April 21, 2022

Some are new, some are expanding, and some sadly won’t be returning for another season. We have updates from more than 75 area food trucks and will be updating this guide as long as the weather allows.

605 Barbecue Co.

The recipes of 605 Barbecue Co., which started last year, have been crafted over the years in competition and workshops. Zach Bauer, the younger half of the father-son duo of Holy Smokes Barbeque, started the food truck 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 starting in May, Bauer said. He also anticipates being at breweries in Sioux Falls and Hartford. “This year we have our new smoker, so we will be doing smoked ribs, along with our loaded pork or brisket mac-and-cheese, chopped chicken and pork sandwiches, Loaded Dorachos and smoked Spam burnt ends,” Bauer said. “We also have a few other new things we will try. Our signature items last year were our loaded pork mac-and-cheese and our corn bread cake pops; however, I think our ribs will be a hit this year.” For catering, 605 offers pulled pork, pork loin, chicken, brisket, ribs, sausage and ham, along with sides and desserts. Find locations on 605 Barbecue’s Facebook page. Follow it on Instagram at @605barbecue.

Backyard BBQ

The restaurant with locations in Sioux Falls and Brookings started running its first Backyard BBQ truck seven years ago, added a second one a few years later and “Q3” in July 2021. They’re all based in Sioux Falls but are available for catering and events across the region. The menu includes pulled pork, brisket and smoked chicken sandwiches, along with sides such as molasses baked beans, mac and cheese and coleslaw. The business is booked for Golf Addiction’s Food Truck Tuesdays, concerts at Levitt at the Falls, several small-town celebrations and fall events at Country Apple Orchard, said Eric Elenkiwich, whose father started the restaurant in Brookings and expanded to Sioux Falls in 2014.

BellaLuna Pizza

Gordon and Joan Williams have retired from the business they started in 2009 and are keeping their pizza oven that sits in the bed of a 1951 Chevy pickup for personal use. While they mostly took bookings for private events, they were a favorite at the Sioux River Folk Festival every August at Newton Hills State Park.

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 brisket and cheesy hash browns. His current schedule is Wednesdays at Builder’s Millwork & Window on East 10th Street, Thursdays at Tractor Supply Co. on North Cliff Avenue, the first and third Fridays of the month at YRC Freight at 2801 S. Kiwanis Ave. and the first and third Saturdays at the Brandon Farmers Market. Find updates on his Facebook page. Berke also bought a bus and plans to turn it into a food truck for his son and stepdaughter to run.

The Big Orange Truck

The colorful Big Orange Truck is entering its fifth season. Owner Dean Marshall said he plans to be a little more selective when taking bookings this year so he can get his work week down to 70 hours instead of 100-plus. Events this year include some of the Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and Levitt at the Falls concerts. Popular menu offerings include beef and lamb chislic, hot dog boats, “Almost Famous Fries,” garlic cheese curds and street tacos. He might add pierogies to the menu this year and serve buffalo chislic at some events. Marshall keeps his Facebook page updated.

Black Iron Waffles

Added April 29: Operating out of an upcycled two-horse trailer, the new Black Iron Waffles features a simple menu of not-so-simple waffles. Among the creative offerings are The Big Cheese, which is more like a grilled cheese with Havarti and cheddar melted in between waffles. The Black Iron Original is a green chile cheese cornbread waffle that’s served with warm honey and butter. All the Way is a chocolate waffle that tastes more like a cake and has vanilla cream on top with crumbled Oreo cookies. The Moxi tastes like lemon bread. Black Iron Waffles is the creation of Chris and Autumn Brockevelt and their daughters, Emery and Leighton, who suggested turning their dad’s restoration project into a food truck. They’re available for private and public events, and are on the schedule for five Levitt at the Falls concerts. They’ll also be at the Nyberg’s Ace classic car show July 23. Find locations on the trailer’s Facebook page. 

Family sells waffles from upcycled horse trailer

Boki

Borjan Jaksic has expanded his mobile eateries to include seven stands that mostly can be found at state and county fairs. Locally, Boki will be at Levitt at the Falls concerts, Brookings Arts Festival, Sioux Empire Fair and Downtown Riverfest. One of the new stands will specialize in sirloin tips with potatoes, mushrooms, peppers and a dinner roll. “The other one is going to be more like fair food: sirloin on a stick, pork chop on a stick, burgers, fresh-cut fries and lemonade,” Jaksic said. The original dessert stand serves gelato, shaved ice and bubble waffles. The street food operation serves paella, which is rice, chicken and vegetables simmered in a gigantic pan. Other foods such as gyros, hamburgers, hot dogs and cheese curds are offered occasionally. Boki Lemonade also serves fresh-cut fries. Limited dates are available for weddings and other catering, he said.

Bone Daddy’s Smokehouse

Owners Randy and Vanessa Ragatz have closed Bone Daddy’s Smokehouse, which started by serving barbecue out of bars in Harrisburg and Canton and scaled back to pop-up offerings out of an RV last summer.

Boss Dogg Kitchen

Mitchell-based Boss Dogg Kitchen plans to be in Sioux Falls a few times every month, including dates at Severance Brewing Co. and 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, in 2020. She’s thinking about adding soft pretzels this year. Find the schedule for Boss Dogg Kitchen on its Facebook page. 

Breaking Burrito

Carlos Salgado is adding a second truck this year. He’s planning to use one in Sioux Falls and the other in Harrisburg and Tea. Burritos, of course, are the star of the menu, along with tacos, quesadillas and nachos. Meat choices include ground beef, carne asada, pork and chicken. He also makes tortas, flautas and beef milanesa, a breaded cutlet. Every Friday for lunch, Breaking Burrito will be at Ace Hardware in Harrisburg. Other frequent spots include some of the Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids, Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and Levitt at the Falls concerts. He’s planning to be back at the Country Apple Orchard’s fall festivals. Find locations on Facebook. 

