By Chanda Temple
Ever since he was a kid, Ryan “RyRy’’ Burch has loved pizza.
And today, at the age of 43, he’s living his dream of running a food truck, RyRy’s Wings, Fries and Pies, which produces pizzas that are all the rage. People line up to get their fill of his handmade dough, freshly cut vegetables and red sauce with just a hint of sweetness.
“A lot of times, we don’t pursue things because we don’t think we can do it,’’ Ryan said, as the scent garlic and other seasonings hung in the air at his food truck. “But I’m just glad I went out there and did it. I learned a long time ago, that if God gives you the vision, he will give you the provision.’’
“I don’t live in fear. Sometimes, there will be bad days. Sometimes, there will be good days, but you just have to keep trucking.’’
Ryan explains that God gave him the vision to operate RyRy’s Wings, Fries and Pies around 2004 or 2005, but it did not manifest until 2023. God also gave him the vision to help high school graduates by offering scholarships.
This year will mark the third time he will offer $500 scholarships for Bimingham-area students.The requirement is that the student must have graduated from high school in 2025, and plan to enroll in school this fall. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Aug. 10.
Applicants must submit a 1- to 3-minute video, discussing their chosen major, its alignment with their goals and its potential to benefit the community. He is offering three scholarships. (Submissions must be tagged to RyRy’s Wings, Fries & Pies on Facebook.) His followers will select the top three successful applicants.
“Wherever today’s youth wants to go, you want to help them believe, and dream and do whatever they have to do,’’ said Ryan, a 2000 graduate of Wenonah High School.
Repeat customers like Alanah Melton and her son, Damon, appreciate Ryan’s commitment to good food and good community service.
“I think it’s cool that he’s doing this for young people and making the the application process simple and straightforward,’’ Alanah said.
Said Ryan: “We just promote positivity, healthy relationships as well as great quality food.”
Chanda Temple is an award-winning writer living in Birmingham, Ala. She blogs at http://www.chandatemplewrites.com. If you have a food story idea, email her at chandatemple@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram at @chandatemple.
Copyright © 2025, All rights reserved.
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestShare