May 2, 2023

Debbie Willard of rural Valley Springs has worked in banking for the past 25 years, but she wanted a side gig that would get her out from behind the desk.

“It’s just something I wanted to do for a long time,” she said of starting a food truck. “I thought it would be fun to do this.”

This spring, she started Spudz ‘n Stuff, using a trailer whose previous life was selling kuchen, South Dakota’s state dessert.

Baked potatoes, tater tots and waffle fries are the stars of the menu. Customers can pick their toppings or choose a loaded variety like the one with taco fixings, the buffalo ranch one with or without popcorn chicken and the traditional one with broccoli, cheddar and bacon. Willard is experimenting with other toppings; she’s working on a Greek version and has an idea for a poutine one with cheese curds and gravy.

She can’t use the trailer’s fryer in Sioux Falls because it doesn’t meet the city’s stricter fire suppression codes, so the tater tots and fries are baked whenever she’s within city limits.

For those who want something different, the menu includes hot dogs, chili dogs, walking tacos, nachos and pretzels.

With her family’s help, Spudz ‘n Stuff made its debut at an Easter egg hunt in Sioux Falls, and upcoming events include Brandon Lutheran Church’s food truck night May 3 and the Brandon Farmers Market on May 6.

Willard is booked for seven other farmers market dates, Celebration church’s carnival in late May in Brandon and AutoMania on June 24 in Valley Springs.

She’s looking for other public and private events this season. Find locations on the Spudz ‘n Stuff Facebook page. 

“I like cooking and meeting people, just the interaction and making people happy.”

Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2023 season