‘Brosia Bowl

Darcy Green, a plant-based chef from Sioux Falls, started her ‘Brosia Bowl prepared-meal service in Brookings and expanded late last summer to include a food truck. She made a few appearances in Sioux Falls with “The Green Machine,” and this year will be at the Falls Park Farmers Market every Saturday. Green also plans to be in town for several events. ‘Brosia Bowl also is available for private events. The meals are completely plant-based, with grains, protein from legumes, salad greens and “lots of fresh veggies.” The taco bowl – “that’s the bowl that started everything” — is her bestseller. Seasoned rice is topped with her taco mix of black beans, red kidney beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, onions and garlic, along with homemade pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and taco sauce. Find locations on Facebook.

New food truck features ‘refreshing spin’ with plant-based bowls

Buffalo Gal Concessions

After a busy second year, Buffalo Gal Concessions is planning to focus on bigger events this year such as soccer tournaments, Levitt at the Falls concerts, car shows and art festivals. The featured item on the menu is a buffalo burger. Other items include loose-meat buffalo sandwiches, taco salads with buffalo meat, brats and hot dogs. There’s a carnival flair to the offerings with corn dogs, pork chop on a stick, popcorn, nachos, caramel apple slices, lemonade, smoothies, slushes and snow cones. Find locations on Buffalo Gal’s Facebook page. 

Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet Mac & Cheese

Added June 7: Jessica Eck and her husband, Johnny Than, moved to Sioux Falls from Seattle to start Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet Mac & Cheese. They expect to begin operating sometime in June. The menu will feature a classic mac-and-cheese, and toppings will include birria, pulled pork and popcorn chicken. Cheezy Noodlez won’t have a permanent spot but will be found in parking lots across town and will be available for events, festivals and private gatherings, Eck said. Follow the couple’s progress toward opening and locations on the Cheezy Noodlez Facebook page.

New food truck to feature gourmet mac-and-cheese

Chubby’s

Chubby’s moved into Sioux Falls last year from Mitchell and expanded to two food trucks, but it’s back to one truck and one owner: co-founder Stephvon “Von” Bailey. He’s planning to do a “taco tour” this summer, spending time traveling to towns such as Vermillion, Yankton, Mitchell and Chamberlain. The truck also will be at several events in Sioux Falls, he said. Chubby’s specializes in birria street tacos, which are corn tortillas filled with shredded beef, grilled, topped with chopped onion and cilantro, and served with a consomme for dipping. The menu includes other tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and Mexican street corn. Find locations on Facebook.

Craig’s Shave Ice

Craig’s Shave Ice is headed into its 27th summer. Owners Craig and Kristen Swensen of Harrisburg keep busy with events and festivals in the area. The shave ice comes in 22 flavors, with four sizes. Blue raspberry and cotton candy are the favorite flavors. The menu also includes mini-doughnuts and all-beef hot dogs and occasionally fresh-squeezed lemonade. Find locations on Facebook.

 Curbside Delights

Curbside Delights made its return to the food truck scene last year in an eye-catching trolley. Owner Rich Stevenson has been in and out of the food truck business in Sioux Falls since 2015. This year, he’s adding online ordering to help with keeping the lines moving at bigger events. Curbside Delights isn’t limited to a specific cuisine, he said, but customer favorites include chicken strips, chef’s salad, taco in a bowl, tater tot nachos, and lamb chislic. The trolley will be at some of the Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dells Rapids, downtown’s Fridays on the Plaza, Levitt at the Falls concerts, a few small-town festivals and girls softball games at Dunham Park from August into October. He’s also looking for public places to set up for lunch and is available for private events. Find the full schedule and updates on his Facebook page.

Dakota Snow/Sub Zero Desserts

Dakota Snow won’t be based at Thunder Road Family Park this summer, so the two shaved ice trailers will be available for more events and private parties, said Jessica Rooney, who started the business with her husband, Matthew, in 2015. Sub Zero Desserts, which operates out of a modified shipping container at 501 E. 41st St., will open April 22. Sub Zero features shaved ice, rolled ice cream and other frozen treats. New this year: Dole Whips with weekly flavor changes and boba tea in three flavors: classic black tea or chai tea, both with brown sugar boba, or strawberry black tea with popping strawberry boba. Sub Zero’s hours will be 2 to 9 p.m. daily. Find updates on Facebook.

Dirty Birds

Added May 19: After starting a vegan diet four years ago, Taylor Lueth began playing with recipes. “I like taking comfort food and making it into the plant-based version and (having it) be as equally awesome,” she said. Lueth is taking those skills and planning to fill a need she sees in the market for a food truck that focuses on vegan offerings. She and her boyfriend, Ken Richter, are in the process of converting a 1972 Holiday Rambler camper and hope to have it operating in mid-June. The menu will include cashew-based mac-and-cheese offerings in a variety of flavors, Beyond chicken tenders and dishes using Soy Curls. “They soak up whatever flavor you give them; they pick up whatever taste you want,” Lueth said of the dehydrated soybean product. “They have a texture to them that’s sort of like chicken.” Follow Dirty Birds’ Facebook page for updates.

New food truck to focus on vegan options

FadeAways

This traveling food stand that specializes in smoked meat sandwiches is expanding its presence this year. Anthony Withers started selling his original FadeAways sandwiches midway through last year’s food truck season, appearing at bars and breweries, and catering private events. This year, he’s planning to be out more, building the business toward a full-time career. One of his signature offerings, the Joker Taco, uses the nickname of his aunt Jackie Joyner-Kersee – yes, the Olympic medal track and field athlete – that she had growing up. It’s smoked pulled pork on a grilled tortilla that’s topped with spicy coleslaw and barbecue sauce. Other sandwiches feature slow-cooked chicken or roast beef. To start the season, Withers plans to be at Love That Look hair salon in Brandon every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most Saturdays, he’ll be at the new 5 Star Cutz near 49th Street and Western Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. He has other dates set at businesses, bars and breweries, and is taking bookings for public and private events. FadeAways keeps an updated schedule on its Facebook page.

