**UPDATED: March 2022
Pandemic Food Truck Adventures
In 2020 when the pandemic struck, all of my travel plans went out the door. Goodbye Europe, goodbye Newfoundland, goodbye New Orleans, etc… I knew I needed something light and fun to offset all of the kiboshed plans. When I saw that the City of Kitchener was hosting a 2-week food truck event I checked my calendar…and realized that checking my calendar wasn’t necessary. I was totally free. Indulging in local cuisines while abroad is such a fantastic way to explore, especially with street food. I decided that I would attempt to eat at all 14 of the Waterloo Region food trucks in 2 weeks. Well, 2 years later the number of vendors has doubled to 28. Let’s just say I’m thankful I have more than 2 weeks to enjoy them all!
Not wanting to be a hog, I shared the adventures on Instagram so that you could also track down these meals on wheels – and you guys loved it! The number of messages you sent about which ones you tried or food truck adventures you’ve had in other cities blew me away. This gigantic and complete Waterloo Region food trucks guide is for you. I hope that this roundup will keep those tastebuds salivating and those adventures rolling this summer. Enjoy and happy eating, fellow foodies!
EXCITING NEWS in 2022!!!
I am super excited to announce that the Waterloo Region Food Truck scene is about to become even more awesome. Starting May 3 and running until October 28th, there’s going to be not 1, not 2, not 3, but several food trucks ready to feed you at the brand new Crave Collective Food Truck Park! I’m salivating just thinking about it. It will be open from 12pm – 7pm throughout the week from Tuesday to Friday beside the CF Fairview Mall water tower in Kitchener. That means you can eat at a food truck for lunch AND dinner. The menu even includes dessert.
I’ve seen other cities embrace food trucks in a similar way around the world and in Vancouver. And you know what? They’re fantastic. I frequent them often when I travel. It’s about time Waterloo Region hopped on the band wagon…er, truck.
Waterloo Region’s first food truck park is not just about food – it’s an atmosphere, a celebration. The owners of Passado Brasil food truck, Claudio and Kayla, have loved re-creating their international food truck experiences with their own local truck (which is delicious). There will be outdoor public seating, craft beer, live music, and of course, lots and lots of delicious local food trucks. All you have to do is #comehungry and they’ll take care of the rest!
Follow Crave Collective on Instagram and Facebook.
Waterloo Region Food Trucks Round-Up
Beavertails
Beavertails are probably one of Canada’s most iconic touristy treats. If you’re looking for a sugary indulgence, this is it. Beavertails are deep-fried dough topped with myriad sweets bound to make you Christmas-morning giddy. The company began in 1978 at the Killaloe Craft and Community Fair where Grant Hooker and his wife made and sold them. Today, Beavertails is a nation-wide company with locations in Niagara, Toronto, Vancouver, and other major Canadian cities. Popular toppings include cinnamon sugar, maple, Skor cheesecake, Oreo cookies, chocolate hazelnut, apple cinnamon, and more. However, if you’re looking to push the envelope, keep your eye out for the regional features, such as salmon, ham and cheese, steak, and lobster!
Tara’s Suggestion: Bananarama
Find Beavertails KW-Huron on Facebook.
Berlin 95
Berlin 95 food truck is a great fit for the Waterloo Region food trucks fleet in many ways. The owner, Christina Schal, was born and raised in Germany. Kitchener, for those who might not know, used to be called Berlin. Pretty kühl, eh! Christina is no stranger to the food scene. She started out by feeding hungry festival-goers with loaded baked potatoes with her first truck, The Scrumptious Spud Inc. Next, she opened Berlin 95, and in 2021 she opened a third wheely cool business (found below). If the thought of schnitzel, sausage, meatloaf, chevap, salads, German poutine, currywurst, or her famous baked potatoes, are making your stomach grumble, thank your lucky stars for Christina. You can taste Oktoberfest in all summer long!
Tara’s Suggestion: Currywurst
Find Berlin 95 on Instagram and Facebook.
