Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2021 season

April 27, 2021

Food truck owners are optimistic that this season will be a brighter one after the hit last year from the COVID-19 pandemic. Festivals and other events are returning to normal schedules this year.

A few food trucks have disappeared, but just as many have started. Several trucks opened last fall, and many were able to run through the mild winter. New offerings include Chicago-style hot dogs, birria tacos and wings. One new truck honors the owner’s Bavarian and Texan roots with schnitzel and street tacos.

The iconic 26-foot Tasty Trolley that was a favorite for soft-serve ice cream for several years might be headed to Wisconsin, but another trolley will be on the streets in Sioux Falls. Curbside Delights is back on the road after an absence of a few years – now with a trolley out of Kansas.

We’ll keep updating this guide throughout the summer, so check back.

So here’s a thorough look at who’s new, who’s closed and who’s back. We’ve also compiled a list of regular gatherings such as Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction, which is being held weekly this year.

605 Barbecue Co.

Added Aug. 20: A new food truck features barbecue recipes crafted over the years in competition and workshops. Zach Bauer, the younger half of the father-son duo of Holy Smokes Barbeque, has started 605 Barbecue Co. with a couple of business partners. While a majority of the business likely will be catering private gatherings, 605 Barbecue will take bookings for public events and will do a few pop-up appearances, Bauer said. Find locations on 605 Barbecue’s Facebook page. While pulled pork sandwiches and loaded Dorachos – Doritos topped with pulled pork, queso, beans and barbecue sauce – will be staples on the menu, chopped chicken and chopped brisket sandwiches will be offered occasionally. Catering specialties include ribs and brisket.

New food truck seeks to build community around barbecue

Antojitos Latinos

Omar and Katherine Donis won’t be serving Salvadoran pupusas and other Hispanic foods on their Antojitos Latinos, or “Latin Cravings,” food truck this year. They’re trying to sell the truck. The couple started the food truck in 2016 and still have hopes to open a restaurant someday.

Backyard BBQ

This is the sixth year Backyard BBQ restaurant is operating its food truck at events, businesses and private gatherings. It serves pulled pork, brisket and smoked chicken sandwiches, along with sides such as molasses baked beans, mac and cheese and coleslaw. The truck is booked for eight nights at Golf Addiction’s Food Truck Tuesdays and 16 concerts at Levitt at the Falls, said Eric Elenkiwich, whose father started the restaurant in Brookings and expanded to Sioux Falls in 2014. At lunchtime during the week, it often can be found in the parking lot of Nyberg’s Ace at 12th and Kiwanis.

BellaLuna Pizza

Gordon and Joan Williams started their business in 2009, using a 1951 Chevy pickup to hold their pizza oven. They didn’t take bookings last year because of the pandemic. This year, they’re available for private events, which is the majority of their business. They have two public events on the calendar: Sioux River Folk Festival at Newton Hills State Park on Aug. 6 and 7, and the Harvest Festival at Wilde Prairie Winery on Oct. 2.

Berkes BBQ

This year-round food truck keeps busy serving lunch crowds across the city. Scott Berke started the truck in 2015 and serves brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken as sandwiches and tacos, and makes several side dishes. Customer favorites are the pulled pork and cheesy hash browns. Frequent locations include Tractor Supply Co. on Thursdays at J&L Harley-Davidson on Fridays. Berke also is at Food Truck Alley in Brandon on the first Thursday night of the month. He keeps his Facebook page updated with locations.

The Big Orange Truck

The colorful Big Orange Truck is expanding its event area in its fourth year. While it will be in the Sioux Falls area 90 percent of the time, owner Dean Marshall said he has events booked in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota. He’s also planning a “farm to app” event in late August with Cherry Rock Farms and WoodGrain Brewing Co. that will feature appetizers using ingredients from the vegetable farm paired with the brewery’s offerings. Frequent spots include J&L Harley-Davidson, breweries, vineyards, Ace Hardware in Harrisburg and Tea and Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction. The food truck is available for private events and is already booked for several weddings, Marshall said. Popular menu offerings include beef and lamb chislic, hot dog boats, “Almost Famous Fries,” cheese curds and street tacos, which change every week or two, he said. New to the menu this year: Firecracker cheese curds.  Marshall keeps his Facebook page updated.

Big Rig BBQ & Catering

The once-popular food trailer grew into a restaurant before all but fading away last year with just a couple of opportunities for fans to order meat. Bob Brenner said he still has the smokers but isn’t planning to run them this year.

Boki Gelato & Boki European Street Food

The mobile eateries expanded into the Jones421 Building three years ago but are still available for events. This year, they’re booked for the South Dakota and Nebraska state fairs, owner Borjan Jaksic said. Big events in Sioux Falls include Hot Summer Nites, Downtown Riverfest and the Sidewalk Arts Festival. Limited dates are available for weddings and other catering, he said. The dessert operation serves gelato, shaved ice and bubble waffles. The street food truck serves paella, which is rice, chicken and vegetables simmered in a gigantic pan. Other foods such as gyros, hot dogs and cheese curds are offered occasionally. New to the menu this year: hamburgers and an 18-inch cone of curly fries.

Bone Daddy’s Smokehouse

Bone Daddy’s Smokehouse no longer operates out of bars in Harrisburg and Canton, but it’s keeping busy with catering jobs and plans to do a few pop-up offerings out of an RV during poker runs this summer at On the Rocks in Harrisburg this summer. Owners Randy and Vanessa Ragatz offer a variety of smoked meats. Some of the side dish options are cowboy beans, jalapeno corn and jalapeno coleslaw. Events are posted on Bone Daddy’s Facebook page. Update: The Ragatzes closed the business July 12.

Boss Dogg Kitchen

The Mitchell-based Boss Dogg Kitchen plans to be in Sioux Falls a few times every month, including dates at J&L Harley-Davidson. The menu is a tribute to the owner’s Bavarian and Texan roots with schnitzel, bratwurst with sauerkraut and street tacos. You’ll also find hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and hand-cut fries. “Everything is pretty much from scratch, farm to table,” said Sheila Slater, who started the truck with her husband, Gene, last year. They operated on a limited basis because of the pandemic and are planning a full season this year. Find the schedule for Boss Dogg Kitchen on its Facebook page. 

