Three Orillia area food trucks each offer something unique for those looking for outdoor, casual dining.
And all three have something in common, sourcing potatoes for fresh-cut fries from Fer-Mar Farms Lafontaine Potatoes.
NOT JUST DOGS!
The unique item at Not Just Dogs!, at 595 West. St. S. beside Trombly's Tackle Box, is the breaded and deep-fried pickles.
An order has five pickle spears with ranch dip. They have a mild taste, not too vinegary, and the breading is crunchy and tasty.
"This year has been pretty good so far. It seems like people are recognizing food trucks a little bit more," said owner Chris Stewart.
Stewart has operated the food truck for eight years and may be the longest-serving food truck operation in town.
"I love doing this. You meet people from all walks of life. Everyone is happy coming to get food," he said.
The top three ordered items are:
- Poutine - $12
- Hamburgers - $9 or $16 for a combo with fries and a pop.
- Fried pickles - $9
Prices include taxes.
Regular customer Sherry MacDonald, of Orillia, said her favourite item on the menu is steak on a bun ($13).
"It's awesome. The fries are awesome too," she said.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday; closed Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m,. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 705-238-2121 or find them on Facebook.
GRUB SPOT
The signature item for the Grub Spot food truck, located at 321 Atherley Rd. by the The Bayview Inn, is the fresh burgers and chicken tacos.
“We make our own beef patties every morning. We do up a batch of chicken every day. We make our own sauces and coleslaw and fresh cut fries,” said Rob Patel, owner. "We were the first ones to do smash burgers in Orillia."
The black food truck is celebrating its second anniversary at the end of June. The trailer has been moved so that it faces Athlerley Road now, making it more visible.
The top three selling items are:
- Smash burger $12 or $15.75 for combo with fries and a pop
- Fried chicken tacos (two) for $12
- Big Boy burger $15.
Prices do not include tax.
For vegetarians, they offer veggie samosas and sweet potato fries tossed in Parmesan cheese and served with spicy mayo.
"We try to have a variety of options and a variety of prices. We have jumbo hot dogs for $4 or two for $6," he said.
New this season is a partnership with Skip the Dishes.
Hours of operation are: Monday and Tuesday, closed. Wednesday through Sunday 11 to 8 p.m.
For more information call 437-855-6057 or visit them on Instagram.
JOHNSTON'S FRY SHACK
The newest food truck in the Orillia area is Johnston's Fry Shack, which opened May 17 at 1937 Horseshoe Valley Rd. E. at Price's Corner.
"The welcoming and support from the community has been overwhelming," said owner Sandy Stewart (no relation to Chris Stewart).
"We had return customers the first week. It's fantastic," she added.
The food truck offers hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, poutine, sausage, onion rings. And there is also an ice cream shop as part of the business, serving Chapman's ice cream.
It's unique food item is the elk burger, now being offered on a trial basis. The other unique feature of the food truck is the set up. They offer a large seating area with music, lights and a games area on re-purposed artificial turf with lots of flowering planters, plus porta-potties and a hand washing station.
"It’s the experience we are trying to create here. We don’t just want to be a chip truck. We want to have the Johnston’s experience so everyone can come and have a great time,” Stewart said.
Sean Muldowney, of Sudbury, stopped at Johnston's Fry Shack and ordered fries.
"The fries are crispy. I'm gobbling them up. I like the thick cut," he said.
The top three sellers are:
- Poutine - $9
- Hamburgers - $7.50 or $14 for a combo with fries and a drink
- Johnston's Foot Long - $8
Prices do not include tax.
Hours are: Monday and Tuesday, closed. Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They will be open on Canada Day.
For more information, call 705-408-1076 or email: [email protected] or find them on Instagram.
