haven't been or you have and you eat at like 2-3 places. You need to branch out, the city is massive there my friend. This also applies to vendors from mobile vehicles.

[@Tondre55]

Man, I like this video. This dude and his wife just seem like super genuine people

[@daledearing4399]

Great story, heart warming! So well spoken too; ood is community. Best wishes to Jeremy Batista and Mrs for keeping their Bodega dream alive and thriving! 👍👍👍

[@CrosswindSurfer]

YOOoooo got my all teary over the husband/wife teamwork. Thats a good man, and an amazing woman!!!

[@coopsblooms5824]

Fresh buns! So many places under estimate the value of the bread. Makes or breaks any sandwich, hoagie, burger, etc

[@cthomas025]

Bread is the foundation of any good sandwich, 100%.

[@frank-tk6dr]

Serio, I judge every torta made by the bread first

[@gandr.e.5136]

Wow! You made me realize that this one place that I went to with my family, we were all talking about how good the roll was.

[@suntzu05]

FACTS!! I was just preaching this the other day.

[@tictok516]

That's crazy I use to work with this dude. He got his own business now that's impressive.

[@overtonesnteatime198]

shutup liar

[@tjm4702]

How was he like ?

[@tictok516]

@tjm4702 He was our foreman. Personality wise, a big sense of humor very chill.

[@user-tb1xt2fp4j]

@@tjm4702I went to high school with Jeremy. He was always a cool laid back dude and always laughing. Super proud of him and happy for his success

[@stern-a1272]

sure

[@skyviewsports5568]

This man has an incredible work ethic. Shoutout to him and his team. I hope they continue to prosper

[@impolder]

This is my first video ive seen by Eater, and it will remain the best one Ive seen lol. So much HEART and SOUL into this business. He didnt shy away from telling you the nitty gritty details either. I hope I pass by his truck one day, yum.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

I wish these driven, hardworking people continued success and happiness.

[@ryangies4798]

The hustle is real! Mad respect for Jeremy taking the original NYC Chopped Cheese to the people via a food truck. Basically he’s working outside in the elements like so many NYC street vendors. As the city loses its culture, stripped away by greedy landlords… At some point it’s people like Jeremy that will remain as a relic of what things used to be. Peace from Astoria 👑

[@BodegaTruck]

Thank you for the love and acknowledgment !

[@jonathanchia9167]

still fast food style obese food for you fatties out there.

[@bobstar6837]

What a wonderful example of a loving family. Bless 🇬🇧

[@familyhome8715]

the vibes is just pure.... love this.

[@marylenehall405]

Food look so good and fresh and he and his wife are so humble.God bless him for the appreciation he has for his mothers hard work.

[@joekay3348]

This guy is a true OG… Humbly working his butt of the old fashioned way - Nothing but respect.

[@TAJMUSIC81]

💯💯💯

[@jeffdur1330]

He's like 27 lol og?

[@mikevalenzula3028]

hes paying Jair Pennies on the dollar

[@01pabmar]

Mad respect from Texas. Makes me want to visit NY just for this guys food. Everything looks amazing and his attitude and work ethic is dope

[@tangomike5149]

Jeremy - I am watching this from my front room in Leeds, England. I'll be looking for you when I land in NYC later this year! Looks incredible mate!

[@chefbasar1]

My man living the dream! He got beautiful supportive partner and great hard working teammates. May the god bless this man…🙏🏼

[@StevenD215]

damn the part about being a kid and not realizing the parent's grind resonates with me so much as a take out kid. respect the grind and work ethic, keep it up.

[@CX3Productions]

Man, nothing but peace, love, strength and success in your venture. gotta grab one my next NYC visit. Nice production as well. 😎

[@yenmoneybtc]

Love this video, your energy is dope. Will definitely support 🙏🏽

[@mikebrooks9141]

Love this dude's vibe! Keep up the good work!

[@maxandeliz1751]

BRO I TOOK A FLIGHT FROM FLORIDA TO NYC JUST TO EAT THIS CHOP CHEESE. THE KLK FRIES WERE CRAZY TOO!! SHOUTOUT PEEP MY EATS! HE REALLY THE BEST OUT HERE! 10/10 STARS ON SERVICE & 10/10 STARS ON HOW GOOD IT WAS!

[@BodegaTruck]

Thank you ! We really appreciate the love and support!

[@PAVEL--JAKL]

😳

[@americannightmare2109]

Stop yelling!

[@needforrbg3420]

You have a great personality why dont you upload content?? This is not enough i rewatched a couple times lol @@BodegaTruck

[@luthervaughn1]

@@needforrbg3420 Great idea.....crazy if dude even can make that time though. He already talkin' crazy hours. Start putting in another part time job....HA! Maybe just not yet, ya know!

[@alangivens7983]

Love this couple and their passion, congrats to you both!