New food truck offers Bavarian, Tex-Mex flavors

Breaking Burrito

Carlos Salgado put together a new food truck this year after selling two last year. He bought a second truck in the winter of 2019-20 and planned to expand, but that was before the pandemic decimated events. He sold his old truck to Uncle JJ’s and Papa Jimmy’s Neighborhood Grill, and ran the new one for the season. Over the winter, a Mexican restaurant in Minnesota that had been affected by pandemic restrictions in that state bought it, Salgado said. He’s excited about the new truck, which is even bigger. He’s installing a fryer, so he’ll be able to make flautas and beef milanesa, a breaded cutlet. He’s also adding tortas. Burritos will continue to be the star of the menu, along with tacos, quesadillas and nachos. Meat choices include ground beef, carne asada, pork and chicken. Frequent spots include J&L Harley-Davidson Bike Nights, Levitt at the Falls, Downtown Block Parties, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and Ace Hardware in Harrisburg. Find locations on Facebook. 

Buffalo Gal Concessions

In its second year, Buffalo Gal Concessions has a busy season ahead with a soccer tournament in May at the Sanford Sports Complex, Levitt at the Falls concerts, Food Truck Tuesdays, apartment outings, small-town festivals, the Sidewalk Arts Festival and other events. The featured item on the menu is a buffalo burger. Other items include loose-meat buffalo sandwiches, brats, hot dogs and chili dogs. There’s a carnival flair to the offerings with corn dogs, a pork chop on a stick, cotton candy, mini-doughnuts, popcorn, nachos, caramel apple slices, lemonade, smoothies, slushes and snow cones. It also has a breakfast menu for earlier outings.

Tha Chicken Trap

Bud “Tre” Theus started running Tha Chicken Trap last year, specializing in wings and Trap Sauce, which Theus describes as a queso/gumbo. He also served smoked hamburgers, all-beef hot dogs and French fries loaded with gyro meat, tomato, cucumber and feta cheese. Tha Chicken Trap was stationed in a parking lot on Duluth Avenue just south of 11th Street. Theus’ dad, Paul, who operated the truck in Sioux Falls a few years ago, died in March, and Theus said he’s not sure when he’ll get the truck running this year — possibly in June. He also will have to find a new location for the truck, he said. Updated May 6. 

Chubby’s

A Mitchell-based food truck that started last year is spending more time in Sioux Falls this year, using the parking lot of Runnings at 49th and Western as its home base. Chubby’s, which is owned by Stephvon “Von” Bailey and Tyler Brinkman, specializes in birria street tacos, which are grilled corn tortillas filled with shredded beef and topped with chopped onion and cilantro. It comes with a consommé for dipping. The menu includes other tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. In addition to birria, meat choices are steak and chicken. Chubby’s also serves elote, or Mexican street corn, which includes mayo, parmesan and Tajin, a chile lime seasoning blend. Bailey and Brinkman plan to be at Runnings from Tuesday through Saturday, typically serving from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. unless they run out of food earlier. Late-night Fridays, they’re frequently at The 18th Amendment at 41st and Grange. Chubby’s bought Kusina’s food truck in April and plans to start using it in a few weeks. Get updates on the food truck’s Facebook page.

Mexican food truck specializes in birria tacos

Craig’s Shave Ice

Craig’s Shave Ice is headed into its 26th summer. Owners Craig and Kristen Swensen spent most of those years in Yankton but moved to Harrisburg about five years ago. Both of them are teachers, so their schedule is limited until summertime. Typically, the Swensens do 20 events in the summer. Last year, when all but two events were canceled because of the pandemic, they set up near parks and businesses in Harrisburg. This year, every weekend starting in June is booked with events and festivals in the area, Craig Swensen said. The shave ice comes in 22 flavors, with four sizes. Blue raspberry and cotton candy are the favorite flavors. “I think it’s the color. Kids just want the blue,” Swensen said. The menu also includes mini-doughnuts and all-beef hot dogs. They also can do hamburgers “if the event calls for it.” Fresh-squeezed lemonade might be an addition to the menu this year.

Curbside Delights

Curbside Delights makes its return to the food truck scene this weekend in an eye-catching trolley. Rich Stevenson, who has been in and out of the food truck business in Sioux Falls since 2015, found the converted 26-foot-long trolley in Kansas and has spent the past few months getting it ready. Curbside Delights isn’t limited to a specific cuisine, he said, but the menu will include past customer favorites such as smoked pulled pork and smoked prime rib sandwiches, lamb chislic, pickle fries and a taco in a bowl. The trolley will be at Levitt at the Falls concerts 11 times this season and several small-town festivals. He’s also looking for public places to set up for lunch and is available for private events. Stevenson said he’ll keep his Facebook page updated with locations.

Food truck returns with eye-catching trolley

Dakota Snow/Sub Zero Desserts

Dakota Snow features two trailers – one traveling and one based at Thunder Road Family Park — while Sub Zero Desserts operates out of a modified shipping container that’s based at 501 E. 41st St. Jessica and Matthew Rooney started the business in 2015 serving shaved ice from the Dakota Snow trailer. Sub Zero features shaved ice, rolled ice cream, push ice cream pops and rainbow popsicles. Dairy-free and vegan treats also are available. New this season are edible cookie dough, Sub Z Sodas, which are like an Italian soda, and Snow Shakes, which are milkshakes that use shaved ice flavorings. Sub Zero’s hours are 1 to 9:30 p.m. daily. Dakota Snow’s traveling trailer is used for festivals and private parties. The one at Thunder Road likely will open near the end of the school year.

Family Treats Homemade Ice Cream

The ice cream business travels to festivals and events in the area and also has contracts at several places such as the Denny Sanford Premier Center, the Pentagon and Sioux Falls Canaries Stadium. Family Treats offers seven standard flavors and one seasonal choice such as peach cobbler, chocolate covered cherry or triple berry cheesecake. Scott Giles, who owns the business with his wife, Carmen, is always trying out new flavors. Blueberry cheesecake and wedding cake were among the latest offerings.

