URGENT UPDATE: The Rambler, a beloved food truck in the Twin Ports, has officially closed its doors for good as of October 30, 2023. After more than a decade of serving up fan-favorite dishes like mahi mahi tacos and bacon-wrapped slaw dogs, the truck’s final season culminated in a farewell event at The Tasting Room in Duluth.
Owner Jonathan Reznick declared The Rambler “his baby,” marking the end of an era that began over 12 years ago. The food truck was among the pioneers of the Northland mobile food scene and became a staple at local events, including concerts at Bayfront Festival Park and corporate gatherings at major companies like Cirrus.
The closure comes as Midcoast Catering, which Reznick founded in 2017, shifts its focus more toward catering services that currently account for about 70% of their sales. The Rambler contributed 15%, while The Tasting Room made up 10%.
Kelsey Auran, kitchen manager, expressed mixed emotions, recalling her first big event with The Rambler in 2018 during a Trampled By Turtles concert. “We got rocked. It was a blast,” she said. However, she acknowledged the challenges of operating a food truck, noting, “It does require a lot of labor.”
As the food truck scene in Duluth continues to grow, Auran remains optimistic about the future. “It’s wonderful seeing what else has evolved… we feel as though it’s in good hands,” she stated. The decision to retire The Rambler was influenced by the increasing saturation of food trucks in the area and the desire to focus on special events.
The fate of the food truck itself remains uncertain; Reznick and his team are deliberating whether to sell it to an aspiring entrepreneur or retain it for private use. The team assures that all staff members will continue to have hours, as they are cross-trained in various roles.
This significant transition marks a substantial moment for food lovers in the Twin Ports, as The Rambler has contributed to the community’s culinary landscape for over a decade. The focus will now turn to enhancing Midcoast Catering’s offerings, including private tasting events and customized menus for special occasions.
Stay tuned for updates on Midcoast Catering’s future and the evolving food scene in Duluth. The departure of The Rambler not only closes a chapter for Reznick and his team but also leaves a lasting legacy in the region’s food culture.