[@SamSpacetrash]

A lotta talk today about hate on migrants but look how hard those Spanish speaking guys are working! Anthony Bourdain said “the best French chefs in New York are Mexican”. As a restaurant worker myself, we need that work ethic

[@Molonlabe07]

We don't "hate" migrants who go through the system legally. What we hate are illegal border jumpers who are brought here as a replacement voting block who suck our social systems dry. We have enough of our own problems already, you want to come here wait in line.

[@Partysloths101]

the hate is on the lazy & thugs from venezuela that just came. sadly the gold working latinos get categorixed w them & we all suffer. latinos are very hard working but you have these roaches wanting everything handed to them

[@Gingersnaps6969]

No one's hating on migrants they're hating on the massive influx of ILLEGAL migrants

[@gregoryberrycone]

the food looks great of course, but just seeing how much genuine passion Jeremy puts into every aspect of the business is what made me watch the whole video, very inspiring!

[@jeybeElSueco]

Genuine and hard working folks, wish them the best!

[@morschgaming]

Loved hearing about your story and your other half. Respect brother.

[@alexanderadams9008]

this guy is what makes America so great, the respect, the hard work, the passion, the discipline, what an amazing dude. also those sandwiches look so unbelievably good. keep grinding man, i wish you all the success in the world! We could all learn from how you do what you do, also have to give props to the team, guys work so damn hard, love to see it!

[@hemiihemm]

I almost cried watching this. God bless you and your family brother.

[@jj7t682]

may god bless this man, his girl and his people. nothing but respect man

[@egyptmonroe1855]

Love it💕! So inspiring && beautiful to see frl ..Keep it up , keep flourishing && I wish them nothing but the best, the way it’s seems to be going , I won’t be long until you get all of what’s deserving of you real soon💯 ! Keep grinding big dawg💪🏾 !

[@JadedBlur]

Congrats you two !! what a great duo !! cherish it

[@jameshamilton3490]

absolutely love how they raise each other up

[@escf]

Respect. Mans and his wife seems like good, genuine, real people. Food looks fire 🔥 too! Inspiring 🎉

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

Wow and OMG, I am so hungry now. That chopped cheese is something we don't have in Chicago. That sandwich looks absolutely delicious. The pride put into making each one just oozes outta this team. Then there's his wife, that was so cool to see her break down a bit because she's so proud of what they've created. I love his plan on moving around NYC too. Very smart idea. It keeps the demand high for sure. Best of luck to them and if I ever get back to NYC, The Bodega Truck is on my list. I'll eat at least two of them, maybe even three. My mouth is watering. Great job Team and thanks @Eater, great content as always.

[@SlavicAffairs]

Love to see passionate people, wish nothing but the best for him!

[@newsr323]

Dude’s energy is great makes me want to fly all the way to New York just to eat at his truck keep grinding bro!!

[@otoco6329]

This truck stops outside of my work often. Better chopped cheese than blue sky deli tbh this chopped cheese just hits so good. Much love and respect to this team, the passion shows in the service and the food man

[@pzyyyy]

people like these are the backbone of our country. hope he gets everything he desires and more!

[@marshallosantos9035]

These are the people that make me miss New York. They make city what it is. Chopped cheese is 🔥. Used to eat them everyday.😊

[@Septicaemic]

Eater bringing the slice of life to our screens, appreciate you guys. I have so many food places I'm planning my US trip around thanks to you guys!

[@ronibo9]

Such a lovely couple. Wish them all the best

[@Veyronp87]

Solid hard working man. Respect and wish you all the best bro

[@itzz_mggy]

I like the vibe bro!! keep it up big respect for y'all

[@marqbarq5977]

I’ve never wanted a sandwich more in my life. Next time I’m NYC I’m looking forward to know this gent and his food.

[@jaySean0000]

Probably one of my favorite videos on here

[@ThatsaTastyBurger]

I love this guy, he is just a good person and so hard working.

[@teakanji9864]

Wishing this guy, the team and his family all the best from Australia!

[@John-ld8yf]

You are a great spokesman for your business..and your food looks delicious!! I'm gonna try to catch you in the bronx on Thursday

[@tomawen5916]

The chopped cheese looks divine! Love the other variants too!!! A true American enterprise and may God bless you in making Bodega Truck a heaven on earth when it comes to feeding the belly!

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

Looks like a nacho sandwich

[@paulie4450]

God bless you dude. This is what its all about, Life.

[@sdds50]

This dude is so humble and he works so hard, hope for nothing but success for him.

[@paulsmith9341]

I salute your excellent work ethic.🖖👍👍👍👍

[@JulianJohnston919]

This is the definition of the American dream, no hand-outs, working hard everyday and taking care of your family. Much love and respect from NC brotha!

[@jackrichard8351]

Great team, hard working! Lots of respect

[@seropserop]

The “super market they go to” is restaurant depot and it is open to the public, when you arrive check in at the front desk, write your name down and continue shopping then let the checkout know you signed in at the front and your name.