Fat Kid Filly’s

After finding success in its first season, Fat Kid Filly’s is growing to two trucks and booking everything from food truck gatherings and events at businesses to small-town festivals and private events. Owner Cody Sauers created his first truck out of an RV and found himself in paradise when he bought the Snortz Barbecue trailer with a hardwood double-rotisserie smoker on the deck. “We were considering upgrading the camper to a more professional-looking food truck, but by late January already, we were almost booked up for the year,” he said. “I don’t like turning down work, so instead of upgrading, we expanded.” Find the truck at Brandon’s Food Truck Alley, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and bike nights at J&L Harley-Davidson, Critters Bar in Crooks and Red Rock Bar & Grill in Rowena. It also will be a regular at the Brandon Farmers Market on Saturdays. Follow the Facebook page for locations. Fat Kid Filly’s also has stands at the Premier Center for events and at the Birdcage for Sioux Falls Canaries games and cooks out of the kitchen on Friday and Saturday nights at Bushwhackers Bar & Grill in Canton. Updates were made to additional locations May 6. 

Fat Kid Filly’s to run kitchen in Canton bar, adds second truck

Fish & Chips

From a tiny trailer parked up to three days a week in Brandon, Ericka Jackson delivers big flavor with her fish and chips. This is her third season with the food truck, which is based in Pipestone, Minnesota. Her business, Fish & Chips, offers three types of fried fish – cod, perch and catfish – with waffle fries and coleslaw. Other sides include fried mushrooms, fried okra, fried sweet corn, hushpuppies, onion rings, and mac and cheese balls. You often can find Fish & Chips from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the parking lot of a retail center at 509 N. Splitrock Blvd. Jackson usually updates her schedule on her Facebook page. Added May 17.

Tiny Fish & Chips trailer offers simple menu with lots of flavor

Flyboy Donuts

Now that Flyboy Donuts has four locations across Sioux Falls, owner Ben Duenwald said that at this point he doesn’t have any plans to use the truck this summer.

La Fondita

Owner Maria Magana is ready for the season with her La Fondita, or “Little Restaurant,” trailer. She started serving out of a tent her first year in business and bought the trailer last year. Magana, who’s originally from the Mexican state of Michoacan, has lived in Sioux Falls for 16 years. Everything on her menu is homemade, she said, and features the distinctive flavors of where she grew up. “I’m cooking with love,” she said. “I want people to eat very, very good food that’s authentic.” She serves street tacos with choice of meat, fresh onion and cilantro, with radishes, marinated onions and salsa on the side. Her burritos are filled with choice of meat, rice and beans. And those meat choices get as authentic as tongue, cheek and head, she said. Magana also uses other cuts of beef, chicken, chorizo and pork, including chicharron, in her cooking. Tortas, a Mexican sandwich, are always on the menu, and she makes carnitas and tamales once a week. Hispanic drink options include horchata, tamarindo and jamaica or “hibiscus iced tea.” La Fondita is based in a parking lot at 1300 W. 12th St. It’s typically open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Find updates on La Fondita’s Facebook page. Updated Sept. 3 with new location.

Food Mama

The food truck will be back in its same spot this year at 11th and Cliff serving its “Tejano style with a little Cali twist” on tacos, along with its signature corn chips. Meat choices include ground beef, steak, shredded chicken and pork. The menu also includes rice bowls, a nacho bowl and two desserts: a fruit tostada and cinnamon nachos. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. It’s the third year for owners Joe and Yvonne Garcia. Find updates on their Facebook page. Update: At the beginning of August, the owners announced they were moving home to Wisconsin and putting the business up for sale.

Food Mama owners to move; business is for sale

Fred’s Franks

Added Sept 3. A desire for a simpler lifestyle led a Florida family to the Sioux Falls area and new careers as operators of a hot dog cart. Donna Cutrer and Mike Blewett, who live near Garretson with their son, Tyler, started Fred’s Franks in August. Fred’s Franks is based in Kingbird Coffee Shop’s parking lot at 509 N. Splitrock Blvd. It uses all-beef, quarter-pound hot dogs. Typical offerings include a Chicago dog, a chili dog with cheese and an avocado dog with pico de gallo and queso cheese. Customers also can choose the build-your-own dog option. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, except for Wednesday when it’s open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fred’s Franks also is available for public and private events. Find locations on Facebook and Instagram.

Florida couple moves to S.D., starts hot dog cart

Front Porch Concessions

A second trailer will be on the road this season for Front Porch Concessions, which is based in Marion and has been in business for almost 20 years. “We were constantly being asked for events and had to turn it down,” said Marilyn Konda, who owns the business with her husband, Steve. Their son and his wife, Kevin and Lynette, will run the second trailer. “They will go in one direction, and we’ll go in the other,” Konda said. The signature item for Front Porch is Taco in the Tub, which the couple trademarked. It’s a 32-ounce deli container filled with taco fixings. Other popular items include Spudsters, which are deep-fried mashed potatoes with toppings, and fried mac and cheese. Other carnival-type fare includes corn dogs, cheese curds and a dozen flavors of smoothies. “It’s an expansive menu to feed the whole family,” Konda said. Early outings include May 1 and 15 at Good Earth State Park. After that, they’re booked as far away as Aberdeen and Fort Sisseton. Front Porch is a regular at the Sioux Empire Fair and appropriately stationed at the south end of the food stand row near the Front Porch stage. Find locations on Front Porch’s Facebook page.

Harry’s Yellow Submarine

The bright yellow truck returns for its eighth year. Owner Calvin “Harry” Schlisner said most of the events that were canceled last year because of the pandemic are back on the schedule this summer. The truck will be at 10 of the Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction, events in Sioux Falls and festivals in the region, and it’s available for private events. Beignets and marinated lamb chislic are stars on the menu, along with the “Loaded Boat.” That’s deep-fried tater tots topped with pulled pork, brisket and barbecue sauce with a mound of coleslaw on the tray. The menu also features smoked meat sandwiches, hamburgers, jumbo hot dogs, chicken strips and cheese curds. A new addition this year is the Mississippi pot roast sandwich.

