Love food trucks? Here’s your complete guide to the 2023 season
April 20, 2023
The food truck scene is growing this year with more than a dozen new offerings — everything from egg rolls, jambalaya and loaded baked potatoes to lattes and boba tea. The net gain isn’t quite as big, though, with the loss of some newcomers and more established trucks. We have updates on almost 100 area food trucks, and we’ll be updating this guide as long as the weather allows.
605 Barbecue Co.
The recipes of 605 Barbecue Co., which started in 2021, have been crafted over the years in competitions and workshops. Zach Bauer, the younger half of the father-son duo of Holy Smokes Barbeque, owns the food truck with Zach Scott and Jeremy Keizer. 605 Barbecue keeps busy with private events but can be found at local events like the 605 Summer Classic and barbecue competitions. Typical menu items include smoked pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket and chopped chicken. Its signature dish is loaded pork mac-and-cheese. Find locations on 605 Barbecue’s Facebook page. Follow it on Instagram at @605barbecue.
Auntie J’s American Soul Food
Added Aug. 11: A soul food restaurant in Lennox is also on the road now with a food truck. Joni Williamson opened Auntie J’s American Soul Food in March 2022, serving cafeteria-style meals with offerings like barbecued ribs, fried chicken, fried catfish, collard greens and cornbread. Now, she has a partner in the restaurant and the new food truck: April Woody of Sioux Falls. The food truck made its debut at Lennox’s Fourth of July celebration and has been taking bookings for public and private events since then. The food truck’s offerings are like the cafe’s: “We don’t stay to a set menu. … We will adapt to whatever the job calls for. We keep to the soul food, but it’s whatever the event calls for.” Popular item so far have included homemade mac-and-cheese topped with pulled pork or barbecued chicken, loaded nachos and Indian tacos. Find locations on Auntie J’s Facebook page.
Backyard BBQ
The restaurant with locations in Sioux Falls and Brookings started running its first Backyard BBQ truck eight years ago, added a second one a few years later and “Q3” in 2021. It also operates Ollies, which it started in xx, and plans to add a Just Fries truck and a dessert one that will feature Stensland Family Farms ice cream, said Eric Elenkiwich, whose father started the restaurant in Brookings and expanded to Sioux Falls in 2014. He hopes to find enough workers to have the new trucks operating by June. The trucks all based in Sioux Falls but are available for catering and events across the region. The Backyard BBQ menu includes pulled pork, brisket and smoked chicken sandwiches, along with sides such as molasses baked beans, mac-and-cheese and coleslaw. The trucks have been staples at Golf Addiction’s Food Truck Tuesdays, concerts at Levitt at the Falls, small-town celebrations and the fall season at Country Apple Orchard. Find updates on its Facebook page.
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. The one definite spot in his schedule is Thursdays at Tractor Supply Co. on North Cliff Avenue. Find updates on his Facebook page. Berke bought a bus and is having it converted into a food truck for his son and stepdaughter to run, possibly serving the late-night bar crowd downtown.
The Big Orange Truck
The colorful Big Orange Truck won’t see a sixth season with owner Dean Marshall. He’s planning to sell it and is hoping to open a restaurant inside Harrisburg’s Air Madness, which plans to expand its offerings to also include a bowling alley, ax-throwing and an arcade.
Big Poppa’s Food Truck
On the Spot Catering is adding a food truck that will be used for some of the weddings it books, along with pop-ups at businesses in downtown Sioux Falls and events in the area. For public events, Big Poppa’s menu will feature burgers, a brisket Philly cheesesteak, chicken wings and hand-cut fries, along with a kids menu. It’s the creation of Tony Axtell, who operated Blue 42 Sports Grill in Hartford and also ran The Tasty Trolley for one season. He hopes to have the truck ready to go by mid-May. Find locations on its Facebook page.
Black Iris
Beresford-based Black Iris got its start in February and plans to be in Sioux Falls at least once a week. After losing several family members, owners Damon and Allie Jarabek realized how short life can be and decided to pursue their dreams, she said. They quit their jobs in Sioux Falls, moved to Yankton to build a tiny house and ended up putting it on a lot in Beresford. Their next project was buying an old FedEx truck and turning it into their mobile coffee and baked goods mobile shop. They make their coffee drinks using a cold brew recipe that Allie has perfected. Signature lattes come in caramel vanilla and mocha flavors. They also serve teas and smoothies, which are made with fruit instead of concentrates. For baked goods, the standard offerings are blueberry crumb, double chocolate and brown sugar banana nut muffins; French almond cake; lemon pound cake loaf; and sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Jarabek makes other treats occasionally, including decorated sugar cookies for holidays. In Sioux Falls, they’re planning to set up at Last Stop CD Shop on 41st near Louise and Lowe’s on West 26th Street. Their other weekly stops are in Beresford and Vermillion. Find a weekly schedule on their Facebook page and Instagram at @black_iris_llc. Black Iris is available for public and private events.
Black Iron Waffles
Operating out of an upcycled two-horse trailer, Black Iron Waffles features a simple menu of not-so-simple waffles. Typical offerings include the BLT Waffle, ham-and-cheese, a twist on a pepperoni pizza and sweet options such as Scotcharoo and strawberries & cream. This year, the business is featuring JJ’s Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup. Black Iron Waffles, which opened last year, 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. Find locations on the trailer’s Facebook page and Instagram at @blackironwaffles.
Boki Concessions
Borjan Jaksic keeps growing his mobile stand business that serves mostly state and county fairs. There are nine stands for food and four mini lemonade stands. Offerings include a sirloin steak dinner, sirloin and pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, turkey legs, paella, corn dogs, fresh-cut fries, gelato, mini-doughnuts, cheese curds, real fruit smoothies and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Locally, Boki typically is at the Brookings Arts Festival, Sioux Empire Fair, Downtown Riverfest and some of the Levitt at the Falls concents. It’s available for private events too.
Boss Dogg Kitchen
Mitchell-based Boss Dogg Kitchen made several appearances in Sioux Falls the past couple of years, but owners Sheila and Gene Slater sold their truck to Scotty D’s BBQ.
Breaking Burrito
Carlos Salgado plans to keep both of his “Breaking Bad”-themed trucks running this year. He’ll use one in Sioux Falls and the other in the area, possibly doing lunch and dinner hours in Harrisburg, where he lives. 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 introduced a shrimp burrito last year and will try California- and Asian-style varieties this year. Frequent spots include Fridays on the Plaza and Levitt at the Falls concerts. He’ll be back at Country Apple Orchard for the fall season. Find locations on Facebook and on Instagram at @breakingburrito. Breaking Burrito is available for private events.
‘Brosia Bowl
Plant-based chef Darcy Green plans to keep operating her food truck even though she opened a restaurant last year in the Jones421 Building. “The Green Machine” will be at the Falls Park Farmers Market every Saturday, and “we will be hopping around town with the truck a lot this season,” she said. Find it at Levitt at the Falls concerts, USD-Sioux Falls, Sanford Health sites and other spots ‘Brosia Bowl also is available for private events. The meals, which come as rice bowls, salads or wraps, 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. This year, Green is adding smoothies and boba teas. Find locations on Facebook or Instagram at @brosiabowl.