Food stand features smoked meat sandwiches, including ‘Joker Taco’ with celebrity connection

Family Treats Homemade Ice Cream

The ice cream business travels to events and private parties in the area with its trailer and also has contracts for events at the Denny Sanford Premier Center and baseball games at the Sioux Falls Canaries Stadium. Family Treats also has two umbrella carts with freezers that people can rent for gatherings. They can either have full service or scoop the Family Treats ice cream themselves. Family Treats offers seven standard flavors – cookie dough remains the top seller — 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, including Cookie Monster this spring. Find posts about public events on Facebook.

Fat Kid Filly’s

After Fat Kid Filly’s sold its original truck and the second one it added last year, the business will be operating out of an old school bus this season. Owner Cody Sauers said he’s planning to focus on larger events such as community festivals and fairs because the business is planning to open a restaurant in Sioux Falls. It’s also busy with contracts at event venues such as the Denny Sanford Premier Center and Huset’s Speedway. The food truck menu features Sauers’ spin on a Philly cheesesteak in addition to brisket, ham and pork options. Follow the school bus conversion project on Facebook.

Fish & Chips

The food truck based in Pipestone, Minnesota, made a few appearances in Brandon last year, but owner Ericka Jackson has moved to South Carolina and is finding new customers in the Aiken area.

La Fondita

La Fondita will be based in Tea this season. Owner Maria Magana said her “Little Restaurant” trailer will be parked at 120 E. First St., beginning April 20. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Everything on her menu is homemade, she said, and features the distinctive flavors of where she grew up in the Mexican state of Michoacan. 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.” Find updates on La Fondita’s Facebook page. 

Food Mama

Joe and Yvonne Garcia started their “Tejano style with a little Cali twist” food truck in 2019 but moved to Wisconsin last fall. They returned to Sioux Falls for a few months this winter and plan to go back home, but if they end up staying here, they’ll likely bring the food truck back out, Garcia said. Find updates on their Facebook page.

Fred’s Franks

The hot dog stand will be back in Brandon this season in the same location: the parking lot in front of Kingbird Coffee Shop at 509 N. Splitrock Blvd. Donna Cutrer said her 10-year-old son, Tyler, will be helping her this summer since husband Mike Blewett has another job. Fred’s Franks might open the first week in May and will be open for lunch weekdays with an occasional pop-up on the weekend, she said. The Chicago dog is the bestseller, and the New York dog will be back. Look for new creations this year: “I’m going to play around with some of the ingredients to liven it up a bit,” Cutrer said. Bratwursts will be featured again on Wednesdays. Find updates on Fred’s Franks’ Facebook page. 

Front Porch Concessions

Front Porch Concessions expanded to two trucks last season but has scaled back to one for this year. “I was ready to slow down,” said Marilyn Konda, who owns the business with her husband, Steve. Their son and daughter-in-law ran the second trailer last year, and the four of them will work on the newest truck this year. “We built it big and beautiful, and it takes extra hands,” she said. They sold the original truck to Sheep Flockers. Front Porch’s calendar is full nearly every weekend, so they aren’t taking bookings for private events. Events include the Renaissance Festival, Teapot Days in Tea, Quarry Days in Dell Rapids and the Sioux Empire Fair. Front Porch’s signature item 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. This year, they’re adding pork nachos with mango salsa and a pork bowl with shredded pork, baked beans and coleslaw. Also new: boba lemonade. Find locations on Front Porch’s Facebook page.

The Hangover Hut

This newcomer to the food truck scene operated by a father and son will feature burgers, hot dogs, lamb chislic, fries and chili cheese fries. Darin Benning has a full-time job, and Ryan is wrapping up his freshman year at Washington High School, so they’ll mostly be out on the weekends at festivals, they said. The Hangover Hut also will be available for private events. They bought the original Chubby’s truck but gave it a new look with a bright blue wrap.

Father-son team starts food truck featuring ‘hangover’ cures

Harry’s Yellow Submarine

The bright yellow truck returns for its ninth year. Owner Calvin “Harry” Schlisner said he spent some of his time wintering in Nevada working on a new sandwich: a Chicago-style Italian beef. Also new this year will be mac-and-cheese balls. Marinated lamb chislic is a star 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, which changes depending on the event, also features smoked meat sandwiches, hamburgers, jumbo hot dogs, chicken strips and cheese curds. The truck will be at some of the Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction, Red Rock Bike Nights in Rowena and the Thursday night Canton Open Air Markets. The truck also is booked for events in Sioux Falls and festivals in the region and is available for private gatherings. Find locations on Facebook.

The Homestead Terroir Kitchen

Le Cordon Bleu-trained Lee Anderson, co-owner of rural brewery A Homestead Brew, is starting a food truck this year that “probably will live 90 percent of its life on the farm.” Over the years, the brewery east of Sioux Falls has invited other food trucks out to its taproom, but Anderson is getting ready to start The Homestead Terroir Kitchen in early June. He envisions a menu of three to four items – all farm to table. Look for everything from stuffed squash blossoms and smoked chickens to ramen and double cheeseburgers with a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crust. The schedule hasn’t been set yet, but the food truck likely will most often serve on Friday nights and Saturdays from midafternoon in the evening. The Homestead Terroir Kitchen also will be available for everything from weddings to corporate events, Anderson said. Find updates on Homestead Brew’s Facebook page. 