Big H Food Truck
In August 2021, the Big H Food Truck cruised along Ontario streets, cooking up a storm, and serving lots of smiles! Susan and her three daughters – Ella, Blair, and Lyla – started the food truck in the midst of this darn pandemic when her all-engrossing job as a skating coach halted full-stop. With the girls’ many athletic endeavours also on hold, the family suddenly had a lot of time to reflect on what they wanted to do going forward. Like many moms, Susan understands the magic that meals hold in bringing people together. The Big H Food Truck had been a dream prior to the pandemic, and now was the time to make it a reality. The family rebuilt the trailer, manoeuvred the umpteen hoops it takes to become a food truck vendor, and then hopped on the road! The food truck affectionately refers to not only 1, but 2 “Big H”s – Susan’s dad Harold, and her hometown, Honeywood. Big H’s signature dishes are 12” seasoned tortilla “Foldies” that are packed full of veggies, cheese, and protein (your choice of pulled pork, breaded chicken, or pizza toppings) and their hand-dipped-secret-recipe apple or pineapple fritters. These 4 women stand by the quality of the local ingredients they use, including fresh-cut family-farmed potatoes for their poutines. Vegetarian options are available on the menu and so is breakfast!
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Pulled Pork Foldie and Pineapple Fritters
Find Big H Food Truck on Instagram and Facebook.
Café du Monde
Nadia Dragusanu and her husband, Sebastian, began their foodie adventures with Café du Monde in 2012 as a way to share all of their favourites from around the world. They are a triple threat business with catering, a storefront in Cambridge, and their food truck. With a focus on natural and local ingredients their food is fresh and delightful. Even their sauces, jams, and crêpe fillings are handmade (except for the Nutella). The mixed berry sauce on the Cannoli Crêpe I had was divine.
The Café du Monde Cambridge food truck was the first one I visited last year and it was the perfect way to start. Nadia was super friendly and even through her mask I could tell she was smiling. We quickly bonded over travel and food. I’m very much looking forward to visiting her food truck again to eat more of her sweet and savoury French crêpes!
Tara’s Suggestion: Cannoli Crêpe
Store Location: 614 Coronation Blvd, Cambridge, ON N1R 7E3
Find Café du Monde on Instagram and Facebook.
Crazy Canuck
I stumbled across the Crazy Canuck food truck in March 2022 and wow, was it excellent! I had previously tried Crazy Canuck’s different saucy flavourbombs on multiple occasions but the special food truck poutine (with veggie curry, pulled pork, and coleslaw) really hit the mark. Owners Jeremy and Freddy started their venture in May of 2013 (happy 8th anniversary!) and now have 2 store locations and 2 food trucks that drive around the region and provide event catering. In their words their food is, “our own Canadian home cooked flare and an awesome attitude”. At their restaurant I’ve had their Famous Apple BBQ Pulled Pork on a Bun and it matches the description perfectly. These guys don’t skimp on the meat either. I had pulled pork falling out of the bun and enough left over for a small meal the next day!
Tara’s Suggestion: Famous Apple BBQ Pulled Pork on a Bun
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Their iconic Canadian dessert called “The Snow Shoe”
Store Location: 845 Weber St N Waterloo (St. Jacobs location) and 141 Ontario St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5
Find Crazy Canuck on Instagram and Facebook.
El Milagro
El Milagro is all about hope. Translated, the truck’s name means “the miracle” and is a reminder that even when times are bleak, things can change. How perfect is that considering the past couple of years? The owners, Nora and her partner, were both born and raised in Mexico. They love sharing their flavourful homecooked food with their food truck and catering customers.
Tara’s Suggestion: Al Pastor Tacos
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Loco Burrito, Fish Tacos
Find El Milagro on Instagram and Facebook.
Fo’Cheezy
Grilled cheese was practically my middle name in high school and university. I love cheese, and grilled in a sandwich – all melted and gooey – I love it even more. When I heard there was a food truck in the region dedicated to this square-shaped favourite, it was everything I could do not to order the whole menu. I ordered the Fo’SpinDip, a saucy sammy, at the friendly suggestion of Liz working behind the counter. I might need to run a poll for this year’s choice though – should I go for the Sloppy Joe grilled cheese or the pulled chicken, basil and sundried tomato? Maybe I should order both…
Fo’Cheezy has been rolling around Waterloo Region and filling people’s hunger pains since 2011. Chef Sandor, the creator and chef behind it all, has worked at every end of the food industry, from fast food to fine dining. They offer dairy- and gluten-free options too.
Tara’s Suggestion: Fo’SpinDip & Fo’Mac
Find Fo’Cheezy on Instagram and Facebook.