Holy Smokes Barbeque

The father-son competition barbecue team is available for catering and classes. Zach Bauer and his father, Paul, specialize in pork, brisket and ribs. They’re building out a trailer, but don’t expect to have it running this year.  Get updates on their Facebook page.

Hungry Dog

A Mitchell restaurant with a national reputation for its hot dogs is starting to make appearances in Sioux Falls this summer with its hot dog cart. Hungry Dog has a sidewalk permit, so it’s available to set up outside businesses, co-owner Brian Muntefering said. While the restaurant has two dozen hot dog options on its menu, the cart typically serves about four. The hot dogs are made by a Mitchell meat locker just for Hungry Dog, Muntefering said. “They’re 60 (percent) beef, 40 (percent) pork in a sheep casing with spices and they’re smoked for two hours,” he said. “This is not Oscar Mayer.” Added July 15.

Mitchell restaurant brings hot dog cart to Sioux Falls

Hunny & Bunny

The Mediterranean food truck is already out for its sixth year. Find Hunny & Bunny at Levitt at the Falls concerts, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and other events in Sioux Falls. Businesses and apartment complexes often invite the food truck to set up for meals. Owner Melissa Hamed said she’s available for private events. Hamed keeps her Facebook page updated with her schedule. Hunny & Bunny serves steak and chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, and has vegetarian and gluten-free and vegan options.

Jacky’s Mobile Express

Jacky’s Restaurant added a trailer last year and planned to use it for late-night tacos outside the East 10th Street location but ended up selling it.

Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque

The trio of friends who run Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque have a new truck this year and are planning to be busier than last year when they resorted to taking orders for smoked meats that they delivered to homes. The schedule includes PorkPalooza, Levitt at the Falls concerts, car shows and small-town festivals, and it’s available for catering. Jekyll & Hyde also offers a fundraising option for groups. The menu features ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pork wings, bacon steaks, barbecue spaghetti and smoked meatloaf. Garrett Gross, Mark Hauser and Nick Verzani started the business in 2018. Jekyll & Hyde keeps its Facebook page updated with the schedule, and it has a text messaging feature. Text JHBBQ to 72727 to track the truck and get special offers. The original trailer went to Worthington, Minn., and is now Jon-E-1’s Barbeque.

Kabab King

Three years after starting as a food truck, Kabab King has a new restaurant. Moe Fares and a new partner, Yasin Alderani, opened their venture in April at 1609 E. 10th St. in the former Taco John’s building. Customers will find all of their favorites from the food truck: gyros, shawarma, falafel, kababs, burgers and chislic. They’ve also added a market offering Mediterranean groceries. Fares sold the food truck, which will become Kota Cafe this summer.

From food truck to restaurant, Kabab King opens on East 10th Street

Kahl’s Kettle Korn

Bonnie and David Kahl fill their summer making kettle corn and selling it at small-town events. When events were canceled last year because of the pandemic, they set up their stand on street corners. The Kahls took over the business from his parents in 2009, and it has been operate for 25 years, Bonnie Kahl said. They also take bookings for private events, either popping on-site or delivering it bagged. Find locations on their Facebook page.

KK & Sons Lao & Thai Food

KK & Sons Lao & Thai Food will reopen for the season June 16 at its regular spot at Rice Street and Cliff Avenue. The rotating menu features street food found at stands along the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand such as fried chicken with papaya salad and sticky rice, drunken noodles and larb. KK & Sons typically opens at noon Tuesday through Saturday and goes until 5 p.m., closing earlier if the food sells out. With the return of festivals and events this year, the owners are hoping to add some of those dates to their calendar. Find updates on KK & Sons’ Facebook page. Updated June 15.

Kota Cafe

Renee Standish bought the former Kabab King trailer this spring after the business grew into a bricks-and-mortar location on East 10th Street. She had her fourth child in late April and hopes to have Kota Cafe ready to go by mid-June. Standish is developing the menu but is considering sliders, hot dogs and french fries. She hopes to make it a full-time operation and would be out for lunch and dinner most days and travel to events, she said. Update June 29: Kota Cafe is in business. Read the details in the link below.

New food truck features homemade cooking

Krazy Concessions

The menu for Krazy Concessions features Guatemalan tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Owner Willy Mateo is in his fifth season with the trailer. It’s on the schedule for concerts at Levitt at the Falls and often can be found at businesses that host the truck. It’s available for catering. Get updates on Krazy’s Facebook page. Updated June 15.

Kusina

The Mitchell-based food trailer had booked a few events for the summer and had a few outings already this spring, including one in Sioux Falls, but owner Gwen Moore posted it for sale on April 13 and sold it within three hours. The new owner is Chubby’s, another Mitchell-based food truck.

The Leaf Grill & Wokery

An Iowa food truck that focuses on healthy wok-style cooking will appear in Sioux Falls several times this summer. The Leaf Grill & Wokery will be at Levitt at the Falls for Friday’s opener and is scheduled for six other concerts there. The menu features stir-fry entrees, and “everything is chopped fresh and cooked to order,” co-owner Terri Johnk said. The menu changes from week to week, but typically, there are three choices for the entree: vegetarian, Thai chicken basil and Korean bulgogi steak or peppered steak. For beverages, the truck serves gourmet lemonade in flavors such as mojita mint, basil and peach. The Leaf is looking for more opportunities to be in Sioux Falls. Added June 10. 

Food truck new at Levitt features stir-fry dishes, gourmet lemonade

Loncheria La Chiquita

The family that owns the authentic Mexican food truck still owns it but isn’t planning to operate it this year. It will be back next year, they said.