Hungry Dog

The Mitchell restaurant with a national reputation for its hot dogs made a few appearances in Sioux Falls last summer with its hot dog cart and will be returning this year in a full-size trailer. The menu will continue to feature hot dogs and will add other items from the restaurant such as hamburgers, with about a half-dozen options per outing, said Brian Muntefering, who owns the business with his son Jordan. Other offerings likely will include onion rings, jalapeno poppers and Dimock cheeseballs. Muntefering said he’s planning to be back at Common Sense and Hillbilly’s Repurpose Project Center, and the trailer will be at events in towns such as Michell, Yankton and Parkston. It’s also available for private events. The Munteferings will keep the hot dog cart for easy pop-up events . Find updates on Hungry Dog’s Facebook page.

Hunny & Bunny

The Mediterranean food truck upgraded to a new vehicle this year and is getting ready for its seventh season. 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, and it’s available for private events. Owner Melissa Gonzalez keeps Hunny & Bunny’s Facebook page updated with locations. Hunny & Bunny serves steak and chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, and has vegetarian and gluten-free and vegan options.

Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque

Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque has found its niche in catering and probably won’t be doing festivals this year, said Garrett Gross, who started the business with childhood friends Mark Hauser and Nick Verzani in 2018. The menu features ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pork wings, bacon steaks, barbecue spaghetti and smoked meatloaf. Jekyll & Hyde also offers a fundraising option for groups. Find information at jhbbq.com.

Kahl’s Kettle Korn

Bonnie and David Kahl fill their summer making kettle corn and selling it at small-town events across the region, including Teapot Days in Tea. They’ll also be at the fall events for Country Apple Orchard near Harrisburg. They also take bookings for private events, either popping on-site or delivering it bagged. Find locations on their Facebook page.

Kane’s Baked Goods & Cafe

Added April 28. Cinnamon rolls, biscuits-and-gravy egg bakes and breakfast pizzas are coming to a busy downtown intersection. Kane’s Baked Goods & Cafe will operate from a trailer in a parking lot on 10th Street east of Minnesota Avenue, beginning April 30. Owner Chelsea Alexander, who started with an in-home bakery, said she’ll start with a breakfast menu and her baked goods and expand to lunch. Other items on that menu will include a breakfast sandwich with a twist: she’ll put egg, bacon and cheese between slices of a cinnamon roll. Her loaded breakfast potatoes feature homemade gravy, bacon, cheese, an over-easy egg and pico de gallo. The baked goods are made from scratch, including the dough for the pizza. The parking lot, which is between the CenturyLink building and the new dental office on the corner, has plenty of room for cars and will be set up with a few tables that customers can use, Alexander said. She’s hoping to be open by 7 a.m. on weekdays and serve until noon. Weekend hours will be 8 to 11 a.m. “Once we add lunch, then I want to extend my hours to about 2.” That menu will include salads and wraps, “nice fresh options using local produce,” Alexander said. Kane’s also is available for public and private events. Find updates on locations on its Facebook page.

New food truck featuring breakfast coming to downtown

KK & Sons Lao & Thai Food

KK & Sons Lao & Thai Food hopes to open for the season in mid- to late May after a few updates to the trailer are completed. It’s based in the Mekong Market parking lot 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. Somphong Senephan said they might add a few new menu items this year. KK & Sons typically opens at noon Tuesday through Saturday and goes until 5 p.m., closing earlier if the food sells out. Find updates on KK & Sons’ Facebook page. 

Kota Cafe

The food truck that started last year expanded into a brick-and-mortar location this winter, taking over the lunch cafe in the City Center at Dakota and Seventh. Owner Renee Standish plans to keep the food truck going but possibly just nights and weekends depending on whether she can hire additional help. The food truck menu features sliders, hot dogs, popcorn chicken that’s hand-battered and fried, and chicken bites that are marinated and grilled. Diners can get a salad with chicken and homemade ranch dressing. Standish also makes hand-cut and hand-battered fries, pickles and jalapenos. Find updates on Facebook and Instagram — @kotacafesf.

Krazy Concessions

Owner Willy Mateo is recovering from surgery but hopes to start his sixth season in June. He’s working on the schedule now but plans to be at YRC Freight at 2801 S. Kiwanis Ave. frequently. The menu for Krazy Concessions features Guatemalan tacos, burritos and quesadillas.  Last year’s addition, the Triple B Big Beer Cheese Burrito, was a big hit and will be back this year, Mateo said. He hopes to add an adobo chicken option this year and wants to create a catering menu.  Get updates on Krazy’s Facebook page.

The Leaf Grill & Wokery

This favorite at Levitt at the Falls concerts plans to be back this year, “and we’re also looking for other opportunities to feed you folks up north,” co-owner Terri Johnk said. The Iowa-based Leaf Grill & Wokery features healthy wok-style cooking. “Everything is chopped fresh and cooked to order,” she 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. For private events, The Leaf also offers a stand-alone unit that provides entertainment as guests watch their food being cooked over an open flame. Find locations on the Facebook page.

Let Me Be Frank

This tiny addition to the food truck scene made its debut April 1. Comet Kamalo Buum said he “escaped corporate life” to follow his dream. The hot dog cart is built on a small trailer with wheels, so Buum can tow it with his Subaru Outback. The trailer can be unhooked and pushed by hand into spaces where a vehicle wouldn’t fit, so it’s going to be very convenient for a variety of events, he said. Let Me Be Frank’s menu features quarter-pound, all-beef hot dogs that are regionally sourced, Buum said. They come on a steamed bun, which is “a game changer.” There’s a classic dog with ketchup, mustard and relish; a chili dog with all-beef chili and shredded cheese; and a Chicago dog with seven traditional toppings. Buum plans to be out frequently for lunch and late nights on the weekend. “Initially, you’ll see me a lot on 41st Street or Western Avenue. … Late nights, I’ll be directly across from Wileys on weekends,” he said. He’s taking bookings for public and private events and wants to partner with businesses to set up in parking lots for lunch. Find contact info and daily locations on Let Me Be Frank’s Facebook page.