Graffiti Market’s Mixtape
Graffiti Market is known for their tech-infused dining experience at Catalyst137 with their unique (first in North America) Kodisoft Smart Dining Tables. At the restaurant, while waiting for food you can play digital air hockey, colour on a digital page, make a puzzle, or watch the live feed kitchen or brewery camera all on your table. Talk about a different kind of dining experience. The vibe inside is also pretty awesome thanks to talented artists like those at The Firm Murals and Stephanie Scott (whose art was featured in this post). They’ve covered the restaurant walls, furniture, and decor, as well as the Mixtape food truck in bright bold street art. Graffiti serves the usual food truck fare – snacks, poutines, and handhelds – mixed with their own creative twist. Their menu changes every couple of weeks so stay tuned to their socials or treat yourself to a surprise and just show up. You can’t miss the food truck in their restaurant parking lot from 12pm-8pm Friday to Sunday.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Beets by Brian Burger
Store Location: 137 Glasgow Street, Unit 385 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4X8
Find Graffiti Market on Instagram and Facebook.
Hitched Coffee
Hitched Coffee, based in Ayr, serves up specialty coffees from around the world to local mugs waiting for a hot brew. In addition to their international coffee selection, they partner with local roasters and bakeries from around Waterloo Region. Hitched Coffee’s rig is a little different than the standard food truck since it’s a converted van. You’ll find them at special events and farmers markets. If you’re not a coffee drinker, they’ve also got teas, hot chocolates, and kiddie drinks for the little ones.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Toasted Marshmallow Mocha
Find Hitched Coffee on Instagram and Facebook.
ish & chips
ish & chips restaurant was a KW Record Readers’ Choice Award winner until a fire swept through their King Street building in 2012. For those of us in university around that time, it was a popular post-bar spot in Uptown Waterloo. Thankfully, since 2014 with the support of customers and fellow chefs, the Mytnik family turned the keys on a food truck and brought their tasty fish and chips back to life. Their Waterloo food truck specialties include crispy hand-battered fish and chips, homemade falafel, coleslaw, and fish tacos.
Tara’s Suggestion: Haddock and Chips
Find ish and chips on Instagram and Facebook.
Kono Pizza
Kono Pizza is Rossano Boscolo’s twisted take on the much-loved Italian triangle – because it’s cone-shaped! Waterloo Region’s Neng Ly runs the Canadian franchise which has been showcased internationally and earned blessings from the Milano masters. All of the standard favourites can be found on the menu, from the classic Cheese or Pepperoni variety, to the Deluxe, veggie, and my personal favourite, the Hawaiian. Yes, pineapple goes on pizza. Head on over and say hello to the guys at Kono – they’re really friendly and their pizza is hot and fresh!
Tara’s Suggestion: Hawaiian Kone
Store Location: 203 Lester St, Waterloo, Ontario
Find Kono Pizza on Instagram and Facebook.
Little Tree Wandering Cafe
Sarah Renner really missed coffee shops in 2020 and has also always wanted a cafe. What better reason to open a mobile coffee shop in a pandemic? Like many other professionals, she made a big career change in 2020, jumping from library sciences to the food and service industry. Sarah features locally-sourced coffee, tea, and fresh baked goods like scones, cupcakes, muffins, and cookies that she also makes from scratch. Her business name is inspired by nature and how, if we listen and pay attention, the magic reveals itself. It’s no surprise that her packaging is all compostable and she’s already working to support local causes. This is a woman who clearly cares about sustainability and community.
As someone who also misses a good coffee shop (and cries a little inside each time a cannabis shop replaces one – seriously, how many do we need?!), even as a non-coffee drinker, I appreciate the inspiration for her new venture. Sarah’s little food truck can be found in the KW Food Trucks rotation and hopefully in Galt and Hespeler for breakfast pop-ups.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Muffins – all of them! (I love muffins)
Find Little Tree Wandering Cafe on Instagram and Facebook.
Los Rolling Tacos
There’s a fiesta in a parking lot near to you thanks to Los Rolling Tacos! In 2021, Jose Delgado started the engine and hit the road. Since then he’s been enthusiastically sharing his abuela’s (grandma’s) flair for hospitality and delicious food with Waterloo Region. Hailing from Mexico City where he grew up, you better believe these tacos are as fantastic as they can get! Like many families around the world, some of Jose’s favourite memories come from gathering with loved ones over a home-cooked feast. He’s been around food and service his whole life – from family events, to selling food at the market, to working in Toronto’s hospitality industry to learn English when he moved to Canada, to enrolling in George Brown College cooking classes. Los Rolling Tacos features a mix of his family’s treasured recipes with traditional guisados, a braised adobo stew and the most traditional Mexican taco around! There’s something for everyone, including gluten free and vegan options.