Buffalo Gal Concessions
In its fourth year, Buffalo Gal Concessions likely will be at many of the same car shows and small-town festivals as last year. 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.
Central Dakota Perk Mobile Coffee & Catering
The owners of Central Dakota Perk in Tea and Harrisburg bought the former Uncle JJ’s and Papa Jimmy’s Neighborhood Grill truck and trailer. The truck is parked next to the coffee kiosk in Tea and serves breakfast and lunch daily. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the menu includes sandwiches and burritos. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Uncle JJ’s was known for its Philly sandwiches, and Central Dakota Perk continues to offer those, said Jen McNaughton, who owns the business with her husband, Jed. Get a steak or chicken version as a sandwich or wrap or as toppings on nachos. The menu also includes burgers, cheesy hash browns and other sides. She envisions a daily lunch special such as a casserole or hot beef sandwich, “something that’s scoop and serve, quick to go.” Both the truck and the trailer are available for public and private events. Each one has a grill, and they added an espresso machine to the truck. Find menu updates and more on the Central Dakota Perk Facebook page.
Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet Mac & Cheeze
Jessica Eck and her husband, Ravuth Than, moved to Sioux Falls from Seattle to start Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet Mac & Cheeze last year. The menu features a classic mac-and-cheese and varieties like the signature Birria Birria with buttered panko, slow-cooked beef, chipotle sauce, crème, pickled red onion and cotija cheese. “This year, you can expect to see some new faces working on the truck — same great service — as we welcome family from Seattle that are coming over to help us so we can get out to more events,” Eck said. “We are also planning a couple pop-up events where we will be serving foods other than Mac & Cheeze.” Cheezy Noodlez can be found in parking lots across town and is available for events, festivals and private gatherings. Find a new schedule every week on the Cheezy Noodlez Facebook page and Instagram at @cheezynoodlez.
Chef Courtney’s Homemade BBQ Sauce & Catering
Courtney Richmond has realized a longtime dream of owning a food truck. The Brandon resident, who attended culinary school in Minneapolis years ago, specializes in barbecue and serves ribs and pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans and potato salad. The menu also includes brats and hot dogs. Spaghetti, mac-and-cheese and collard greens will make occasional appearances on the menu, he said. His barbecue features a signature sauce that he has been making for years. There’s also a spicy version. Chef Courtney’s Homemade BBQ Sauce & Catering can be found in various locations; Richmond uses his Facebook page to let customers know where to find him. It’s also available for public and private events.
Chubby’s
Chubby’s is in its third season, and owner Stephvon “Von” Bailey plans to be in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg for pop-ups and events. 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. Last year, birria mac-and-cheese bowls were a big hit, he said. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and Mexican street corn. Meat choices include steak, ground beef, chicken, shrimp and occasionally al pastor, which is marinated pork. Baily also makes keto-friendly tacos, putting grilled meat and veggies on top of cheese that’s been fried on the grill. Find locations on Facebook.
Chizlickers
Alex Koltze started Chizlickers last year and made a weekly appearance at the Falls Park Farmers Market along with a few other pop-ups. The menu featured chislic, bratwurst and hand-cut fries. He has sold the trailer to his sister-in-law, who is turning it into The Night Owl with a new menu.
Craig’s Shave Ice
Craig’s Shave Ice is headed into its 28th summer. Owner Craig Swensen of Harrisburg keeps 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. It’s also available for private events. Find locations on Facebook.
Curbside Delights
Curbside Delights has a new menu and new trailer this year. Owner Rich Stevenson, who has been in and out of the food truck business in Sioux Falls since 2015, was diagnosed with cancer last year and sold his trolley. Stevenson had an operation and radiation, and seems to be cancer-free, he said, so he bought a new trailer and came up with an Italian-themed menu because that’s an underrepresented category in the local food truck scene. Customers will find pizza, pasta and Italian subs, with gluten-free options. Curbside Delights 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, small-town festivals and girls softball games at Dunham Park from August into October. It’s available for public and private events. Find the full schedule and updates on the Curbside Delights Facebook page.
Dakota Snow
Jessica and Matthew Rooney started Dakota Snow in 2015. The two shaved ice trailers can be booked for public and private events. Find locations that are open to the public on Facebook.
The Dirty Bird
Added June 27: Chef Lizzie Stewart is leasing the food truck that also operates as The Homestead Terroir Kitchen at A Homestead Brew east of Sioux Falls. She’s planning to operate it there most Saturdays from 2 to 7 p.m. this season and hopes to buy her own food truck. The Dirty Bird serves smoked chicken wings with “a chefy spin on a classic chicken wing,” Stewart said. They’re brined for a couple of days in pickle juice, smoked, deep-fried and dusted in a salt and vinegar seasoning. She’ll typically serve four varieties for each outing. Her Stinky Wing is coated in freshly shredded Parmesan, roasted garlic aioli and fresh herbs. Orders come with homemade tater tots, ranch dressing and a fried pickle. As garden produce comes into season, she’ll be incorporating tomatoes, sweet corn and more into her offerings.
Pop-up supper club, food truck among latest offerings from local chef
Dirty Birds
This one is still a work in progress and won’t open this year because of the economy, owner Taylor Lueth said. She did a couple of pop-ups last year serving her plant-based recipes. She and her boyfriend, Ken Richter, are in the process of converting a 1972 Holiday Rambler camper into a food truck.
Espinoza’s Taco Truck
Samuel Espinoza and his uncle, Ponciano, started their Mexican food truck last year in Canton. Espinoza’s Taco Truck operates year-round and is based in a parking lot on the west side of town at 504 E. Fifth St. They serve typical fare like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Their signature item is the South Dakota Burrito. It’s filled with grilled chicken, steak, marinated pork, queso and potatoes. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the warmer months. Espinoza’s is available for catering.
FadeAways
FadeAways gained exposure over the winter by competing in the Downtown Burger Battle, partnering with Glacial Lakes Distillery & Brewhouse. Anthony Withers started selling his original FadeAways smoked meat sandwiches in 2020 and expanded from a mobile stand to a trailer last year. 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. New this year is the Smoke House Burger with a ground beef patty, smoked pork and pepper jack cheese. In addition to Sioux Falls, FadeAways sets up frequently in Brandon. It also travels to Dell Rapids and Yankton. Withers is taking bookings for public and private events at [email protected]. Find an updated schedule on its Facebook page.
Family Treats Homemade Ice Cream
The homemade 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, Sanford Pentagon, Howard Wood Field and baseball games at the Sioux Falls Canaries. 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. Carmen and Scott Giles have owned the business since 2018. Family Treats offers seven standard flavors – cookie dough remains the top seller — and one seasonal choice such asvespresso, key lime crunch, orange cream, blueberry cheesecake, Pink Panther, Cookie Monster and chocolate caramel brownie. Find posts about public events on Facebook.