Hot dog cart joins local food truck scene

The Lunch Box

This longtime food truck might be getting back to its regular rotation of serving hungry office workers now that they’re finally being called back from their pandemic-forced work-from-home status. On Wednesdays, it’s at YRC Freight at 2801 S. Kiwanis Ave. Otherwise, you’ll find it at some of the Levitt at the Falls concerts. The Lunch Box also provides concessions at Sioux Valley Cycle Club races. The menu includes favorites such as buffalo chicken, banh mi and chicken bacon ranch wraps, Indian tacos, burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. There’s always a dessert offering too: cheesecake, salted caramel brownies or creme brule. Owner Glen Drew posts locations on The Lunch Box’s Facebook page.

Ma and Pa’s Burger

Owners Becky and Robert Kurtenbach sold the food truck this spring, and it’s staying in the area. It’s now Pa & Sons, which plans to make its debut at the end of April. The Kurtenbachs started Ma and Pa’s Burger in 2019, serving “everyday comfort food.”

Maple Drip

Lennox-based Maple Drip features house-roasted coffee drinks and made-from-scratch breakfast options. It’s owned by brothers Jarren and Devin Saxon, and the trailer sits in a parking lot at Sixth and Main, just south of downtown. Maple Drip roasts Costa Rican beans and serves hot and cold coffee drinks, including cappuccino, latte, espresso and Americano. For food, there are caramel rolls, egg bake burritos and sandwiches, and biscuits and gravy. Maple Drip is closed Mondays but otherwise is open from early morning to early afternoon. Get updates on its Facebook page.

Brothers bring family-roasted coffee, breakfast specialty to Lennox

 Marc O’ Festival Foods

The longtime operator of a concessions trailer has added a food truck that specializes in carnival foods like walking tacos and corn dogs. Mark Moore of Marc O’s Festival Foods did 22 events last year with the bright red truck beginning in July and already has started this season. He expects one of his weekly lunch spots to be in the parking lot of Builder’s Millwork & Window at 2310 E. 10th St., and there will be several appearances at events in the Sioux Falls area. The menu often features Philly sandwiches, Indian tacos, walking tacos, super nachos, footlong corn dogs, cheese curds and his Taco Blizzard, which is a taco in a cup. Moore and his wife, Jane, started their concessions trailer over two decades ago. Moore keeps Marc O’s Facebook page updated with locations, and there’s also contact info there to book the truck for public or private events.

Newer food truck caters to carnival food cravings

The Meat Wagon

The Meat Wagon will be back in Sioux Falls this year for Hot Summer Nites and the Sioux Empire Fair. Pat and Melissa Minihan have been running the business for a decade. They’re booked for other festivals such as Riverboat Days in Yankton and continue to cater for private events. The Meat Wagon serves St. Louis and baby back ribs, shredded brisket, pulled pork, sliced pork loin, hot dogs, hamburgers and more. Find contact info on its Facebook page. 

The Midway Cafe

Rose Zeig of Hartford spends her summers traveling mostly in the Midwest with Merriam’s Midway Shows and her two food stands. She’ll set them up in Hartford for a few weeks before she hits the road, just like she did last year. Two years ago, she spent the entire summer working in town after so many events were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she sees the kickoff to the season as a way to thank her hometown for that support. One of her stands features corn dogs, funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Zeig added the second stand last year and started out selling popcorn but said she discovered it wasn’t that lucrative and switched to mini-doughnuts. It also serves shaved ice and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Opening day in Hartford is noon April 21, and the main stand will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The mini-doughnut stand will open at 3 p.m. Fridays and will follow regular hours on the weekends. Find her pop-up carnival food court on Western Avenue between First and Second Streets through May 15. After that, her closest events are Czech Days in Tabor, the Noble County Fair in Worthington, Minnesota, and the Lyon County Fair in Marshall, Minnesota.

Monica’s Menu

The food at Monica’s Menu features the flavors of the cultures of three friends. Monica Castello is Puerto Rican, husband Bob Berg is American and their friend Laura Espinoza is Mexican. “Laura makes her Mexican food, and my husband makes goulash, hamburgers and all the American food, and I make all the food from Puerto Rico. It’s a perfect combination,” Castello said in an interview last year. She started the truck in June 2021, and Espinoza is now a co-owner. The Mexican items on the menu range from burritos and tacos to taquitos. Castello’s Puerto Rican dishes include options such as fried pork, roasted pork and arroz con gandules, or seasoned rice with fried pork. Her signature dish, also called Monica’s Menu, includes all of that along with fried plantains and macaroni salad. Typically, they’re out for lunch at Gage Brothers Concrete Products on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Five Star Call Center on Wednesdays and the Vern Eide dealership at Arrowhead and Sycamore on Fridays. Occasionally, they’re out at night at one of the breweries downtown. Monica’s Menu is booked for more events this year and also is available for catering. Find locations on the truck’s Facebook page.

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 2014. 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 even frozen treats for dogs. Some treats are dairy-free, gluten-free or tree nut-free.

Murph’s Burgers & Fries

Murphy Lundie returned to South Dakota last year to start a food truck after spending several years managing one in Portland, Oregon. He gathered a faithful following, impressing customers with his signature Famous Murph Burger: a one-third-pound patty with house sauce, Swiss and American cheeses, lettuce, onion and bacon jam. Murph’s spent part of the winter taking over the kitchen at Fernson Downtown and moved into its own restaurant in March at 5312 E. Arrowhead Parkway. Lundie plans to use the restaurant as his prep space for the food truck, which is booked for several public and private events this summer. If he can hire enough help, he envisions parking it somewhere on the west side of the city over the lunch hour on weekdays. Find locations on Murph’s Facebook page. 

