The Rambler Food Truck Closes After 12 Years in Duluth

URGENT UPDATE: The beloved food truck, The Rambler, has officially rolled to a stop, concluding its final season on October 30, 2023. After over 12 years of serving the Twin Ports community, this cherished mobile eatery is bidding farewell, marking the end of an era for food lovers in Duluth.

Owner Jonathan Reznick describes The Rambler as “his baby,” having launched the truck in 2012 and quickly becoming a staple in the Northland food scene. Known for its delicious offerings like mahi mahi tacos and bacon-wrapped slaw dogs, The Rambler has been a fixture at local events and corporate gatherings, including venues such as Bayfront Festival Park and Cedar Lounge.

A farewell celebration held at The Tasting Room on Thursday night drew a crowd eager to honor the truck’s legacy. The Tasting Room, located at 313 N. Central Ave., has become a hub for private events, offering a capacity for 42 guests since its opening last fall. As catering services accounted for 70% of Midcoast’s business, the focus will now shift entirely to special events and private tastings, according to kitchen manager Kelsey Auran.

“We are excited to customize menus for specific events, and we love the challenge,” Auran stated. “Nothing is too silly or too goofy. We’re happy to make it happen.”

Midcoast Catering’s decision to retire The Rambler was influenced by two key factors: a desire to concentrate more on special events and the increasing saturation of food trucks in the Twin Ports area. “We feel as though the food truck scene is in good hands,” Auran remarked.

The closing of The Rambler will lead to a new focus on corporate catering services. Auran reassured staff that, “All of our staff is pretty much cross-trained. There’s not going to be a shortage of hours for anybody.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Auran fondly recalled her first major event with The Rambler—a memorable concert in 2018 that brought both excitement and exhaustion. “It was very hot and tiring, but looking back, it’s a great memory,” she said.

Despite the end of the food truck’s journey, its future remains uncertain. The company is weighing the possibility of either selling The Rambler to an aspiring entrepreneur or keeping it for potential future uses.

As the Twin Ports community says goodbye to The Rambler, they cherish the memories it created and look forward to the next chapter for Midcoast Catering and its expanded catering services. Stay tuned for updates on what’s next for this beloved culinary establishment.