Fat Kid Filly’s
Fat Kid Filly’s has a different food truck this year that meets the stricter fire suppression regulations in Sioux Falls, so owner Cody Sauers plans to do more events in the city. The menu will continue to feature Sauers’ spin on Philly cheesesteaks with a variety of meats, and he’s expanding offerings to include smash burgers and grilled brats. Now that he has a fryer, he’s planning to do fresh-cut fries, including a Filly-topped version. That also means he can add desserts like churros and mini-doughnuts. Fat Kid Filly’s continues to keep busy with contracts at event venues such as the Denny Sanford Premier Center and Huset’s Speedway in Brandon. Find food truck locations on Facebook.
La Fondita
La Fondita moved to Tea last season, and the last time we drove through town, it was parked in its usual spot at 120 E. First St. Owner Maria Magana couldn’t be reached for updates to this year’s schedule or menu. Last year, hours were 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The menu 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. Magana also uses other cuts of beef, chicken, chorizo and pork, including chicharron, in her cooking. Tortas, which are Mexican sandwiches, are always on the menu. Hispanic drink options include horchata, tamarindo and jamaica or “hibiscus iced tea.” Find updates on La Fondita’s Facebook page.
Fred’s Franks
Update May 26: The owners announced May 21 that they’ve sold the trailer. Update July 13: It’s now operating out of the Brandon area as Let’s Go Frank — see the separate listing. The hot dog cart Fred’s Franks, which actually moved into a trailer last year, will continue to operate mostly in Brandon with a few pop-up lunches in area towns. Popular lunch spots last year were in the industrial park north of Interstate 90 and Midwest Rail Car. Donna Cutrer and her husband, Mike Blewett, started the business in 2021 after moving here from Florida. She’s planning to open in the first week of May and sooner if warmer weather starts to stick around. The Chicago dog remains the bestseller, and there are several other options. It’s available for public and private events. Find locations on Fred’s Franks’ Facebook page.
Front Porch Concessions
Front Porch Concessions has new owners: Brandon and Sherri Bostwick. They bought the business last year on Aug. 1 from Steve and Marilyn Konda, who started it in 2002. Brandon Bostwick sold his ownership share in a freight brokerage business to pursue his dream of having a food truck. Front Porch Concessions has a full schedule of events that it does every year, such as the Renaissance Festival, Teapot Days in Tea, Quarry Days in Dell Rapids and the Sioux Empire Fair. The signature item is Taco in the Tub, which is 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 Mega Pork Nachos. Other carnival-type fare includes corn dogs, cheese curds, a dozen flavors of smoothies and boba lemonade. Find locations on Front Porch’s Facebook page.
Get’Cha Coffee
Best friends Betty Face and Jennie Lemieux are starting a mobile coffee shop. They’re hoping to have the former dessert trailer they bought in Montana ready to go by May 1 and plan to park downtown and in other spots from early morning into the afternoon. In addition to coffee drinks and Lotus energy beverages, they plan to serve breakfast food. They’ll make egg bakes, sandwiches and pastries, Face said. The two follow a keto lifestyle, so everything will be keto-friendly or have that option. Get’Cha Coffee also can be booked for public and private events. Follow it on Facebook and Instagram at @getcha_coffee for locations.
Gold Star Kettle Corn
Brad Sundvold has been popping popcorn since buying Gold Star Kettle Corn in 2017. In addition to kettle corn, he makes caramel and cheese varieties. Find Gold Star Kettle Corn at Howard Wood Field events and Dell Rapids Quarry Days. It’s available for public and private events. Find locations and contact info on Gold Star’s Facebook page.
The Hangover Hut
Heading into its second season, The Hangover Hut is adding Philly cheesesteaks and cheese curds to the menu. The other “hangover” fare includes burgers, hot dogs, lamb chislic and chili cheese fries. It’s owned by Darin and Sara Benning and their sons, Tyler and Ryan. Find it at festivals, car shows and farmers markets in Sioux Falls and area towns. The Hangover Hut also is available for graduations, weddings and corporate events. Follow it on Facebook for locations.
Harry’s Yellow Submarine
The bright yellow truck is marking a decade in business. Owner Calvin “Harry” Schlisner is adding baby back ribs to the menu this year. Marinated chislic – lamb is the only true chislic, Harry says — is a star on the menu, along with the “Loaded Boat.” That’s deep-fried tater tots topped with meat and barbecue sauce with a mound of coleslaw on the tray. The menu, which changes depending on the event, also features Mississippi pot roast sandwiches, hamburgers, jumbo hot dogs, chicken strips and cheese curds. Find the truck at events in Sioux Falls and festivals in the region. It’s also available for private gatherings. Find locations on Facebook.
The Homestead Terroir Kitchen
This field-to-plate food truck is the creation of Le Cordon Bleu-trained Lee Anderson, co-owner of rural brewery A Homestead Brew. Typical offerings include charcuterie boards and barbecue with a focus on food and beer pairings. It’s based at the brewery, which is east of Sioux Falls, but is available for weddings and other private gatherings. Find updates on A Homestead Brew’s Facebook page.
Hungry Dog
The Mitchell restaurant has closed but its food truck lives on and will make a few appearances this summer in the Sioux Falls area. The menu features hot dogs and smash burgers, with about a half-dozen options per outing, said Brian Muntefering, who owns the business with his son Jordan. The top seller is a hot dog loaded with mac-and-cheese. It’s scheduled to be at McCrossan Boys Ranch on July 14. It’s not licensed to operate in Sioux Falls, but it can be booked for public and private events in the area, Muntefering said. Find updates on Hungry Dog’s Facebook page.
Hunny & Bunny
The Mediterranean food truck is getting ready for its eighth season. Find Hunny & Bunny at public events in Sioux Falls, and it’s available for private gatherings. Owner Melissa Gonzalez posts weekly updates on Hunny & Bunny’s Facebook page. Hunny & Bunny serves steak and chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros, and has vegetarian and gluten-free and vegan options.
The Ice Cream Truck – SDSU Ice Cream
With two trucks and a trailer, The Ice Cream Truck featuring SDSU Ice Cream can be found at lots of events in the Sioux Falls area. Owner Mark Promes is entering his sixth year, but the business has been operating for more than 20 years. The Ice Cream Truck carries more than a dozen flavors of SDSU ice cream and also sells shaved ice, slush creams, floats, coffee blenders, smoothies and cotton candy. Slushie drinks are new this year. It’s available for public and private events in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. Find locations posted on Facebook.
Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque
Jekyll & Hyde Barbeque focuses on catering. Childhood friends Garrett Gross, Mark Hauser and Nick Verzani started the business in 2018 doing pop-ups, festivals and catering. The menu features ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pork wings, bacon steaks, barbecue spaghetti and smoked meatloaf. Find contact info on its Facebook page.
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, Lennox’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July, the Brookings Sidewalk Arts Festival and Turner County Fair. They’ll also be at the fall events for Country Apple Orchard near Harrisburg. They take bookings for private events, either popping on-site or delivering it bagged. Find locations on their Facebook page.
Kane’s Baked Goods & Cafe
Chelsea Alexander started her breakfast truck last year, but she won’t be returning this season.