My Place Mobile Cafe

Maxine Montreal, who started My Place Mobile Cafe in 2014, opened a restaurant this winter in Montrose. My Place Montrose is in the small town’s historic bank building. Montreal plans to continue operating “Wilbur” the food truck, mostly doing auctions and booking a few other events. The menu always features 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

It’s another year of heart-breaking news for fans of Nick’s Hamburger Shop: You won’t see the trailer out this year. “We can’t make promises that we can’t keep,” said Todd Fergen, owner of the legendary Brookings restaurant. “It’s staffing issues and other hurdles.” For several years, Nick’s made appearances in Sioux Falls, drawing long lines every time.

Old Skool Jersey Rippers & Balls

The menu of Old Skool Jersey Rippers & Balls is a tribute to the northern New Jersey roots of Francisco Gajardo, who’s now the sole owner of the truck he started with his father-in-law in 2020. 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. Gajardo is developing a spicy version this year. He started selling take-and-bake meals over the winter and might have them on the truck this summer at smaller events. Old Skool likely will be at some of the signature events in Sioux Falls this year and frequently gets invited to park outside downtown breweries. It’s a regular at Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids and will be at the farmers markets in Brandon, Canton and Hartford. It’s available for private bookings. Old Skool keeps its Facebook page updated with locations.

Ollies

The big red food truck from the owners of Backyard BBQ is headed into its fourth 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 on the schedule five times for Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction.

Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn

Owners Jay and Marie MacDonald are in their sixth year of business. Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn started off the season with several indoor events this spring and will be back on the road this summer, serving fresh-popped kettle corn from the farm-themed trailer at festivals in several states. Closer to home, it’s booked for Hartford Jamboree Days in June and the Sidewalk Arts Festival in September. Find locations on the Facebook page. The MacDonalds pop fresh kettle corn for all events at the Premier Center and Canaries games at Sioux Falls Stadium. 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 15 states. This year, it’s planning to add two trucks and cover part of Texas. One of the 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.

Pa & Sons

This new food truck is the former Ma & Pa’s Burger. It’s owned by Brian Rieger and his sons, Nate and David. All three love to cook and are always having contests to see who can smoke the best meat or come up with the best recipe, said Randi Moore, David’s fiancee. They plan to open with a menu similar to Ma & Pa’s with burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs and fries, and then start to make it their own once they’re comfortable, Moore said. All three have full-time jobs, so they’ll start with weekend events, brewery outings and a few weekday lunches. Pa & Sons plans to make its debut at the end of April at the giant Kingswood Rummage Sale on the west side of Sioux Falls. Nate is in the Army Reserves, and David served in the Army, so they’re planning to offer a 10 percent discount for military and first responders, Moore said. Find locations on the truck’s Facebook page.

Father, sons take over food truck, plan to add specialty burgers

Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza

Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza started as a food truck in 2016,  expanded into a restaurant in 2019 and moved into a larger location this winter in downtown Sioux Falls. Owners Lisa Esser and Steve Blumke plan to keep operating the trailer, mostly using it to cater private events. Esser updates a calendar on Papa Woody’s website, so potential customers know which dates are open.

Raclette Corner

Fans of raclette, a traditional Swiss Alp dish of cheese melted and spread over prosciutto, boiled potatoes, bread and cornichons, will have to start making it themselves. Owner Sonja Hoffmann said she’s so busy selling the equipment and cheese to make raclette that she’s not planning to book any public or private events this year. She started her online business in 2002, which has customers nationwide, and expanded to a tent-based food stand in 2018, making her debut at German Fest.

Rainy Day Coffee Co.

This coffee truck based in the ghost town of Moe southwest of Newton Hills State Park got its start last year. Owner Shania Rozeboom said her husband, Seth, found the old ice cream truck on Facebook Marketplace and surprised her with it. They spent five months rebuilding it and got “Lucille” on the road in June, going to several small-town festivals and the farmers market in Beresford. Rainy Day also was at the Downtown Riverfest in Sioux Falls in August. Rozeboom roasts the beans for her drinks, which include hot and cold offerings, and she added an espresso machine this year. Rainy Day also serves tea. She offers her packaged beans in eight roasts from light to dark with clever names like Workin’ Man, Apron Strings and 2 AM Diner. Rainy Day is available for public and private events. Find locations on Facebook.

Redders

Owners Jeremy and Jenn Holien sold their truck in August 2021 and moved to north-central South Dakota to expand Jeremy’s other business, Deadeye Custom Weapons. They started Redders, which specialized in fried grilled cheese sandwiches, in 2020. The truck went to a buyer in Wagner.

Rosis Tacos

The food truck parked outside La Carreta Bar at 2309 W. Madison St. is expected to be open in the first week of June. Juan Nuno, who’s originally from Jalisco in Mexico, owns both businesses. In addition to tacos, the truck serves burritos, quesadillas and tortas. Meat choices include birria, asada, pork adobada and chorizo. Hours likely will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, he said.

Rudy’s Tex-Mexican Taco Bus

Rudy Navarrete will be back on the road this summer with his Taco Bus that he bought last year. Since closing his restaurant in 2020, he has kept busy operating as a pop-up restaurant, with regular dates at Severance Brewing Co., the VFW in Brandon and several cities in northwest Iowa. The menu for the food truck includes his signature Rudy Special, which is two crisp flour shells filled with ground beef or chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese and onion and then topped with more sauce and cheese, and lettuce, tomato and sour cream. He also sells hard and soft shell tacos, smothered burritos and taco salads. He’s taking bookings for public and private events. Find locations on the Facebook page for Rudy M. Navarrete’s Tex-Mexican Catering.