The Lunch Box

For years, Glen Drew kept busy with a rotating schedule of selling lunch at larger office buildings, but that work has dried up with the pandemic. Fortunately, outdoor events are returning this summer, so those bookings and private events are helping. He has 10 dates at Levitt at the Falls concerts and has been invited to serve at a few apartment complexes. The Lunch Box also provides food for races at Sioux Valley Cycle Club. The menu includes favorites such as buffalo chicken, banh mi and chicken bacon ranch wraps, Indian tacos and steak sandwiches. There’s always a dessert offering too: cheesecake, salted caramel brownies or crème brule. Drew posts locations on his Facebook page.

Ma and Pa’s Burger

Last year’s season was cut short because Becky Kurtenbach, who runs the food truck with her husband, Robert, had her fourth knee replacement on the same knee. She’s doing better this year, so they’re back for a third season. They’re planning to run full time, so they’re looking for invites to set up for lunch or dinner, and they’re available for private events. Ma and Pa’s serves standard and deluxe hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs and fries. “It’s everyday comfort food,” she said. Kurtenbach posts locations on the food truck’s Facebook page, so customers know where to find it.

The Meat Wagon

The Meat Wagon, a Sioux Empire Fair staple, isn’t going to be as busy this summer as in years past, said Pat Minihan, who runs the business with his wife, Melissa. Last year, they ended up discovering that they enjoyed a quieter summer and did a lot of boating and spending time with their grandchildren, he said. They’re still catering for private events, and in addition to the fair, they’ll be at Hot Summer Nites as part of their Sioux Falls outings. The Meat Wagon serves St. Louis and baby back ribs, shredded brisket, pulled pork, sliced pork loin, hot dogs, hamburgers and more.

The Midway Cafe and The Midway Cafe Popcorn Co.

With no carnival dates in sight last year, traveling food vendor Rose Zeig set up her stand in her hometown of Hartford, selling corn dogs, funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos and fresh-squeezed lemonade. She’s back this year – at least for a few weeks. “I’m going to start out in Hartford. Long term, I don’t know. I really enjoyed being at home. I made some amazing friends and met amazing people.” The Midway Cafe opens this week, and she’ll launch a second wagon the first weekend in May. The Midway Cafe Popcorn Co. will serve popcorn balls on sticks, flavored popcorn, gourmet caramel apples, Hawaiian shave ice and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Find her pop-up carnival food court on Western Avenue, which is the direct exit off Interstate 90 into Hartford, between First and Second streets. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. May 28 update: Zeig is headed back on the carnival circuit but plans to be open Labor Day weekend and few weekends after that in Hartford, weather permitting. Get updates on Midway’s Facebook page. 

Hartford’s carnival food scene to expand this spring with second wagon

Monkey Business Treats

The traveling ice cream truck, nicknamed “Clyde” covers 30 towns in South Dakota and Minnesota, including Garretson. Scott and Debbie Handberg of Ward started Monkey Business Treats in 2015. In addition to driving through neighborhoods, they fill their schedule with public and private events. Locations are posted on Facebook. Monkey Business Treats serves more than 50 varieties of frozen treats, hand-dipped root beer floats and frozen treats for dogs. Some treats are dairy-free, gluten-free or tree nut-free.

Murph’s Burgers & Fries

Murphy Lundie has returned to South Dakota to start a food truck after spending several years managing one in Portland, Ore. He’s in the process of building out the truck and hopes to open Murph’s in June. Lundie, who has been cooking since he was 14 and went to culinary school, is planning to be stationed at a retail complex along West 57th Street just west of the I-29 underpass, so customers don’t have to search to find him. Murph’s Burgers & Fries will be open for lunch into the evening. The menu will focus on burgers and loaded fries. The loaded fries will be seasoned with malt vinegar powder and include chunks of hamburger, bacon jam, his signature burger sauce and American cheese. Follow his progress on Instagram @Murphs_Butterguts. Update on Aug. 12: The truck started operating in mid-July. See updates in the story below. 

New food truck features burgers with bacon jam

My Place Mobile Cafe

Owner Maxine Montreal is getting closer to opening her restaurant in Montrose, “hopefully in May or the beginning of June,” she said. My Place Montrose will be in the historic bank building. In the meantime, she’s out on the food truck for weekly outings at Gage Brothers and Rosenbauer in Lyons and working auctions. She plans to keep the food truck going for her “regular stuff” once the restaurant opens. Montreal describes her food as “homemade, like your grandma would make.” She always serves hamburgers and goulash, and has a variety of rotating specials and homemade desserts. She also has a breakfast menu that includes casseroles and biscuits and gravy. Montreal keeps her Facebook page updated.

Nick’s Hamburger Shop

Heart-breaking news for fans of Nick’s Hamburger Shop: You likely won’t see the trailer out this year. The legendary Brookings restaurant had several Sioux Falls dates on the calendar this summer, but owner Todd Fergen announced April 26 that “due to COVID-19 complications and employment complications, we have decided to end all trailer and catering operations effective immediately and indefinitely.” It’s likely that it won’t operate at all this year.

Old Skool Jersey Rippers & Balls

The simple menu of Old Skool Jersey Rippers & Balls is a tribute to the northern New Jersey roots of owners Francisco Gajardo and his father-in-law, Ron LePree. Rippers are all-beef hot dogs fried in peanut oil until the skin rips open and served Italian style but in pita bread instead of the traditional pizza roll. The balls are arancini, or fried rice balls, which originated in Sicily. The classic ripper comes with roasted potatoes, onion, peppers, ketchup and mustard, and customers also can build their own or choose from other specialty rippers. The pair started their food truck late last year and are able to operate year-round. They’ve booked several outings at local breweries, Strawbale Winery, apartment complexes and business. Old Skool is a regular at Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids and will be at the farmers markets in Brandon and Hartford. It’s available for private bookings. Old Skool keeps its Facebook page updated with locations.

New food truck brings Jersey ‘rippers’ and ‘balls’ to Sioux Falls

Ollies

The big red food truck from the owners of Backyard BBQ is headed into its third season. The menu features gourmet burgers, smoked wings, beef chislic, hot dogs, cheese curds and fresh-cut fries. It’s available for public gatherings and private events. Custom menus can include the restaurant’s smoked meats. Ollies is already booked for 12 concerts at Levitt at the Falls and 11 Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction.

Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn

Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn will be back on the road this summer, serving fresh-popped kettle corn from the farm-themed trailer at festivals in several states. Events dropped off the calendar last year because of the pandemic. Owners Jay and Marie MacDonald pop fresh kettle corn for all events at the Premier Center and some at Sioux Falls Stadium. They’re booked for the Sidewalk Arts Festival in September.  They also provide kettle corn for graduations, weddings and other gatherings.

On the Hook Fish & Chips

The traveling food truck business started by two University of Wyoming engineering students in 2016 has grown into nine trucks covering 11 states. One of the nine trucks typically stops in Sioux Falls once a month and draws a crowd every time. There’s only one meal on the menu: three pieces of wild Alaskan cod, beer-battered fries, a house-made tartar sauce and sriracha mayo. Bring a credit card because the truck doesn’t take cash. Sign up on the website for notifications of upcoming dates.

Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza

Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza expanded into a restaurant in 2019 and is moving into a larger location this summer in downtown Sioux Falls. The business owned by Lisa Esser and her husband, Steve Blumke, is headed from the Jones421 Building to The Cascade, just a few blocks north on Phillips Avenue. The couple continues to operate the trailer for public and private events. Esser updates a calendar on Papa Woody’s website, so potential clients and event organizers know which dates are open.

Papa Woody’s to move to larger downtown location

Raclette Corner

Raclette Corner is an extension of the business started by Sonja Hoffmann in 2002 that sells equipment and cheese to make the food that originated in the Swiss Alps. Her online shop draws customers nationwide. Hoffman started a tent-based stand in 2018, making her debut at German Fest. The menu features alpine cheese that’s melted and spread over prosciutto, boiled potatoes, bread and cornichons. She also serves raclette in a sandwich version. While no public events have been booked so far this summer, Raclette Corner is available for private events.

Redders

In its second year, Redders is out several times a week at businesses and events, and also keeps busy with private bookings. Owners Jeremy and Jenn Holien create fried cheese sandwiches in several varieties. Recent additions include taco, crab rangoon, bacon cheeseburger, french dip and sloppy joe. The sandwiches rotate on the menu every week or so. Wondering about the name Redders? It’s old military term for “chow,” said Holien, a retired veteran. The VA Medical Center is a frequent stop, and they travel once a month to Ellsworth Air Force Base for a food truck gathering. Find the week’s schedule every Sunday night on Redders’ Facebook page. Frequent events include Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction, Food Truck Alley in Brandon and the Canton Farmers Market. The truck also offers online ordering, which comes in handy on chilly days.

Rosie’s Tacos

The food truck parked outside La Carreta Bar at 2309 W. Madison St. is expected to start operating this week. In addition to tacos, Juan Nuno serves burritos, quesadillas and tortas. Meat choices include asada, pork adobada and chorizo. Nuno, who also owns the bar, is planning to add the popular birria tacos, using his family’s recipe from Jalisco in Mexico. Hours likely will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Rudy’s Tex-Mex Taco Bus

Rudy Navarrete is working on his latest method of bringing his late grandmother’s recipes to Sioux Falls. It’s Rudy’s Tex-Mex Taco Bus, and he hopes to have the converted mini school bus on the road by midsummer. Navarrete brought the legacy of his family’s cooking from Sioux City to Sioux Falls in 2018 with Rudy M. Navarrete’s Tex-Mexican Restaurant near 57th and Western. He closed the struggling restaurant in March 2020 when the pandemic reached Sioux Falls. Since then, he has been operating as a pop-up restaurant, with regular dates at the VFW in Brandon and several cities in northwest Iowa. He’s evaluating which dishes will work best for a food truck setting, but knows there will be tacos and burritos with beans and rice. He’d like to figure out how to make his signature Rudy’s Special work too. Get updates on his Facebook page.  Added May 25. Update June 15: The Taco Bus is serving food. 

Rudy’s Tex-Mex Taco Bus to join food truck scene

Sabores 502

The Guatemalan-style street food truck is back for its third year. To start the season, it’s parked outside Joyeria Latina at 209 S. Blauvelt Ave. from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Once the Sunday soccer leagues start at Yankton Trail Park, that’s where you can find the truck, said Nasly Paredes, who owns the business with her husband, Erick. The menu includes shuco, which Paredes describes as a Guatemalan hot dog, and mixtas, which is like a taco but with a hot dog. Sabores 502 is known for its shaved ice treats, which include fresh fruit, flavoring and condensed milk. Some versions have Takis chips and pepitas. “Sabores” means “flavors” and 502 is the international code for Guatemala, where Paredes was born.

Salas Salsas

The mother-daughter team that started selling their salsas and tamales last year at the Brandon Farmers Market is getting a food truck ready to go. Marcela Salas said she and her mother, Patricia Burbine hope to have it ready by midsummer if not sooner. The women ventured into pop-up sales in the fall and winter, testing out additional recipes. Until the truck is ready, they’ll sell prepared items at the market, which is held every Saturday beginning May 1. Salas said they won’t be there the first week.

Meet the women behind a growing salsa business

Scotty D’s BBQ

Huron-based Scotty D’s BBQ will be in the Sioux Falls area a few times this season. The trailer, sporting a new design, showed up at Food Truck Monday at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids and might be there again, owner Scott Deschepper said. He’s booked for May 28 and Sept. 10 at J&L Harley-Davidson. In addition to Huron, he’s frequently in Mitchell and hopes to get back to Yankton this year. Find updates on Facebook. Deschepper is known for his Kansas City- and Memphis-style ribs, Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, smoked meatloaf and barbecue nachos. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the smoked prime rib as a special. Scotty D’s is available for catering.

SDSU Ice Cream Truck

With two trucks and a trailer, the SDSU Ice Cream Truck can be found at lots of events. “We’re doing a lot of graduations, business functions, weddings and local events,” owner Mark Promes said. “We’re looking forward to getting busy this year.” The business carries more than a dozen flavors of SDSU ice cream and also sells shaved ice, slush creams, floats, coffee blenders, smoothies and cotton candy.