[@abdulx549]

thank you haha

[@Tonyhouse1168]

I love RD. It’s like toys r us for adults

[@americannightmare2109]

He buys the expired food

[@swimmingmide]

Yeah you just ask for a day pass and they let you in. You can also tell them you are buying alcohol and they have to let you in. NY has a weird law that prevents any business from putting alcohol sales behind a pay wall. You can get into Costco and other membership stores the same way without a membership. Pretty sure it works at country clubs as well but have never tried it.

[@user-ds6uv9hd8s]

I've learned so much about flavor pairings and cooking techniques from watching these videos. Plus, the stunning food photography and videography make each dish look irresistible

[@pkpdeleo4522]

This is the dream!! Respect to Jeremy and his team for putting in the work and making people happy

[@rogergaray4361]

Respect. I’m glad I drove all the way over there to try my first ever chop cheese. Wish it more success 👍🏼

[@ramonglopez5602]

Best Chopped Cheese in New York 🙌🙌🙌Hands down to my boy Jeremy … I’m so glad I had the opportunity to try this Gem from NYC..!! My Favorite is 🙌The Good Mawning🙌Go try it ..!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@s0l0s0rr0]

I came to see my dude in willamsburg because thats the closest thing to ozone park lol. Dude was such a cool laid back guy ordered el domincano over fries the og the regular smegular and the pizza chop cheese over fries for me my kids and wife. After we got our food dud3 put some candy in the bag for the kids. The food was 8.5 outta 10 for real. But the fact dude threw the candy in th3 bag for free made me feel like he really for the community.

[@bassclef283]

Love the Bodega truck! Keep it coming Jeremy! great dude!

[@bradharris9915]

A truly genuine, decent, very hard working human being who I dearly hope to meet in person someday.

[@EenaJay]

Chopped cheese better than a Philly cheese steak?! Them's fightin' words! 😜

[@plankface]

"sang-witches" 😍

[@CoraAlice-xo6xm]

My man living the dream! He got beautiful supportive partner and great hard working teammates. May the god bless this man…

[@ForAnkhee]

Omg spice girl lollipops , throwback! And the way he speaks of his wife and how she speaks of him omg 😭🥰🍭

[@fantasyEXX]

What some people don't truly understand, he's doing these 17-18 hour days now while he's young so when he gets older he'll no longer have to do it. He works hard, then he can expanded the business and no longer putting in the crazy physical part of the job. Invest in yourself when you're young and energetic because when you get older you reap those rewards that you planted in your 20/30s. Think what the future you will say if he saw you today

[@BodegaTruck]

EXACTLY !

[@venom5809]

Some people think they work hard, these dudes work hard 💪

[@pavelsanchez6485]

amazing food and great service...love THR BODEGA TRUCK!!!

[@vanidge]

This was a very wholesome video, thank you very much for it.

[@marquescoleman724]

Saying a chop cheese is better than a cheese steak is like saying ground beef is better than steak

[@schw0373]

If the chopped cheese had originated somewhere like Idaho or Kansas, nobody would care.

[@jasonhewett9858]

If anything originated from Idaho or Kansas, people would care.

[@tracyleerussell2909]

Watching this gave me warm an fuzzy an goosebumps. Your all incredible. I'm in Australia and I recently brought a food truck, it needs a bit of cosmetic surgery before I work it. I would love to do chopped cheese , there's nothing like that where I live.

[@linux230]

Looks excellent my man. Next time im in the city I'm going to try and hunt your food truck down. I love an authentic chopped cheese and your humble story. God bless you and your family and future success.😊 That Good Mawning got me drooling right now. Lol

[@PopDropCrush]

Title: "Man mixes cheese into minced beef" 🤣

[@vahgarimo9864]

Drake had to switch careers after that leak

[@anthonydeo847]

Congrats man. Not everyone does what they love. Love the nostalgia touch too.

[@UcalPetersson]

Lovely vid, what a good owner! What a good team and what a beautiful couple

[@chipotlepapi6935]

His wife looks like ice spice lol

[@blueblaze9862]

Same ethnicity

[@gildrop]

saying chopped cheese is better than a philly is a BOLD statement

[@Calinkswag]

Right…. NYC think they do everything better….

[@blueblaze9862]

BOLD but true

[@gildrop]

@@blueblaze9862 BOLD and wrong

[@risuky]

06:42 bro, realization really hits different. Mad respect!

[@MrMonroe77]

I love it all about good business. Good food and making people smile with your service

[@yepimfresh]

So this is where FaZe Apex been at

[@picklepee2771]

People watch apex?

[@thetrillkmxNYT]

The best 🤔 hmm Hajjis, Ocky Way???

[@dennisneyo]

I just went today! Truly great chimi! Thanks to the team!

[@maxweiler5685]

What a friendly couple and the Food Truck is absolutely great

[@JacksonWalter735]

For chopped cheese, why can’t you just use loose ground beef? Why does it have to be in patty form?

[@reeee-turn]

Quiet. You might send him into existential crisis over the fact that he pays 25 stacks a year for a parking spot.

[@sugarhilllo9914]

@@reeee-turnits not about the parking because if you notice hes trying to avoid that by moving from area to area .