UPDATE: The beloved food truck, The Rambler, has officially ceased operations as of October 30, 2023, marking the end of a memorable 12-year journey in the Twin Ports. The closure was celebrated with a farewell event at The Tasting Room, a venue owned by Midcoast Catering, where owner Jonathan Reznick expressed deep emotion for what he called “his baby.”
The Rambler, known for its fan-favorite dishes like mahi mahi tacos and bacon-wrapped slaw dogs, has played a significant role in Duluth’s food truck scene since it launched in 2012. The truck accounted for approximately 15% of the business, while catering services now represent about 70% of sales. The closure comes as the local food truck market has become increasingly saturated, prompting the company to refocus on special event catering.
The farewell celebration at The Tasting Room, located at 313 N. Central Ave., drew a crowd eager to reminisce about their favorite meals from The Rambler. The venue, which opened last fall, has hosted numerous events, including weddings and corporate functions. Kelsey Auran, kitchen manager at Midcoast Catering, noted that the winter months will shift the focus to private tasting events, including wine and beer pairings.
“The transition allows us to concentrate on creating customized menus for special events,” Auran stated. “We love the challenge of making unique experiences for our clients.”
The Rambler has made appearances at notable locations such as Bayfront Festival Park and corporate parking lots, including those of local health care systems and Cirrus. Auran expressed confidence that the staff, cross-trained across all services, will continue to receive ample hours and opportunities despite the truck’s retirement.
With the food truck now retired, the fate of The Rambler itself remains uncertain. The company is weighing options between selling the truck to a new entrepreneur or retaining it for private events. Auran reflected fondly on her experiences with The Rambler, particularly recalling her first major event in 2018 at a Trampled By Turtles concert.
“Working that event was exhausting but exhilarating, and we managed to pull it off,” she reminisced. “Those memories are what we will cherish as we move forward.”
As the local food truck landscape continues to evolve, Auran expressed optimism about the future of food trucks in Duluth, indicating that the community is in good hands.
What’s Next: Midcoast Catering is poised to expand its corporate catering services, capitalizing on established partnerships while continuing to innovate in the private events sector. The focus on creating memorable dining experiences remains at the forefront of their mission.
Stay tuned for further updates on the future of Midcoast Catering and potential events at The Tasting Room.