Skipping Stone Pizza

Skipping Stone Pizza is a highlight for many at the Falls Park Farmers Market. Kyle and Nicky VanDerWerff started the business in 2012, toting around a wood-fired pizza oven in trailer made out of the bed of a pickup truck. Most of their business is private events, but they’ll at the farmers market every Saturday with a breakfast pizza and one or two specialty options. Take-and-bake pizzas, which were added last year because of the pandemic, will still be offered. Skipping Stone Pizza also is a regular at Strawbale Winery’s Summer Porch events on Thursday nights.

The Sloppy Weiner

Added Sept. 23: The Sloppy Weiner got its start in mid-September after Bryan and Shannon Krueger bought the original Watecha Bowl truck. The signature Sloppy Weiner is a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog in an artisan bun topped with nacho cheese, sloppy joe meat and cottage cheese. “The sloppy joe is my wife’s grandmother’s personal recipe,” Krueger said. “It’s got a little secret to it.” The menu features other hot dogs and seasoned crinkle-cut fries, which also come loaded. He hopes to operate The Sloppy Weiner through the winter and will be available for private gatherings and public events. Customers can find locations on the truck’s Facebook page. 

New food truck specializes in ‘sloppy weiners’

Snortz Barbecue

After being on the market for a couple of years, the Snortz Barbecue trailer found a new owner. Fat Kid Filly’s bought it as an addition to the growing business. Former owners Mitch and Amanda Runge also own Red Rock Bar & Grill near Rowena, and their menu includes the award-winning barbecue.

Squealer’s Smoke Shack

Squealer’s Smoke Shack in Tea is giving up the trailer that it started with in 2014. After growing into a restaurant, the trailer was being used fewer times every year for public and private events. The owners are in the process of selling it to someone from the Okoboji area.

Stone’s Famous Kettle Corn

Jeff and Tess Stone are “hoping for a whole lot better year than last year.” They’ve booked several events for the ninth year of Stone’s Famous Kettle Corn. The Stones make kettle corn in variety of flavors, including their signature product, Famous Fetti, which has blue raspberry, cherry, orange and green apple flavored popcorn. The truck also serves cotton candy and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Sioux Falls events include Riverfest, the 605 Made Night Market and the Downtown Block Party on Sept. 3. Find locations on Facebook. Kettle corn is available for graduations and corporate events, and organizations also can sell it as a fundraiser, Jeff Stone said. They’re also taking invitations from businesses to set up in parking lots, which can help draw attention to a store, Stone said.

Tacos de Gringo

Ken Leonard and his wife, Calain, took the windfall from selling their house in Arizona, moved to South Dakota with their two teen-age sons and started Tacos de Gringo in January. They’ve been operating part time but will go full time May 1. The menu features tacos and quesadillas with choices of barbacoa beef, carne asada, carnitas, pollo asado and shredded chicken. You’ll typically find hot dogs and nachos on the menu and other offerings include flautas, tostadas, tortas, elote and loaded baked potatoes. Events are posted on Facebook. Regular spots include Food Truck Alley in Brandon, the Brandon Farmers Market and Ace Hardware in Harrisburg. Wednesday morning breakfasts at Landscape Garden Center’s eventual new home on 271st Street south of Sioux Falls are open to the public. Tacos de Gringo is available for private events and catering. Cash tips go to nonprofit organizations.

New food truck features Southwest tacos, hot dogs

Taqueria Don Franco

The bright yellow trailer that was based in a parking lot on West 12th Street west of Interstate 29 is on the market. Carlos Franco started the business last year after buying the former Phan Food truck, but he and his family have moved to Minnesota.

Taqueria Juanita

Taqueria Juanita truck is back for its second year in the Food-N-Fuel parking lot at Ninth and Kiwanis. It features tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas with “the real flavor of Mexico” from owner Juana Silva Cortez’s native home in the state of Jalisco. New offerings this year include gorditas, huaraches and sopes, which start with a base of fried masa, or corn dough. Customers have four choices for meat: asada, which is steak; pastor, which is seasoned pork; cabeza, which is cheek meat; or chicken. On Saturdays, Cortez offers the popular birria tacos. It’s typically open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Updates to the schedule are posted on Facebook.

Taqueria Sanchez

The longtime Mexican food truck operates year-round from its base at 10th and Cliff. Customers can get their food to go or eat inside, where they can order fresh juice drinks. Owner Aurelio Sanchez started with one truck in 2009 and expanded to two. He still owns both but only uses one or the other. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, gringas and tortas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and it opens an hour earlier on Sundays, when Sanchez makes menudo. In the summer, it’s sometimes doesn’t close until 10 p.m. or later.

Taqueria Suyapa

Getting to Taqueria Suyapa in Tea this season will be a little trickier with road construction. The food truck is based in the parking lot of Auto-Net, 46923 271st St. Many of the recipes are from Honduras, the native home of owners Jairo and Suyapa Motino. The menu includes tacos, burritos, tostadas, tortas, carne asada and more. Steak sandwiches and chicken salad are back this year. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Any changes to the schedule are posted on Facebook.

Tasty Treats

The ice cream truck will be back traveling through neighborhoods once or twice a week now that the weather is warming up. Jeremy and Brandy Fink started the business last year because they wanted kids – and parents – to enjoy the magic of a traveling ice cream truck. They also take bookings for private events. Tasty Treats features packaged frozen teats – everything from popsicles and fudgsicles to push-ups and ice cream cookie sandwiches. Locations will be posted on Facebook a day or two in advance, Brandy Fink said.

The Tasty Trolley

The iconic 26-foot trolley is back on the market and might be headed to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tony Axtell operated the trolley last year in Hartford, but it ended up back in the possession of Tony and Kelli Ritter, who started with it in 2016.