Tara’s Suggestion: Birria Tacos
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Al Pastor Tacos
Find Los Rolling Tacos on Instagram and Facebook.
Our Humble Little Food Truck
Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur they say. Christina Schal is no stranger to the self-employment hustle. Remember her from the Berlin 95 Diner above? Well she planned to add a little trailer to the family wheels in 2021. Mini in size, but sure to pack a lot of tasty treats, Our Humble Little Food Truck features bubble waffles, apple fritters, and ice cream sandwiches. In addition to its unique stature, the mobile unit will be available for rent. People can use it for banquets, an additional kitchen, or as a bar for events.
Pabla’s Street Food of India
Pabla’s Street Food of India, formerly known as Jashan-e-Dawat, has a story that stretches decades back and across continents. In 1974 in Punjab, India, Gurbax Singh opened the restaurant Amsitsari Dhaba. The head chef’s son, Parminder Singh, managed the restaurant when he was just 16 years old, gaining first hand experience in the kitchen. Today Parminder owns the delicious Jashan-e-Dawat restaurant in Cambridge and the Pabla’s Street Food of India food truck that travels the region. If I was stuck in traffic, I’d want to be near his truck, breathing in its mouthwatering aromas everywhere it goes.
Tara’s Suggestion: Butter Chicken with Rice
Store Location: 900 Jamieson Pkwy Unit 15, Cambridge, ON N3C 4N6
Find Pabla’s Street Food of India on Instagram.
Passado Brasil
The friendly Brazilian-Canadian duo at Passado Brasil make you feel so welcomed you feel at home instead of in a parking lot. Claudio was born and raised in Santa Caterina, Brazil and moved to Canada in 2009. He met Kayla, a restaurant assistant manager, and the rest is clicked into place. His sales and marketing background and her food industry saavy gave birth to their big green food machine. The Passado Brasil menu features different types of pastel, which are fried pockets filled with meat or cheese. As is my habit, I couldn’t decide which pastel to try, so I ordered 3 different ones! You should probably do the same.
Tara’s Suggestion: Pastel con Carne
Find Passado Brasil on Instagram and Facebook.
Pierogi Pigs
Does anybody else who grew up with a beloved dish ignore it on restaurant menus? I grew up with homemade pierogi made by my Polish & Ukrainian Baba (grandma), my aunts, and my mother. I never order them in a restaurant but the Pierogi Pigs intrigued me. Maybe it was the friendly colours on their truck. Maybe it was because they started by making their pierogi from scratch at home too. Or maybe it was because my trip to Poland was corona-cancelled. Truth be told, it was all three so I let my hunger get the better of me and left my comfort zone to try someone else’s Polish dumplings. The verdict? Yummm! They’ve got the tried and true ‘rogs with fried onions and sour cream, as well as funkier choices like nacho, taco, and poutine. I went all out and tried the Fully Loaded Pierogi. I’ve been dreaming about that dish since 2020 and am definitely looking forward to ordering it again this year.
Tara’s Suggestion: Fully Loaded Pierogi
Find Pierogi Pigs on Instagram and Facebook.
Schmuck Truck
Schmuck Truck is anything but, well, schmucky. The name actually refers to the owners, Brad Schmuck and Christine Mackay, both industry veterans with a wealth of experience. In addition to the food truck they run a full-service food catering business called SchmuckNGourmet. Have a small family event or a large wedding? They’ve got you covered with feta chicken wraps, lamb burgers with herb goat cheese (yes please!!!), Sloppy Schmuckers, and more. Their food truck menu rounds out with gourmet sandwiches, salads, sides, and kiddie options too. I’ve tried the Schmuck Balls and I would order them again in a heart beat. I’ve also had the feta chicken wrap and was pleasantly surprised (feta isn’t really my thing). My sights are set on trying that lamb burger with herb goat cheese in the future.
Tara’s Suggestion: Schmuck Balls
Find Schmuck Truck on Instagram and Facebook.
S.W.A.T.