KK & Sons Lao & Thai Food
The popular food truck will be back this year after missing last season. Owner Tiou Xayavong had kidney failure, but this year, he’s on dialysis and feeling stronger. He hopes to open for the season in mid-May and will be 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. Top sellers are pork jerky and fried chicken with papaya salad and sticky rice, Xayavong said. Drunken noodles also are popular. 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 its Facebook page.
Kota Cafe
Renee Standish is selling the food truck she opened in 2021, but you can still find her food at the lunch cafein the City Center at Seventh and Dakota during the week. She and her husband bought a bar and grill on Big Stone Lake last summer, so there’s no time for the food truck, she said.
Krazy Concessions
Willy and Yakelin Mateo are headed into their seventh season and will have a home base this year at 1901 W. 10th St. Customers also will be able to order online and pick it up there. Krazy Concessions also will be at events like Levitt at the Falls concerts and Fridays on the Plaza. During summer, it’s a regular for the Sunday soccer leagues at Yankton Trail Park. The menu features Guatemalan tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Krazy Concessions’ signature item is the beer cheese nachos. It’s available for public and private events. Get updates on Krazy’s Facebook page.
The Leaf Grill & Wokery
This Iowa-based favorite at Levitt at the Falls concerts won’t be back there this year. “Some evenings were good and some not so good,” co-owner Terri Johnk said. “Logistically and financially, it didn’t work out even though we were busier than anyone.” The truck, which features healthy wok-style cooking, is available though for other public and private events in the Sioux Falls area. If you want to make a drive to find The Leaf Grill, it will be in downtown Sioux City every Friday for lunch, Johnk said. Other frequent stops will be in Vermillion and in Sioux Center, Iowa. Find information on its Facebook page.
Let Me Be Frank
This tiny addition to the food truck scene made its debut last year in April but suspended operations in July. The hot dog cart is back this year, and owner Comet Kamalo Buum said he plans to focus on lunch service with a set schedule at various spots around the city. Tuesdays, he’ll be at the west-side Runnings; Wednesdays, Nyberg’s Ace at 12th and Kiwanis; Thursdays, east-side Runnings; and Fridays, Fridays on the Plaza, which start in May. He also will be part of the monthly Bike Nights at J&L Harley-Davidson. Let Me Be Frank’s menu features quarter-pound, all-beef hot dogs, including a Chicago dog, chili cheese, mac-and-cheese and the secret menu item: The Gutbuster, which has both chili and mac-and-cheese. He’s taking bookings for a few public and private events. Find contact info and any location changes on Let Me Be Frank’s Facebook page.
Let’s Go Frank
Added July 13: A Brandon-area couple has bought Fred’s Franks and renamed it Let’s Go Frank. Barry and Gena Bakken have taken over from Donna Cutrer and Mike Blewett, who started the business in 2021 after moving here from Florida. They upgraded to a trailer last year but decided to sell it this year. “We’ll continue doing the same things,” Barry Bakken said of the menu. That includes Chicago- and New York-style hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, Frito chili cheese dogs and ones with sauerkraut – using all-beef hot dogs. They expect to run Let’s Go Frank two or three days a week, focusing on selling food to workers at businesses in the Brandon area like Fred’s Franks had done. The business made its debut at the Brandon Farmers Market in mid-June. Let’s Go Frank is available for public and private bookings in the Sioux Falls area.
The Little Pink Cup
Tessa Anderson started her mobile drink business last summer, putting a bright pink coat of paint on a retro mini camper. She serves loaded lemonade, boba tea, smoothies, coffee and Lotus Energy drinks. The Little Pink Cup will be a regular at the Brandon Farmers Market and appears at a few rodeo events and county fairs in the area. It can be booked for public and private events. Find contact info and locations on The Little Pink Cup Facebook page.
LouBa’s Lunchwagon
Lori “LouBa” Kuyper started running a food truck more than 30 years ago in Minnesota and kept it going when she moved to Valley Springs three years ago. “I’m retirement age, and people keep asking me when I’m going to retire but I’m having too much fun,” she said. LouBa’s Lunchwagon will serve lunch and supper every Tuesday and Thursday starting in mid-May next to On the Rocks in Valley Springs. She serves at auctions and events in the area and is available for private events such as weddings, she said. Typical menu items include burgers, barbecues, patty melts, walking tacos, French fries, tots and cheese balls. Kuyper also makes fill-your-belly meals like roast beef with mashed potatoes and a vegetable, meatloaf and chicken breasts. Contact her through email at [email protected].
The Lunch Box
This longtime food truck typically runs Tuesday through Friday outside larger employers such as Sanford Health and YRC Freight. Owner Glen Drew crafts a menu that changes every week. Favorites include buffalo chicken, banh mi and chicken bacon ranch wraps, along with burgers, sandwiches, tacos and fries. Drew always makes a dessert too. Regular events include Levitt at the Falls concerts, Downtown Block Parties and Sioux Valley Cycle Club races on Saturdays. It’s available for public and private events. Find locations and the weekly menu on The Lunch Box’s Facebook page.
Maple Drip
Lennox-based Maple Drip started as a coffee trailer in 2021 and expanded into a drive-thru operation at Sixth and Main this past winter. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday and will switch to weekdays only during the summer, owner Jarren Saxon said. The coffee trailer is available for public and private events on the weekends. Reach Saxon through mapledrip.com. Maple Drip features house-roasted coffee drinks and smoothies, and made-from-scratch breakfast options, including breakfast burritos and sandwiches, French toast sticks and caramel rolls. Its signature item is an egg bake burrito that’s also stuffed with seasoned hash browns and cheese. Get updates on its Facebook page.
Marc O’s Festival Foods
This longtime staple at the Sioux Empire Fair is headed into its third season with a food truck that’s out every week. Frequent lunch spots will be Builder’s Millwork & Window on East 10th Street, Tractor Supply Co. on North Cliff Avenue and Tru Value in Madison. Owner Mark Moore said he’ll also be at public events like Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and more private events this year. The menu typically features Indian tacos, walking tacos, super nachos, footlong corn dogs, cheese curds and his Taco Blizzard, which is a taco in a cup. 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.
The Meat Wagon
The Meat Wagon will be back in Sioux Falls this year for the Sioux Empire Fair and other usual events like Riverboat Days in Yankton. Pat and Melissa Minihan have been running the business for over a decade. They still have a few openings 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 had to cut her season short last year after having a stroke in July, but she’s recovering and will be back on the circuit this year. She’ll set up both stands in Hartford for three weeks before she hits the road, just like she has since 2021. The year before that, she spent the entire summer working in town after so many events were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of her stands features corn dogs, funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The plan is to open April 27 in Hartford with hours of noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Find her pop-up carnival food court on Western Avenue between First and Second Streets. 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. Find updates on The Midway Cafe’s Facebook page.
Monica’s Menu
Monica’s Menu started in 2021, featuring Puerto Rican, Mexican and American cuisine. The owners couldn’t be reached to find out if it will be back this season. As of early April, they had not sought a mobile food vehicle license that would allow them to operate in Sioux Falls.
