URGENT UPDATE: The beloved food truck, The Rambler, has officially ceased operations as of October 30, 2023, marking the end of an era for food lovers in the Twin Ports. After more than a decade of serving iconic dishes like mahi mahi tacos and bacon-wrapped slaw dogs, owner Jonathan Reznick bid farewell during a special event at The Tasting Room, located at 313 N. Central Ave.
The closure of The Rambler comes after a successful final season, and it signals a significant shift for Reznick’s culinary ventures. Midcoast Catering, established in 2017, has increasingly become the focus of the business, accounting for approximately 70% of total sales. The food truck contributed about 15%, while the event space generated around 10% of revenue.
Kelsey Auran, kitchen manager, expressed mixed emotions about the closure: “It’s a lot of fun to be on the food truck, but it does require a lot of labor.” The decision to retire The Rambler was influenced by two key factors: a desire to concentrate on special events and the growing saturation of food trucks in the region.
Throughout its tenure, The Rambler became a staple at major local events, including those hosted at Bayfront Festival Park and popular breweries like Bent Paddle and Earth Rider. Auran reminisced about her first major event with The Rambler in 2018, saying, “We got rocked. And it was a blast.”
As the winter season approaches, Midcoast Catering plans to pivot toward hosting more private and public tasting events, featuring customizable menus for various occasions. “People are very eager to customize these menus for their specific events,” Auran noted, emphasizing the company’s commitment to creativity and flexibility.
The fate of The Rambler itself remains uncertain, with Reznick and his team deliberating whether to sell the food truck or retain it for future culinary endeavors. Auran remarked, “It’s just wonderful seeing what else has evolved in the food truck scene in Duluth; we feel as though it’s in good hands.”
As the Twin Ports bids farewell to this iconic food truck, the community reflects on its impact over the years while looking forward to new culinary experiences from Midcoast Catering. The transition underscores a growing trend in the local food scene, where established businesses adapt to changing demands and preferences.
Stay tuned for more updates as Midcoast Catering continues to evolve, bringing delicious offerings to the Northland region.