I’ll be honest, when paying $14 for my Pulled Pork Poutine in 2020 I thought it was a bit steep. Then I saw the size of the serving and my eyes bulged open. And then I tasted it. Full disclosure – it was completely worth it. In fact, I want another right now and it’s 9pm as I write this! In their own words, S.W.A.T. is “not fast food…we’re GREAT food fast!”. I concur. You’d have to be both great and fast if you cater for groups of 30-1,000 like they do. Sandwich enthusiasts, this one’s for you. S.W.A.T. is serving up some mean Montreal Smoked Meat, Philly Cheesesteak, and even a Pulled Weiner. Bring your appetite and a bib for this food truck.
Tara’s Suggestion: Pulled Pork Poutine
Find S.W.A.T. on Instagram and Facebook.
The Big Jerk
Kevin Thomas is the proud owner of The Big Jerk and he’s been serving delicious Jamaican food around Waterloo Region for years. In fact, his parents owned and ran Rainbow Cuisine in downtown Kitchener. Thomas’ Jamaican patties are as delicious as they get, and for good reason. He smokes the meat the traditional way using sarsaparilla and pimento wood. For anyone who’s into bbq, you know the wood is as necessary for fuel as it is for the flavour. In addition to a food truck, the patties can be found in stores around southernwestern Ontario, including local spots like Central Fresh Market and Vincenzo’s, or at catered events.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: One of each patty!
Find The Big Jerk on Instagram and Facebook.
The Funnel Cloud
Alex Fegaras has been driving around Waterloo Region serving Italian-themed flavour feasts for a few years. He’s previously known for spicing up old Italian classics with a twist through his first venture, Cibo Streetery (now closed). In 2021 Alex turned the keys on a new food truck, The Funnel Cloud, with friend and business partner Bryan Izzard who owns Two Calves Standing farm. Eventually the idea is to use products from the farm on the truck as well.
Lucky for those like me who didn’t make it to Cibo Streetery, fan favourites from the Cibo menu (like deep-fried lasagna and olive ascolane) will be available once a month and for catering events. And, even though festivals, carnivals, and all things fun (well, not quite all) were cancelled for summer 2021, we could still get our fritter and funnel cake fix! Heads up – definitel bring a friend or family member to share these with. They’re massive!
Tara’s Suggestion: S’mores Funnel Cake
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Apple Fritters
Find The Funnel Cloud on Instagram and Facebook.
The Hemlock Barn
Four years ago Josh Perovic opened up The Hemlock Street Burger Barn by the 2 universities in Waterloo. Originally he wanted to open a hot dog joint for the university restaurant scene, but there was already an abundance of them. His second choice was to bring back old-school hamburgers – smash burgers. What are smash burgers exactly? They don’t stray too far from the name – but it’s only the meat that’s smashed! Aesetheically they’re not as put together as “regular” burgers, though the flavour gets a boost thanks to all of the juices that spill from the meat. The potatoes for the Hemlock Barn fries travel a mere 1km away from neighbouring fields, and the meat is from Kitchener’s Fore Quarter butcher shop.
Josh’s burger barn restaurant recently changed its name to The Hemlock Barn and moved north to a larger location with seating for 120 people indoors, and crokinole, chess, checkers and backgammon tables. You can find them on Lobsinger Line near the St. Jacobs Market in a beautiful 100+ year old building! Their food truck is parked out front to serve hungry customers, and will be participating in the brewery food truck rotation. In non-pandemic times they also serve weddings and events. Hot tip: if the food truck isn’t parked in front of their Lobsinger location, they’re giving out mini soft serve ice cream with any purchase. Stay tuned to their social media for more information!
Tara’s Suggestion: Smashed Banquet Burger
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Chocolate Brownie Milkshake (in the restaurant)
Find The Hemlock Barn on Instagram and Facebook.
The Lab Street Eats
Mike and Cindy Gatto debuted their Lab Street Eats food truck in Waterloo Region in 2021. While transitioning from the corporate world, Mike and Cindy ran a barbecue catering business in the past and felt confident in their enthusiasm for this new venture. Their menu primarily features barbecue-inspired eats, but customers may see anything from tacos to deep-fried ravioli to burgers or schnitzel as well. To achieve the edgy hip-hop street vibe, The Firm Mural made an encore appearance in the food truck scene, designing the logo and truck wrap. Check out The Lab Street Eats at their store location, in local breweries, and on the KW Food Truck rotation!
