Ian Phagan was born in a suburban town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He began working in the restaurant industry there at age 16, starting as a line cook at a fast food restaurant. He continued working as a cook, taking a job in a dining hall at the University of Georgia. Five years ago he moved to Columbia to be closer to family here. Shortly after relocating to Columbia he started working as a line cook at Pawley's Front Porch in Five Points. Three years ago he began operating Pawley's Mobile Eats, the burger restaurant's food truck. Ian currently serves as a manager and cook at the restaurant and as well as the food truck.