Monkey Business Treats
The traveling ice cream truck nicknamed “Clyde” has new owners. Kim and Harley Harms of Aurora bought Monkey Business Treats from Scott and Debbie Handberg of Ward. They plan to keep up the usual routes, which cover neighborhoods in 30 towns in South Dakota and Minnesota. The Harmses have family in the Sioux Falls area and envision expanding routes as far south as Beresford. The ice cream truck also can be booked for public and private events. Locations will be 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 desserts are dairy-free, gluten-free or tree nut-free.
Murph’s Burgers & Fries
Murphy Lundie returned to South Dakota in 2021 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 Burgers & Fries moved into its own restaurant last spring at 5312 E. Arrowhead Parkway, but the food truck continues to be another way for Lundie to share his burgers with people. Customers typically will find six burgers on the menu, all of which come with fries. Murph’s will be part of Madison’s Burger Brawl in May and its Downtown Madtown toward the end of summer. It’s also booked for some of the farmers market dates in Brandon and Hartford. To book public or private events call 605-274-6050 or 605-270-0308, or email [email protected]. Find locations on Murph’s Facebook page.
My Place Mobile Cafe
Maxine Montreal started My Place Mobile Cafe in 2014 and opened a restaurant a year ago in Montrose. My Place Montrose is in the small town’s historic bank building. Montreal continues to operate “Wilbur” the food truck for special events. “We have a variety of menu items depending upon the event,” Montreal said. “Breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, hot dishes, comfort food, soups and desserts. Our top sellers are biscuits and gravy, our naan bread breakfast sandwich with our own “Wilbur” sauce, burgers and homemade goulash.” Montreal keeps her Facebook page updated.
Nick’s Hamburger Shop
The legendary Brookings restaurant has sold its trailer, which drew crowds whenever it appeared in Sioux Falls with its small menu of single or double hamburgers. Nick’s stopped booking events in 2021 because of staffing issues.
The Night Owl
This new food truck, the former Chizlickers, will focus on breakfast comfort food. Owner Lacey Haagenstad bought the trailer from her brother-in-law. She’s planning an all-day breakfast menu with burritos, sandwiches, and biscuits and gravy. “I grew up in a cafe, so I’m going to do a lot of comfort food,” she said. One of her specialties is a griddle sandwich on fry bread with bacon, egg and jam. Haagenstad puts a spin on nachos and uses tater tots with breakfast-style toppings. She plans to be out in the evening Tuesdays through Saturdays and found a home base in the Food-N-Fuel parking lot on at Ninth and Kiwanis. In addition to the late-night bar crowd, she hopes to attract people headed into work on the late shift. The plan is to start operating in mid-May. Find updates on The Night Owl’s Facebook page.
Oh My Cupcakes
The longtime bakery added its Mobile Cupcake Experience last year. It takes bookings for public and private events, and has several on the schedule already. See the dates here. Each event features a variety of cupcake flavors. Last year, Lemon Drop beat out Pleasantville by a narrow margin, owner Melissa Johnson said. Get the details on various package options at ohmycupcakes.com.
Old Skool Jersey Rippers & Balls
Owner Francisco Gajardo said he’s taking a break from the food truck business this year. “We ran the numbers and took into consideration the increase in food cost, paper goods and many other products we utilize,” he said. “ Our sales projections do not meet the goals we want to reach in 2023. We do not want to raise our prices. Our gourmet street food is already priced higher than most, and we do not want to price ourselves out. Instead, we will use this time to focus on some things we have down the pike. We plan to be back in 2024 with a new trailer!” Gajardo started the business in 2020, featuring rippers, a New Jersey-style hot dog, and arancini, or fried rice balls, which originated in Sicily.
Ollies
The big red food truck from the owners of Backyard BBQ is headed into its fifth season. The menu features gourmet burgers, smoked wings, beef chislic, hot dogs, Stensland Family Farms cheese curds and fresh-cut fries. It’s available for public gatherings and private events. Custom menus can include the restaurant’s smoked meats.
Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn
Owners Jay and Marie MacDonald are in their seventh year of business, popping 5,000 pounds of popcorn every year. 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 AutoMania in Valley Springs on June 24. Find locations on the Facebook page. The MacDonalds pop fresh kettle corn for events at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. 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 10 trucks covering 16 states. 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 Food Truck
Pa & Sons – now down to Brian Rieger and one son David and daughter-in-law Randi – has entered its second season. The menu features burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, walking tacos and crinkle-cut fries with Pa’s special blend of seasoning. They have a kids menu with grilled cheese sandwiches and mini corn dogs. All three owners have full-time jobs, so most of their outings are in the evening or on the weekends. They have limited availability for public and private events, but reach out at [email protected]. Find locations on the truck’s Facebook page.
Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza
Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza started as a food truck in 2016 and expanded into a restaurant in 2019. Owners Lisa Esser and Steve Blumke continue to operate the trailer, using it to cater private events. Esser updates a calendar on Papa Woody’s website, so potential customers know which dates are open.
Polar Bites
Jessica and Matthew Rooney opened a year-round location for Polar Bites – formerly known at Sub Zero Desserts – in March at the 8th & Railroad Center downtown, but the seasonal stand will continue to operate. That opened in 2019 in a modified shipping container at 501 E. 41st St. Polar Bites features shaved ice, rolled ice cream, Dole Whips, other frozen treats and boba tea. The business can be booked to provide rolled ice cream and soft-serve ice cream at larger events. They also own Dakota Snow.
Rainy Day Coffee Co.
This retro coffee truck based in the ghost town of Moe southwest of Newton Hills State Park got its start in 2021. Owner Shania Rozeboom and “Lucille” can be found at events and small-town festivals throughout southeast South Dakota. She also does random pop-ups in places like Beresford and Sioux Falls. Rozeboom roasts the beans for her drinks, which include hot and cold offerings from straight coffee and lattes to frozos and floats. Rainy Day also serves smoothies, chai, cocoa, cider and tea. She offers her packaged beans in 11 roasts from light to dark with clever names like Workin’ Man, Apron Strings and 2 AM Diner. She also offers cold brew pouches and gift bundles. Rainy Day is available for public and private events. Find locations on Facebook or on Instagram at @rainydaycoffeeco.
Rick’s Smoked Meats
If you run across this barbecue stand with its wood-fired smoker, bring a big appetite. Rick Johnson will have it filled with meats, using a 75-year-old family recipe for his barbecue. The tagline on the back of this T-shirt reads “Bring Your Belly.” On his first outing of the year, on a snowy spring day in the parking lot Runnings on East 10th Street, he had ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked salmon, smoked chicken and smoked burgers, including his Monster Burger. That’s a ground beef patty with pulled pork, hot Italian sausage and coleslaw on a bun. Johnson said he’s old-fashioned and doesn’t use Facebook, so if you want to find where he might be, give him a call at 605-254-3317. He started the business last year, and it’s available for public and private events.
Rosis Tacos
The food truck parked outside La Carreta Bar at 2309 W. Madison St. should be open once the weather is nice. 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, carne asada, pork adobada and chorizo. Nuno’s signature item is a quesabirria taco. Hours likely will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, he said.