Sabores 502

The Guatemalan-style street food offerings of Sabores 502 are back for the fourth year but with a larger new truck, said Nasly Paredes, who owns the business with her husband, Erick.  She hopes to have it ready to go by the end of April. New menu items will include fried chicken and fries. Paredes also plans to offer special dishes that will change every week or month. Customers still will find their favorites, including 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. To start the season, the truck is 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. Find location updates on the Sabores 502 Facebook page. The couple still owns the original truck and has a plan for it but hasn’t decided yet if they’ll upgrade it to meet the new fire codes. If not, they’ll sell it Paredes said.

Salas Salsas

Update: The truck makes its debut June 25. See the story below. The mother-daughter team that started selling their salsas and tamales in 2020 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 May. They know they’ll be at the farmers market twice a month, starting with May 14, but “beyond that, we’re leaving it open right now.” Once the food truck is running, they’ll take bookings for public and private events and will do some pop-ups. Follow Salas Salsas on Facebook for updates. They envision serving tamales and empanadas but also branching out from Mexican food. “We’re going to strive for fresh, quality and authenticity in everything we do.”

Salas Salsas food truck to make debut this weekend

Schroeder’s Snak Shak

Alan and Eva Schroeder, who farm near Mitchell, have been operating their business for 18 years. They started with a tent, grew into a trailer and last year added a second trailer. They make a few appearances in the Sioux Falls area every year. Schroeder’s signature item is lamb chislic, and this year it added a ground lamb burger. It’s also known for its hamburgers and tender steak bites because all its meat is locally sourced, Eva Schroeder said. Fried offerings include corn dogs that are hand-dipped to order, pickles, Oreos and funnel cakes. Some of the area events include May 21 at 605 Antiques, May 27 at Valkyrie and The Beast in Tea and June 24-26 at Quarry Days in Dell Rapids. Big events this year are the Corn Palace Festival and South Dakota State Fair. While they’re mostly booked full for June through August, “we sometimes can squeeze in what we can,” Schroeder said. Find locations on Facebook. 

Scotty D’s BBQ

Huron-based Scotty D’s BBQ will be in the Sioux Falls area May 27 at J&L Harley-Davidson. Owner Scott Deschepper said he’ll be in Huron, Mitchell, Yankton and Pierre quite a bit this summer. 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. Last year, he added a family pack with a pound of meat, buns and a couple of salads at a discounted price. Deschepper said he’s booked for at least seven weddings this year and is available for catering at all types of gatherings. Find locations on the Scotty D’s Facebook page. 

SDSU Ice Cream Truck

With two trucks and a trailer, the SDSU Ice Cream Truck can be found at lots of events in the Sioux Falls area. The trucks are getting a new look this year, owner Marke Promes said. He’s also hired someone for marketing and expects to have more locations posted on Facebook 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. At some of the smaller events, customers can find special treats such as peanut parfaits and brownie sundaes. New pumpkin spice coffee blenders and shakes were a big hit last year, Promes said.

Sheep Flockers

Kyle Sturzenbecher and his mom, Judy, raise sheep on their farm near Parker and started selling chislic at events in 2019. Sheep Flockers’ seasoned and grilled chislic is a two-time winner at the South Dakota Chislic Festival, which is held in Freeman. They bought one of Front Porch Concessions’ two trailers and are adding that to their lineup this year. In addition to chislic that’s available by the half-pound or pound, they sell hamburgers and hot dogs, barbecues and walking tacos. This year, they plan to do more events in Sioux Falls, including the Sioux Empire Fair. Find locations on the Sheep Flockers Facebook page. It’s available for public and private events. Update: Check out the story below published June 10 for updated locations. 

Award-winning chislic stand expands this season

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 on a trailer. Most of their business is private events, but they’ll be at the farmers market every Saturday with a breakfast pizza and one or two specialty options. Customers also can order take-and-bake pizzas. They’ll also be at a couple of the Thursday night farmers markets in Hartford this summer. Find the weekly toppings on their Facebook page. 

The Sloppy Weiner

The Sloppy Weiner got its start last year in mid-September, but the food truck was totaled less than two months later in a hit-and-run accident. Owners Bryan and Shannon Krueger are planning to buy another truck and hope to be back out by midsummer. 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.

Stone’s Famous Kettle Corn

Jeff and Tess Stone are anticipating a “fantastic year” for the 10th anniversary of Stone’s Farmous Kettle Corn. They’re booked for many of the same events as last year, Jeff Stone said. They sell kettle corn in a 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. Last year, the Stones added popping boba in a variety of flavors as an option for the lemonade, and that will be back this year. Stone describes them as  little balls of fruit juice that dissolve in your mouth and offer a hit of flavor. Find locations on Facebook. Kettle corn is available for graduations and corporate events, and organizations also can sell it as a fundraiser.

Tacos de Gringo

Moving into the second year, Tacos de Gringo is already out for the season. The menu from Ken Leonard, who owns the truck with his wife, Calain, features tacos, burritos and nachos. Wet versions of the burritos are topped with Leonard’s homemade red or tomatillo sauces. Meat options this year will include wagyu beef, smoked brisket, pork belly, chicken and Mexican white shrimp. Events are posted on Facebook, and Tacos de Gringo also offers a texting service with locations. Regular spots include the farmers markets in Brandon and Canton, some of the Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction, WoodGrain Brewing Co., The Social, J&L Harley-Davidson and PleasureLand RV Center. Tacos de Gringo is available for private events and catering. First responders, anyone who works in a health care setting and veterans get a 50 percent discount.

Taqueria el Tarasco

This food truck based in Pipestone, Minnesota, can be found every other week at Food Truck Mondays at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids. It serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas. Meat choices include asada, chicken, al pastor, carnitas, chorizo and lengua, or beef tongue, said Homero Hernandez who owns the truck with his wife, Maria Zepeda. This year, they’re adding walking tacos and nachos. Tarasco is the part of central Mexico where Hernandez grew up. On the other Mondays, they’re typically in Flandreau. Other days of the week, Taqueria el Tarasco can be found in southwest Minnesota towns: Tuesday in Slayton, Wednesday in Luverne, Thursday in Edgerton and Friday in Pipestone. They’re busy on the weekends with events, festivals and private parties. Find locations on Facebook.