Tara’s Suggestion: (homemade) Sausage & Fries
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: No Meat Tacos, Lemon Basil Ricotta Cake
Store Location: 105 Victoria St. South, Kitchener
Find The Lab Street Eats on Instagram and Facebook.
The Serial Griller
Ed and Becky are the dynamic duo behind the grill of bbq food truck The Serial Griller. Born in Croatia, Ed grew up savouring weekly bbqs with family and friends. You’ll see their menu peppered with Croatian influences thanks to him! Becky is your go-to for all things customer service and is an industry pro. She’s always smiling and so friendly when you approach the truck. Besides serving up delicious food, Ed and Becky really value community and so they donate a portion of their profits to local organizations. They’re also keen to assist with fundraisers, so give them a call and partner with them for your cause. In addition to food truck events around Waterloo Region, you can find The Serial Griller bringing the flavour to weddings, and other festive events as things open up.
Tara’s Suggestion: Ćevapi Sammy
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Mac n’ Cheese, Smoked Pulled Pork Sammy
Find The Serial Griller on Instagram and Facebook.
The Wild Boar
The Wild Boar is passionate about using fresh local ingredients, creating bold flavours, and serving you the perfect summer smell of smokey wood flavours. They cater events, as well as drive in the Waterloo Region food truck rotation. You’ll find a fantastic range of southern pit menu items on board from gazpacho, tacos, sliders, pulled meat, brisket, mac n’ cheese, salad, to corn bread.
Tara’s Suggestion: Pulled Pork Sandwich
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Mac n’ Cheese
Find The Wild Boar on Instagram and Facebook.
NEW Waterloo Region Food Trucks in 2022
Born 2 Eat
Chef Rubén has been rolling around the GTA in the Born 2 Eat food truck since 2015 and this year he’s bringing his delicious food to the Waterloo Region Food Truck lineup! You’ll find everything from healthy burgers, to tacos and mac n’ cheese balls, to Thai Rolled ice cream and bao. Talk about variety. These meals on wheels are veggie-, vegan-, and gluten-friendly. In addition to food truck events, Born 2 Eat caters private functions such as weddings, baby showers, birthdays, street festivals and more.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Bao (alllll of them!), Kimchi Veggie Dumplings, Pad Thai Mac n’ Cheese
Store Location: 25 Main Street (rear entrance), Cambridge
Find Born 2 Eat on Instagram and Facebook.
Irie Myrie’s Caribbean Catering Company
Head to Cambridge, hire them for a private catering, or follow the new Irie Myrie food truck for the best Jamaican food you’ll ever Nyam (eat)! The owner, Theo Myrie, is a wise man who understands the power of spending your days doing what you love and sharing that passion with others. He grew up in Jamaica, where he started cooking with his mom. He was only 8 years old when he tried his hand at frying plantains and by the time he was a teen he was cooking for the whole family. In 2008 they moved to Canada and in 2019 he secured a food truck to take around the GTA. Two years later he and his family opened up a restaurant in Cambridge and now he gets to do what he loves every day – spend time with loved ones and cook for the enjoyment and nourishment of others. If that’s not pulling at your heartstrings, we need to talk…and preferably while feasting on his home cooked Jamaican meals.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Classic Jerk Chicken Meal, Jamaican Patties
Store Location: 35 Cherry Blossom Rd #3, Cambridge
Find Irie Myrie on Instagram and Facebook.
Krankie Frankie’s Hub Grub
Krankie Frankie’s is getting ready to make its debut in May of 2022. Their business cards are printed (and look awesome), their social accounts live, and their menu set. With soups, poutine, sandwiches, burgers, and bifanas, this is looking like another tasty addition to Waterloo Region’s food truck scene.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Frankie’s Bifana, Rouladen Poutine
Find Krankie Frankie on Instagram and Facebook.
Retired Waterloo Region Food Trucks
Breakfast Blues & BBQs (*closed in 2021)
Owners Ed and Dulce crossed paths while working in Toronto restaurants. In 2013, after moving to KW, the married couple opened Breakfast Blues & BBQs, featuring a locally-sourced menu full of comfort food. Like many small businesses, 2020 was rough. Between constant construction outside their storefront, COVID restrictions, and surgery to boot, it’s a good thing these things happen in 3s. In fact, last year it was their food truck sales that pulled their business through, although it also meant closing their restaurant and letting go 10 of their staff to make things possible. Their food truck has been around for 9 years and their restaurant for 3 – not an easy decision. Just remember the next time you make it out to a food truck this summer – your order helps businesses and your bellies!