Rudy M. Navarrete’s Taco Bus & Tex-Mexican Catering
Rudy Navarrete will be back on the road this summer with his Taco Bus. Since closing his restaurant in 2020, he has kept busy operating as a pop-up restaurant, with regular dates at the VFW in Brandon and several cities in northwest Iowa. He’s on the schedule for 13 concerts at Levitt at the Falls and shows up by request at businesses, breweries and food truck gatherings. He’s also available for private events. The menu for the Taco Bus 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. 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 fifth year. Nasly Paredes owns the business with her husband, Erick. Customers again 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. Last year, with her new truck, she added fried chicken and fries to the menu. 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. Next month, events include the city’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on May 13 at Falls Park and Somos Uno on May 19 and Hayward Elementary. Once the Sunday soccer leagues start at Yankton Trail Park, that’s where you can find the truck. Sabores 502 can be booked for public and private events. Find location updates on the Sabores 502 Facebook page.
La Sabrosita
Added June 23: A new food truck is bringing “lots of flavor” from Mexico and Central American countries to Sioux Falls streets. Roxana Texta has started La Sabrosita with her friend Gladys Almendarez, whom she calls mom after Almendarez took her in as a teen-ager. The two women love to cook and plan to offer a different menu every time they’re out, Texta said. That will range from staples such as tacos and burritos to the Salvadoran specialty pan con pollo, which is stewed chicken served on a roll with veggies, and the traditional Mexican soup pozole. They’ll always serve Crazy Pineapple and Crazy Watermelon, which is cut fruit served with sour and salty Mexican candies, drizzled with chamoy sauce and sprinkled with the seasoning Tajin. Texta said the food truck doesn’t have a specific location where it will set up and instead will be found at sporting events and other gatherings. It can be booked for public events or catering by calling Texta at 605-937-3734.
Salas Salsas
The mother-daughter team that started selling their salsas and tamales three ago with a dream of having a food truck are entering their first full season on the road. Patricia Burbine and Marcella Salas will be based at Seaside Body Systems at 901 N. Helen Ave. for breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday beginning in May. Also find them Saturday mornings at the Falls Park Farmers Market beginning May 6 and Fridays on the Plaza in downtown Sioux Falls on the first and last Friday of every month beginning May 26. They’re on the schedule for five Levitt at the Falls concerts. Get updated locations and events on the Salas Salsas Facebook page. Their website has a form to request information on the food truck and catering services. They offer a rotating menu with tamales, tortas and tostadas. Desserts include sweet varieties of tamales and tostadas.
Schroeder’s Snak Shak
Alan and Eva Schroeder, who farm near Mitchell, have been operating their business for 19 years. They started with a tent, grew into a trailer and added a second trailer in 2021. Schroeder’s Snak Shak is booked nearly every day from June through August. It will make a couple of stops in Sioux Falls, including for the Nyberg’s Ace classic car show. Find it at festivals in Harrisburg, Hartford, Dell Rapids, Crooks and Colton. Schroeder’s signature item is lamb chislic. It’s also known for its hamburgers and tender steak bites, but it has a large menu that includes chicken strips, hot dogs, hand-dipped corn dogs, walking tacos, nachos and more. Fried dessert offerings include funnel cakes, Oreos, Twinkies and candy bars. Find locations on Facebook.
Scotty D’s BBQ
Huron-based Scotty D’s BBQ is celebrating its 20th year in business and has expanded, buying the former Boss Dogg Kitchen’s food truck. Owner Scott Deschepper said his oldest son, who lives in Pierre, will run the new truck most of the time. Scotty D’s makes a few appearances in the Sioux Falls area every year. It will be at Food Truck Mondays in Dell Rapids about five times this summer and in Sioux Falls a few times. Most of the pop-ups are in Huron, Mitchell, Yankton and Pierre, and Deschepper keeps busy catering for weddings, corporate events and other private gatherings. 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. This year, he’s adding mac-and-cheese bowls loaded with pulled pork or brisket.
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 three-time winner at the South Dakota Chislic Festival, which is held in Freeman. In addition to chislic that’s available by the half-pound or pound, they sell hamburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, all-beef hot dogs, chicken strips, walking tacos, nachos and fresh-cut fries. This year, they’ll be at Kings Liquor Mart at Cliff and Benson every Monday for lunch. Festivals near Sioux Falls include Hartford Jamboree Days and Colton County Days. Find locations on the Sheep Flockers Facebook page. It’s available for public and private events; call 605-530-0788 or 605-530-0790.
Shibi Tea
Friends Gabe Carlisle and Jesse Frederick, who share a love for the ancient Japanese dog breed Shiba Inu, are starting Shibi Tea this season. They bought the original Fat Kid Filly’s food truck two years ago, but Frederick had a stroke that winter, delaying plans to start last year. She’s recovering and ready to go, Carlisle said. They hope to be on the road in May with the truck, which has gone from black to bright green, and will serve traditional Taiwanese bubble tea and baked goods. “Our boba is going to be handmade, no packaged stuff,” he said of the drinks. Customers will be able to choose black or green tea, the type of milk, different flavorings and regular or popping boba. Frederick, who once had a side gig selling baked goods, plans to make cupcakes and edible cookie dough, and possibly cookies and cake pops. A special feature will be cheesecake cups with popping boba as a topping, Carlisle said. They plan to do pop-ups and will be available for public and private events. Find locations on Shibi Tea’s Facebook page or on Instagram at shibi_tea.
Sisouvanh Laos Cuisine
This new addition to the local food truck scene will feature traditional Lao recipes from owner Moukda Dara’s mom, Sisouvanh. “She’s such a great cook. … She’s one of those grandmas where people don’t leave my house without a plate of food.” Dara said he also enjoys to cook, and starting a food truck has been his dream for years. In addition to his signature egg rolls, the menu will feature Lao specialties like pork ribs, beef jerky, fried chicken – all with sticky rice – pho and ramen. He bought the former Watecha Bowl food truck and will have a grand opening April 29. He plans to be out six days a week. Dara said he’d like to find a permanent spot, but if he doesn’t, “I’ll just move around where the day takes me.” Sisouvanh Laos Cuisine also will be available for public and private events. Find locations on its Facebook page.
New food truck features egg rolls, traditional foods from Laos
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, standard offerings and a specialty option like mac-and-cheese or hot dish. Find the weekly toppings and contact info on their Facebook page.
The Smoked Culture Barbeque Kitchen
Ryan Gaede and Jess Jones started their food truck last summer, popping up frequently at Bin 201 and the Billion Auto parking lot at 41st and Minnesota. This year, they will focus on private events, Gaede said. They specialize in smoked meats, sandwich bars and taco bars. Connect with them at thesmokedculture.com. Update Aug. 11: The Smoked Culture has expanded into a brick-and-mortar space. Get the details here.
Soul Train
After 30 years of working in the restaurant industry, Barry “Chef B” Selland is starting his own business. Soul Train, which is in Curbside Delights’ former eye-catching trolley, will “elevate some crazy food,” Selland said. He’s planning to do ribs, other smoked meats, smash burgers, different kinds of grilled cheese, mac-and-cheese and collard greens. “I’m bringing a different style of food to Sioux Falls.” He’s on the schedule for several nights at Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction and plans to be downtown at places such as Bin 201 and Common Sense. His opening is tonight at the 420 party at Bigs Bar, and the menu offers a glimpse into what Chef B will bring: Irishman’s poutine, tacos, walking tacos, smash burgers, fried munchies and Bottom Feeder Fries — “everything I’ve got goes on the fries.” He plans to have a Facebook page set up soon so customers can find where Soul Train will be. It’s available for public and private events.
