Unique Food Trucks: Serving Up Nostalgia and Deliciousness from Vintage Vehicles
discover four popular food trucks in the area, redefining the traditional outdoor dining experience
Food trucks in the Chippewa Valley are more than just mobile kitchens; they're rolling pieces of history, each with a unique story to tell. From a repurposed 1965 Layton camper serving specialty coffee to a vintage trolley dishing out nostalgic treats, here are four food trucks that offer a unique dining experience that combines culinary delights with a touch of nostalgia.
Bearfish Brew isn’t just a mobile coffee trailer — it’s a labor of love, family, and the spirit of reinvention. The heart of Bearfish Brew is a 1965 Layton cabover camping trailer, Gina Dyess, owner and operator, personally gutted and transformed to the mobile coffee shop that it is today. By April 2024, Bearfish Brew was at its very first event, serving coffee and joy out of the beloved vintage trailer.
Customers can enjoy Bearfish specialty drinks, including ‘The Bearfish,’ a caramel vanilla latte with sweet cream cold foam or steamed milk, with or without caffeine. The trailer will be at upcoming events in the Midwest, including Frequency One Festival, Blue Ox Music Festival, String Cheese Incident, Blues and Brews, and Durand’s Music in the Park. Follow along with the upcoming brews and events through the trailer’s Facebook (@BearFishBrew).
The Tasty Trolley, a beloved fixture in the local food scene, has undergone a significant transformation over the past year under the dynamic leadership of its new owners, Carmen Bah and Adam Potapenko. The duo has breathed new life into the business, while cherishing the nostalgic customer experience and menu offerings. The trolley itself, originally sourced from a campground in South Dakota, includes a working bell that is rung to announce its arrival at events.
Since the transfer of ownership in 2023, the Tasty Trolley has continued to serve its famous pulled pork super nachos, walking tacos, and other treats. The newly featured lemonade slushies have become a fan favorite for all-ages. Find the Tasty Trolley at Chippewa Valley events, by visiting their Facebook page (@TastyTrolleyFoodTruck).
Fire Truck Pizza, operating since 2013, has continued to serve award-winning pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens out of vintage, repurposed fire trucks. Owners Bill and Tess invite consumers to step into a unique culinary experience, complete with the sights and siren sounds of a vintage fire truck, for guests of all ages to enjoy and revel in the sentimentalism.
Their two operating trucks — currently calling Eau Claire their home base — are fully equipped with wood-fired ovens, ready to cater delicious pizzas for your special day or event.
For more information on upcoming events, or how to book their catering services, visit their website www.firetruckpizza.com or social media platforms (@FireTruckPizzaWI).
SmokeStream combines individualist menu items with a classic intrigue; a food truck adored by Chippewa Valley residents and a recurring favorite at the annual Food Truck Friday events. Mark Schuh's renovated 1971 Airstream — with its built-in smoker and charbroiler — serves up delicious barbecue and comfort food.
Inspired by urban eateries, small-town kitchens, and mom's home cooking, the menu features music-inspired items like the Macklemore Mac'n Cheese and the Snoop Dog.
The food truck, which first launched in 2018, honors the enduring appeal of both its vehicle and classic menu items with the phrase "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” Stay up-to-date with SmokeStream’s event schedule, online through Facebook (@SmokeStreamFoodTruck).