Tropical Sno Sioux Falls

The Hawaiian shave ice trailer opens May 1 in the same location as last year: the parking lot at Suburban Lanes at 35th and Spring. The treats come in 25-plus flavors and three sizes, ranging in price from $5 for $7. There are special flavors every week, including some with ice cream. Dog owners can treat their pet to a cup of shaved ice for $1. Tropical Sno will be open Friday through Sunday through May and then open Tuesday through Sunday. Find hours and specials on Tropical Sno’s Facebook page. The business also has a stand for Sioux Falls Canaries games. The trailer is available for private events.

Uncle JJ’s and Papa Jimmy’s Neighborhood Grill

J.J. Otruba and James “Jimmy” Madsen bought one of Breaking Burrito’s food trucks last year and have added that to their original trailer. They’re booked for more events this year, including small-town festivals and concerts at Levitt at the Falls and Strawbale Winery. The first date in Sioux Falls is May 14 at WoodGrain Brewing Co. In addition to signature Philly cheesesteaks, the menu includes barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and the Q Dog, a jumbo hot dog topped with barbecue meat. New offerings this year will include a chicken bacon ranch Philly, wraps and quesadillas. Sides include cheesy hash browns, and mac and cheese. They’re willing to create custom menus for private events. Find locations on the Facebook page. 

Watecha Bowl

One year after starting as a food truck, Watecha Bowl has added a restaurant at 2305 W. Madison St., where owner Lawrence West serves Indian tacos and more daily. The truck will feature a more limited menu and will have a permanent spot starting May 1 in the parking lot at Gift & Thrift at 10th Street and Bahnson Avenue. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Find updates on Facebook. Owner Lawrence West said he’s planning to get a smaller catering vehicle to use for events at businesses and apartments that will operate more like an Indian taco stand on wheels. The traditional meaning of “watecha” is leftovers, and nowadays is used as slang for “food,” said West, who grew up in Sioux Falls and is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Native American restaurant opens with traditional ceremony

Windy City Bites

Chicago-style hot dogs are the star of the menu at Windy City Bites, which started in October last year. Owners DaShawn and Samantha Lewis said their menu is inspired by the restaurants they love to visit when they’re back in their hometown of Chicago, including Italian beef sandwiches. The Pizza Puff is Chicago’s version of a calzone, and Windy City stuffs it with sausage, cheese and tomato sauce. Desserts include banana pudding and Taffy Grapes, which are “sweet grapes, the sweetest I can find, melted almond bark with vanilla and honey-roasted nuts,” DaShawn Lewis said. On Sundays, the truck serves a special menu with soul food. It’s booked for concerts at Levitt at the Falls, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addition, Food Truck Alley in Brandon and evenings at breweries downtown. Catch locations on the Facebook page or its website. The truck also offers catering.

New food truck features Chicago-style hot dogs

Food truck events

Several businesses and organizations are organizing events, most of which will bring together several food trucks for lunch or dinner. These are open to the public. Here’s what we were able to find:

Food Truck Monday at Dells Auto: The dealership in Dell Rapids started inviting food trucks out for supper in the spring and plans to keep going through summer, weather permitting. Three trucks are there every week, serving from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. or the food runs out. Check the Facebook page to see who’s coming.

Tuesday Truck Day: Other food trucks join Watecha Bowl at its permanent spot at Gift & Thrift at 10th and Bahnson for lunch and dinner on Tuesdays.

Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction: The schedule has been increased to every week this year, running from May 11 through Sept. 14. The business at 57th and Marion Road hosts a half-dozen food trucks on a rotating basis from 5 to 9 p.m. There’s live music and a free bouncy house for kids. Golf Addiction sells beer, with Fernson Brewing Co. as the local brewery pick.

Food Truck Tuesdays at Dakota Pointe Apartments: The apartments at 1000 W. Venture Place near Costco invite a food truck to come each week from 5 to 8 p.m.

Bike Nights at Red Rock Bar & Grill: The bar near Rowena invites a food truck every Wednesday night from May 12 through Sept. 1. Food and live music are available from 6 to 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday Thunder: Critters Bar in Crooks invites a food truck out every Thursday from May 20 through Sept. 2. The events include fundraising for local charities. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Take your food inside the bar, which features a full liquor license, or sit on the patio.

Food Truck Alley: Several food trucks are in Brandon from 5 to 7 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. They set up in the parking lot of organizers Kingbird Coffee and Tally-Ho Art Gallery at 515 N. Splitrock Blvd. Seating is available inside the gallery.

Billion Toyota: The dealership on West 12th Street just west of the Big Sioux River invites a food truck out every Friday for lunch.

J&L Harley-Davidson: The motorcycle dealership on 60th Street North typically hosts a food truck every Friday and Saturday from lunch through dinner. Monthly Bike Nights also feature a couple of trucks and live music. Those run from 6 to 9 p.m. May 28, June 18, July 30, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10.

Fridays on the Plaza: Dakota News Now organizes the gathering of food trucks and live music at lunchtime on Fridays in summer outside the downtown studio along First Avenue at 12th Street. Plans are on hold for now because of the pandemic, but the hope is to start up later this summer.

Brandon Farmers Market: The market will host three to five food trucks every Saturday from May 1 through Oct. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it’s located at 515 N. Splitrock Blvd.

Levitt at the Falls: The free concerts at the outdoor venue at Falls Park West feature a few food trucks at each event. The first concert is June 11. For the schedule, visit levittsiouxfalls.org.

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank: The monthly event organized by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. features several food trucks and live music. The parties are on the first Friday of the month from June through September in the parking lot of 8th & Railroad Center.

Food Truck Wednesdays in Brandon: Brandon Lutheran Church typically hosts two events each year. The first is May 5, and the second one is in the fall. The community event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. The May lineup includes Berkes BBQ, The Big Orange Food Truck, Fat Kid Filly’s, Hunny & Bunny, Old Skool Jersey & Balls, Tacos de Gringo and Windy City Bites.

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Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2021 season

Food truck season is here, and we’ve compiled a list of what you can eat — everything from Chicago-style hot dogs and Indian tacos to Thai food and Bavarian schnitzel — and where you can find them.

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