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Canadian Poutine
Former Store Location: 105 Victoria St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 2B4
Hangry Harry’s (*closed in 2021)
Hangry Harry’s is a one-stop-shop for meaty sandwiches of the pork, ham, beef, and chicken variety. Don’t fret animal lovers, Harry has a veggie option too. You can also find the iconic Canadian classic, poutine, along with funkier versions of it like Fire House, Latin Passion, and Pulled Pork. Don’t feel like a sandwich or poutine? Try one of their beefy hot dogs or crispy chicken fingers. Kid-sized portions are available as well.
Two pieces of advice – either go on an empty belly or bring a friend because the food is filling. (I made the rookie mistake of trying to eat at 2 food trucks in one evening…) A second word to the wise – get ready for some finger-licking fun because it’s about to get saucy!
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Pollo Loco Sandwich, Smokey the Pig
Find Hangry Harry’s on Instagram and Facebook.
Hottie Cakes Co.
Hottie Cakes Co. is baker Dayna Richardson’s nod to her days living in the UK where British pancakes – “hot cakes” – are popular. Since 2019 her food truck been serving Torontonians their favourite meal and this year Waterloo Region gets to dig in. Dayna’s background owning a bakery that made luxury wedding cakes and other sugary delights means you know you’re in for delicious surprises. Her food truck shares the sugar high at private events, workplaces, public festivals, and on streets near you. As someone who abhors the viscous goop that is table syrup, I’m thrilled to see that she serves real maple syrup. I even saw mention of cinnamon syrup! From sweet to savoury to gluten free to vegan, everyone can brunch. Yahoo!
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: Tight Buns, Love Me S’more
Find Hottie Cakes on Instagram and Facebook.
The Bruce Caboose and The Bruce Beast
The Cambridge Hotel, an independently owned local establishment, has not one, but two food trucks in its fleet! The first is The Bruce Caboose and the second is The Bruce Beast. Both food trucks are popular fixtures at weddings, private and corporate events, festivals and sporting events. *More updates on these food trucks to come.
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: TBA!
Find The Bruce Crafthouse (hotel restaurant) on Instagram and Facebook.
The Crumby Cookie Dough Co’s Milleniyum Falcon
The Crumby Cookie Dough Co’s Milleniyum Falcon may be the most unique of the Waterloo Region food trucks because it’s super tiny! From its dimensions, to its low environmental impact (2 fridges require only 4.5 amps each), to its mini morsels of cold doughy bliss, the Falcon is in its own category. The owners, Jennifer Appleby Vines and Sara McMurphy, use heat treated flour and pasteurized eggs to make it edible. For a little pizazz they use locally-sourced, natural ingredients to add colour, and flavour. In their words, they’re “old-fashioned with an edge” focusing on quality ingredients and homecooked goodness. They’ve also got a wicked way with words. Their flavour names and branding are on point and always make me laugh. Due to COVID and having their retail space, it is unlikely we’ll see the Milleniyum Falcon on the region’s circuit this summer. However, you can book it for private events (when that is possible).
Tara’s Got Her Eye On: SO. SH!T’S WEIRD RN.
Store Location: 8 Regina St N Unit 5, Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z8
Find The Crumby Cookie Dough Co on Instagram and Facebook.
The Grill on the Go
The Grill on the Go caters for weddings and corporate events, with a wide variety of options available on their menu.
Find The Grill on the Go on Instagram and Facebook.
Elmira’s Food Truck Scene
If you’re in Elmira, there are a group of churches that host food trucks each Friday night from 4:30pm-8pm between May and September. Find them at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Trinity United, St. Teresa of Avila, and Elmira Pentecostal. The group is called Heavenly Eats and you can also find them and their updates on Instagram.
Buon Appetito! Enjoy!
Please be respectful of those around you, whether it be staff or customers. Keep 2 metres / 6 feet apart from others. Pylons and ground markings will be used to indicate safe separation distances. And last but not least, enjoy your meals!
I hope this Waterloo Region food trucks guide is helpful in your quest to try them (all?)! Join along as I continue my foodie adventure on Instagram. And please share your favourites in the comments below. I love hearing your recommendations.
Which Food Truck in Waterloo Region is Your Favourite?
For the most up-to-date schedule, visit each individual Waterloo Region food truck’s social media pages or the KW Food Trucks page.
