What’s not to love about a food truck? From the fun of getting something out of the ordinary to the fast, made-to-order food, it’s no wonder they’re skyrocketing in popularity. Want to try what the Ohio Valley has to offer? Here is a run-down of some of the local food trucks and where to learn more about them.
The Wood Fired Pizza Company
Operated out of Belmont, Ohio, the Wood Fired Pizza Company was recently nominated in the Best Food Truck category of the 2022 Best of the Ohio Valley Reader’s Choice Awards. They also happened to be nominated in the Best Pizza category, too, and for good reason. Pizza lovers all over the valley flock to locations where the Wood Fired Pizza Company is parked to enjoy their unique and flavorful pies. Customers can choose from regular menu items like Pizza Margherita, the Carmine, and the Bianco, or enjoy whatever specialty pizza happens to be on the menu that day. Follow the Wood Fire Pizza Company on Facebook to find out where they’ll be next.
Southpaw Eatz
Southpaw Eatz recently found a permanent home at 1128 National Road in Wheeling. Customers can enjoy traditional lunch and snack foods like burgers, chicken tenders, a variety of fries and nachos, sandwiches like Philly cheesesteak and pulled pork, and hotdogs and quesadillas. While the truck will frequently be serving out of the new permanent location, Southpaw Eatz will still be at some local festivals and events. Follow on Facebook for the most up-to-date list of upcoming locations.
Mason Dixon BBQ
BBQ fans can get their fix in Marshall County and beyond. Owned and operated by U.S. Army veteran Patrick Fischer, Mason Dixon BBQ has a brick-and-mortar location at 115 N. Lafayette Avenue in Moundsville in addition to their food truck that travels the area. The menu includes some appetizer selections in addition to an array of smoked beef, pork, and chicken. Mason Dixon BBQ is even available to cater special events and weddings. Check out their website for more information.
So Nuts for Donuts
Got a sweet tooth? There’s a food truck for you, too. So Nuts for Donuts is a popular food truck that travels around the valley to provide fresh-made donuts created by an on-board robot chef. So Nuts for Donuts can be booked for private events or can be found at many of the festivals and events around town. Check out the location calendar on their website to find out where you can find them next.
Avenue Eats
Fans of the beloved former eatery can still get their “Ave” fix at their food truck on the property of Nicky’s Garden Center, open Fridays and Saturdays from late Spring through early Fall. Guests can enjoy one of Avenue Eats’ award-winning burgers, including meatless options, or one of the famous cupcakes made fresh daily at Whisk. Orders can be taken to go, or guests can choose to stay and eat at one of the many outdoor tables. Follow Avenue Eats on Facebook to watch for any weekend specials.
Ideal Provisions
On most weekends, you can find Ideal Provisions at a festival or event around the Ohio Valley. The truck sells a variety of snacks like burgers and fries, Italian sausage, and even pierogies and loaded tater tots. Watch out for occasional specials announced on the Ideal Provisions Facebook page. The truck can also be booked for private events and offers a full catering menu with lots of options for an easy and tasty occasion.
De Adi Hibachi
If you love Japanese hibachi food but are short on time, De Adi Hibachi is for you. The truck is typically parked on National Road near CVS and is open several days a week for a fast, affordable, and convenient alternative to restaurant hibachi. But don’t worry, you won’t be sacrificing quality. De Adi’s chefs are trained hibachi chefs and have worked at some of your favorite local restaurants. Follow the De Adi Hibachi Facebook page to find out the hours for the truck each week or to place pre-orders.
Desperado Dogs
Sometimes all you need is a good old-fashioned hot dog. You can get that and more at Desperado Dog. The Ohio-based truck offers traditional favorites like chili dogs and kraut dogs as well as loaded-up options like their Cowboy dog and Ohio dog. Check Desperado Dogs out on Facebook to find out what festival or event they’ll be at next.
Gypsy Lace Café
Food trucks aren’t just for lunch and dinner. Gypsy Lace Café has your morning coffee and pastry fix or a late-day sweet treat. This food truck specializes in fair-trade coffee and teas, as well as vegan-friendly and allergy-sensitive foods. Gypsy Lace Café can be booked for special events and recently expanded its services to offer custom cakes and cookies for special occasions. Follow along on Facebook to find out where Gypsy Lace Café will be next or to place a custom order.
Sweet N Salty
One of the newest food vendors on the streets is Sweet N Salty, a mobile kettle corn company based in Wheeling. Owners Kristen and April are nurses who became best friends and decided to go into business together! This duo travels to local events to offer fresh kettle corn at festivals, private parties, and community events. If you look closely at their logo, you’ll see that their furry friends are an important part of their lives – between the two of them, they have six pups! Follow Sweet N Salty on Facebook to learn more.
Visit Many of These Food Trucks in One Place!
You can check out some of these vendors and more at Oglebay’s Fall Food Truck Festival this Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Trucks will be parked in the area of Levenson Shelter, along with live music and kid-friendly activities. Stick around for the fireworks display at 9 p.m. at Schenk Lake.
Is there a local food truck we missed? Send an email to be added to our list!
• Wheeling native Jennifer Materkoski is a graduate of West Liberty University and Kent State University, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications. Before beginning her current role as director of communications and employee engagement for a global business process outsourcing firm, Jennifer worked in local media and non-profit communications. She is a current board member of Generation Wheeling, also chairing the organization’s Work Committee. She lives in Wheeling with her husband, Rich, and her three children: Mason, Mercer and Miller.