Taqueria Juanita

Juana Silva Cortez has a new trailer and a new home base this year for Taqueria Juanita. The truck, which had been located at Ninth and Kiwanis for two years, will be in the Signarama parking lot at 1705 W. 12th St. Cortez said the new trailer will be easier to move, so she’s hoping to be downtown sometimes. The tentative start date is April 27, and it will be open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and lunch only on Sunday. Her popular quesabirria tacos will be available this year on corn or flour tortillas. Taqueria Juanita also is known for its carnitas and al pastor tacos, which involve cooking the pork on a vertical rotisserie. Find updates 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, including popular mango smoothies, and have ice cream for dessert. 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. Meat choices include steak, chicken, pork, chorizo and lengua, or beef tongue. 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 sometimes doesn’t close until 10 p.m. or later.

Taqueria Suyapa

Updated May 2: Getting to Taqueria Suyapa in Tea this season will be easier now that road construction is done on that side of the street. The food truck is based in the parking lot of Auto-Net, 46923 271st St., and there are tables in the shade. 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. Opening day is May 3, and hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Any changes to the schedule are posted on Facebook.

A Taste of New Orleans

Added June 24. Felichia Cottrell left her home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, returned for a short time and moved to South Dakota five years ago. She started catering a couple of years ago and expanded in June to a food truck, operating out of the original Windy City Bites trailer at 10th and Bahnson. The recipes have been handed down through eight generations, she said. Customers will find jambalaya, which is “one of our signature dishes that people just love,” said Cottrell’s manager and longtime best friend, Kichwa Johnson. Other staples are  catfish po’ boy and a Cajun po’ boy with a beef patty. “There’s a lot of other stuff I want to introduce to South Dakota and Sioux Falls,” Cottrell said. The menu will expand as her customer base does, she said. Cottrell continues to work as a personal chef, and A Taste of New Orleans is available for private and public events. The main hours for the food truck are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and are updated as they change on A Taste of New Orleans’ Facebook page.

New food truck features flavors of New Orleans

Tasty Treats

The ice cream truck should be out in more neighborhoods this summer, said Brandy Fink, who owns the business with her husband, Jeremy. They started Tasty Treats in 2020 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, Fink said.

Thai Dakota

Updated May 23. This new addition featuring dishes from Meg Brauer’s native home in Thailand makes its debut May 26. Brauer and her husband, Jake, found the truck in Oregon and drove it home earlier this year. “It will be stir-fry noodle, and all of my menu will be chicken,” said Brauer, whose family operates a food cart in Thailand. “I grew up with it. When I got off from school, I would help my aunt and my mom.” She plans to make dishes such as green curry and panang, which is a red curry. There will be Thai fried rice and pineapple fried rice. For drinks, she’ll serve Thai tea and green iced tea, both with or without boba, and Thai iced coffee. Thai Dakota will be at the Harrisburg Ace Hardware every Thursday, serving either lunch or dinner as Brauer determines which is the best for customers. On Fridays, she’ll be at the Dollar Fresh in Tea from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday’s regular spot might be lunch at the Dollar Fresh in Harrisburg, but that won’t start until June 8. Brauer also is planning to do special events. Find updates on their Facebook page.

New food truck to feature Thailand native’s home cooking

Tropical Sno Sioux Falls

Rotating flavors will be the draw this summer at the Hawaiian shaved ice trailer that’s based in the parking lot of Suburban Lanes at 35th and Spring. Leah Orlog, who manages the trailer for her mom, Shiloh, wanted to give it a “Crumbl Cookies” twist. Twelve of the 25-plus flavors will be available every week. Five favorites will always be there, and the other seven will switch out every week, Orlog said. The treats, some of which include ice cream, come in three sizes. Dog owners can treat their pet to a cup of shaved ice for $1. Tropical Sno won’t open until Memorial Day weekend this year, and hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Find 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

The food truck and trailer are for sale, but if buyers aren’t found, they’ll likely be back out a few times this season, said James “Jimmy” Madsen, who started the business in 2019 with J.J. Otruba. 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. Find updates on the Facebook page. 

Watecha Bowl

Native American restaurant Watecha Bowl will have a food truck out this season, mostly for bigger events locally and on the powwow circuit in the region. Lawrence West and his wife, Sophie, now own the former Fat Kid Filly’s trailer. The menu will be simple: Indian tacos, the Watecha Burger and other fry bread sandwiches. Its first outings are this week in Flandreau, and it will be at the 605 Summer Classic and Sioux Empire Fair. West plans to remove the smoker from the back of the trailer and turn that area into seating. He has been perfecting his skills with the smoker over the winter, making buffalo ribs to serve in the restaurant at 2305 W. Madison St. The Wests sold their original trailer last year, but it ended up back in their possession. He’s working on a new concept and doesn’t expect to have it ready until next year. Find updates on the Watecha Bowl Facebook page.

Windy City Bites

Get ready for two Windy City Bites food trucks later this summer. The new truck likely will be out in early May, and then the original RV will head into the shop to bring it up to the new code for fire suppression. The new truck has a fryer, so it will have the same menu as the original — signature items are the Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich — with the addition of chicken wings, shrimp and catfish. Owners DaShawn and Samantha Lewis, who are Chicago natives, have a home base this year in a parking lot at 10th and Bahnson, with hours of 1 to 7 p.m. most days. They’re typically at Covert Artisan Ales & Cellars on Tuesday nights and The Social on Thursday nights. Windy City’s popular Soul Food Sundays likely will be offered every other week, they said. Catch locations on the Facebook page or its website. Windy City Bites also offers catering.