Southern Perfection BBQ
Added June 9: Chris Glover grew up in Georgia eating his grandfather’s barbecue and became “infatuated” with the cooking style after learning the fundamentals from his father-in-law. Chris and Joanna Glover moved to Sioux Falls six years ago and started Southern Perfection BBQ this summer. Among the menu items are Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs and smoked chicken. “We use our own homemade rub that all the meats are rubbed down with before we put them in on the smoker,” Glover said. “We don’t sauce it (ahead of time) because we don’t want to mask the smoke and meat flavor.” Customers can add one of three sauces: classic, sweet and smoky, and spicy. Or they can take Glover’s approach: “I like to mix the classic and the sweet and smoky.” Homemade sides include baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and the upcharge side of mac-and-cheese. “Our classic desserts available on a daily basis are Southern-style banana pudding and cream cheese pound cake,” Glover said. Customers will find Southern Perfection BBQ at various businesses and organizations throughout the city and at events. The Glovers also offer catering for private gatherings. Keep up to date on locations through Southern Perfection BBQ’s Facebook page or on Instagram @southernperfectionbbqllc.
Spudz ‘n Stuff
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. “I like cooking and meeting people,” she said of her reason for starting Spudz ‘n Stuff. Loaded baked potatoes are the star of the menu along with tots and waffle fries. She also sells hot dogs, chili dogs, walking tacos, nachos and pretzels for those who want something different. Spudz ‘n Stuff made its debut at an Easter egg hunt in Sioux Falls, and upcoming events include an auction, Brandon Lutheran Church’s food truck night May 3 and the Brandon Farmers Market on May 6. Willard is booked for several other farmers market dates, Celebration’s carnival in late May in Brandon and AutoMania on June 24 in Valley Springs. Willard said she’s looking for other public and private events this season. Find locations on the Spudz ‘n Stuff Facebook page.
From baked to fried, potatoes take center stage on new food truck
Squatch Wagon
This Viborg-based food truck with a clever sasquatch theme made an appearance in Sioux Falls last year for Bugapalooza at the Butterfly House & Aquarium. Owner Marlys Jensen got her start making Indian tacos for school and church fundraisers. They’re still available on the food truck – actually a converted RV – but only for events or gatherings with a guaranteed sales amount. Her typical menu is smoked pork sandwiches with Squatch Beans – chili with bacon, barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Squatch Wagon is available for public and private events; find locations and contact info on its Facebook page.
Stensland Family Farms
This family farm near Larchwood, Iowa, which opened a creamery in 2016, has an ice cream cart that can be rented for public and private events. It can be filled with ice cream cups and ice cream sandwiches. Stensland drops it off and picks it up and can provide staffing if needed.
Stone’s Famous Kettle Corn
Jeff and Tess Stone have moved to Lake City, Minnesota, taking Stone’s Farmous Kettle Corn with them.
Street Bite
The former Food Mama food truck at 11th and Cliff has a new life as Street Bite. It’s the creation of DJ Benthin and Savana Huntimer, who said their friends’ admiration for the pair’s cooking and baking skills and their encouragement to start a food truck led to Street Bite. They serve lunch and reopen for dinner Thursday through Saturday and might expand days as it gets warmer. Another addition will be “Nite Bites,” or late-night hours on weekend nights with smaller portions and cheaper prices. Street Bite’s signature dish is Street Chicken, a Thai-inspired curry chicken served with rice, cilantro and a slice of lime. Other recent offerings included pulled pork sandwiches with a blueberry barbecue sauce and a ginger pineapple slaw and roast beef paninis with cheese and sauteed onions and red peppers. For something sweet, they offer frozen hot cocoa and baked goods like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Find menu updates and changes in hours on the Street Bite Facebook page or on Instagram at @streetbite22. They have a website too.
Tacos de Gringo
Moving into its third 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. Specials include quesadillas, burgers and Sonoran hot dogs. His signature item is a quesabirria burrito, weighing almost 2 pounds, he said. It’s filled with birria, wrapped in fried cheese and topped with chipotle sauce, pico de gallo and cilantro. Meat options this year will include beef, birria brisket, chicken and pork belly. Events are posted on Facebook. Regular spots include Wednesdays at Tractor Supply Co. and some of the Food Truck Tuesdays at Golf Addiction. Breweries in the area are another popular location. Tacos de Gringo is available for private events and catering.
Taqueria Gonzalez
Added July 13: A Mexican food truck that opened in late June features several dishes that might be hard to find anywhere else in Sioux Falls. Ricardo Gonzalez, who grew up in the state of Zacatecas in central Mexico, has started Taqueria Gonzalez. It’s based in the parking lot of Food-N-Fuel at 100 N. Kiwanis Ave. and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Along with the usual tacos, burritos, quesadillas and quesabirria, Gonzalez makes mulitas and vampiritos, or “little vampires.” He also serves hamburgers topped with more meats and hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Taqueria Gonzalez is available for public and private events. Find updates on its Facebook page.
Mexican food truck features ‘vampire’ tacos, other specialties
Taqueria la Jarochita
This bright green food taco truck on 12th Street west of Interstate 29 is entering its third season. Emilio and Magnolia Gonzalez serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas and sopes with choices of steak, shredded beef, chicken, ground pork, beef tongue and cheek. Steak burritos are the most popular item, said Magaly, the couple’s daughter who serves as cashier. The family is from Veracruz, Mexico, and the recipes are her mother’s, Magaly said. Taqueria la Jarochita, or “the girl from Veracruz taco stand,” opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, closing at 9 p.m. every day except Wednesday when it shuts down at 4 p.m.
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, tortas, walking tacos and nachos. 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. 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. They’re busy on the weekends with events, festivals and private parties. Find locations on Facebook.
Taqueria Juanita
Juana Silva Cortez is back in her permanent spot for Taqueria Juanita in the Signarama parking lot at 1705 W. 12th St. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and lunch only on Sunday, when she features specials. She’s also signed up to do a few Food Truck Tuesday dates at Golf Addiction. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas and sopes. Birria is available on Saturdays, and she makes carnitas every other weekend. Tables are available for customers to eat on-site. It’s also available for public and private events. 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. It’s also available for public and private events.
Taqueria Suyapa
Taqueria Suyapa is based in the parking lot of Auto-Net, 46923 271st St. in Tea, 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. It typically opens in May, and hours are 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
Felichia Cottrell, who moved from New Orleans to South Dakota in 2017, started a food truck last year, serving recipes handed down through eight generations. She did not return messages to find out if she’ll be back this year.
Tasty Treats
The neighborhood-traveling ice cream truck makes it out once or twice a week, 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. This year, the Finks are making freeze-dried candy that they’ll add to the offerings. Locations will be posted on Facebook a day or two in advance, Fink said.
Taverns + Tots
This Midwestern-staple food truck is back for its second year with one of the two sisters who started it. Kelsey Cook has kept the same menu: tavern sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs loaded with tavern meat and cheese, tavern totchos and chicken nuggets. Typical locations include downtown breweries, The Bunker Bar in Harrisburg and Hy-Vee stores in Sioux Falls. Taverns + Tots will be at some dates for Food Truck Monday at Dells Auto and Food Truck Fridays at McCrossan Boy Ranch. Find locations on its website or Facebook page. Over the winter, Cook started to bottle and sell the truck’s Tavern Simmer Sauce at local grocery stores.
Thai Dakota
Meg Brauer, a native of Thailand, will be back for her second season with Thai Dakota. She and husband Jake had a baby in February, so she won’t open until June. Pad Thai and Thai red curry were the best-sellers last year, Brauer said. They’re adding a grill to the truck, so she plans to add Moo Ping – grilled pork on bamboo skewers – at some of the events. Regular spots are Thursdays at Ace Hardware in Harrisburg and Fridays at Dollar Fresh in Tea, serving from 4 to 8 p.m. both days. Brauer also signed up for some dates at the Brandon Farmers Market. Thai Dakota can be booked for public and private events. Find locations on Facebook.
Trixie’s Sweet Spot
Update July 6: The truck has been sold to an out-of-state operator. Chris DeCurtins is putting a lifetime in the restaurant and food service industry into his own business. He has started Trixie’s Sweet Spot, a bright pink food truck that serves everything from snacks and full meals to smoothies and frozen treats. “When events want a truck that can do it all, we can handle that,” he said. Nothing on the menu is fried, he said. The hot items are foods that people won’t have to wait around for – like jambalaya, chili and chili dogs. And the other benefit to that? “Chili tastes better when it has been simmering for a while.” Trixie’s will do pop-ups, and it’s available for lunches outside businesses or nonprofits, festivals and private events. Find locations on its Facebook page. If it’s a rainy day or customers are pressed for time, they can order online at TrixiesSweetSpot.com.
Tropical Sno Sioux Falls
This year, the shaved ice trailer won’t be in its usual spot at Suburban Lanes, so owners Shiloh and Leah Oorlog plan to book more public and private events. It also offers a tabletop version for smaller gatherings. Tropical Sno makes shaved ice treats in two dozen flavors and adds ice cream as an option. Find locations on Tropical Sno’s Facebook page and on Instagram at @TropicalSnoSF. The business also has a stand at Sioux Falls Canaries games.
Uncle JJ’s and Papa Jimmy’s Neighborhood Grill
The business started by J.J. Otruba and James “Jimmy” Madsen in 2019 has closed. Central Dakota Perk bought the food truck and trailer.
Wagoo Burger/Crawford’s Catering
Wagoo Burger, the burger joint inside Fernson Downtown, is adding a food truck this season that will have a second identity as a catering truck for Crawford’s. The hope is to be operating by May 1, said Tim Moots, who will manage the truck. It will serve a few burgers, a cheesesteak, chislic, cheese curds and fries, with everything cooked to order. Moots said all the meat is local and comes from OC Land & Cattle Co., another venture of the Ode brothers, who own the restaurants. It will do pop-ups in Brandon, where it will be based, and in Sioux Falls, festivals, events at businesses and organizations, and private gatherings. Locations will be posted on Wagoo’s Facebook page. For the Crawford’s side of the food truck, he envisions providing late-night bites at weddings.
Watecha Bowl
The food truck is gone this year — it’s the new home of Sisouvahn’s Egg Rolls — but fans can still find Indian tacos, buffalo burgers and more at the restaurant at 2305 W. Madison St., which expanded earlier this year to include a dining room.
Windy City Bites
DaShawn and Samantha Lewis opened a restaurant in February at 114 N. Indiana Ave., but they’re planning to keep the food truck going in a limited capacity. They’ll be at a few larger events this summer, and it’s available for private events. Windy City Bites started in 2020, featuring favorites from their hometown of Chicago like Chicago-style hot dogs, polish sausage and Italian beef sandwiches. It also features jerk chicken and other Caribbean recipes from DaShawn’s Jamaican roots. Find contact info and updates on the Windy City Bites Facebook page or Instagram at @windycitybitesllc.
Food truck events
Several businesses and organizations are organizing events, most of which will bring together several food trucks for lunch or dinner. These are open to the public. Here’s what we were able to find:
Food Truck Monday at Dells Auto: The dealership in Dell Rapids is back for a third year hosting food trucks every Monday night, except for holidays. Three trucks are there every week, serving from 5 until 7:30 p.m. or the food runs out. Check the Facebook page to see who’s coming. The events start May 1 and will go later this year, through Oct. 16.
Food Truck Tuesday at Golf Addiction: This longtime gathering runs every week from May 9 through Sept. 12. The business at 57th and Marion Road hosts a half-dozen food trucks on a rotating basis from 5 to 9 p.m. There’s live music, and Golf Addiction sells beer, with Fernson Brewing Co. as the local brewery pick.
Bike Nights at Red Rock Bar & Grill: The bar near Rowena invites a food truck every Wednesday night from May 17 through Sept. 6. Food and live music are available from 6 to 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Fridays on the Plaza: Dakota News Now invites food trucks and a musician every Friday from May 26 through Sept. 1. The gathering is outside the downtown studio along First Avenue at 12th Street. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. See the initial lineup at dakotanewsnow.com.
Food Truck Friday at McCrossan Boys Ranch: If you’re on the northwest side of Sioux Falls, this organization that serves at-risk youths hosts a food truck for lunch every Friday, starting May 19. While you’re there, tour the Visitor Center Museum, check out the gift shop and take a walk along the McCrossan Nature Trail. The ranch is just north of Interstate 90 along Marion Road.
Food Truck Fridays: First Bank & Trust at Dawley Farm Village hosts a truck every Friday, from June 1 through Aug 25. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Brandon Farmers Market: The market will host up to three food trucks every Saturday from May 6 through Oct. 28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and it’s located at 915 N. Splitrock Blvd.
J&L Harley-Davidson: The motorcycle dealership on 60th Street North typically hosts a food truck on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and whenever there’s a special event. Monthly Bike Nights also feature a couple of trucks and live music. Those run from 6 to 9 p.m. April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29.
Levitt at the Falls: The free concerts at the outdoor venue at Falls Park West will feature two or three food trucks at each event. The first concert is June 2, and the final one is Sept. 9. For the schedule, visit levitt sioux falls.org.
Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank: The monthly event organized by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. features several food trucks, beer, live music, vendors and yard games for the kids. The parties are on the first Friday of the month from June through August in the parking lot of 8th & Railroad Center. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m.
Food Truck Wednesdays in Brandon: Brandon Lutheran Church is hosting two events this year: May 3 and Sept. 6. The community event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the east parking lot. The May lineup includes Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet Mac & Cheeze, FadeAways, Fat Kid Filly’s, Gold Star Kettle Corn, The Little Pink Cup, Marc O’s Festival Foods, Murph’s Burgers & Fries, Spudz ‘n Stuff and Tacos de Gringo.
