People in Ontario are obsessing over the burgers at this new food truck
Toronto residents tend to fall into the trap of fancying ourselves the centre of the culinary world in Ontario (and that's not entirely without reason), but one new food truck has people trekking outside of the city for their larger-than-life bites.
Quickly after launching in May of 2024, customers began referring to Andrew and Tara Schroeder's food truck, Mason Jar Food Co. as a 'classy food truck' and, while they hadn't specifically set out to create that, they admit that it does perfectly describe the business.
Located in Haliburton County, the food truck, which serves up elevated takes on food truck staples, is the culmination of years of experience in the hospitality industry, both together and individually, for husband-and-wife team Tara and Andrew, who tell me they had dreamt of creating their own culinary venture long before opening the truck.
"In our travels, we would often point out how well a food truck could do at the location we are currently at," Tara tells me. "We noticed there were no 'fast food' options in the area that would cater well to travellers passing by."
So, they approached the owners of the food truck that formerly existed where Mason Jar does now and made an offer.
"Everything happened so quickly, and we acquired the food truck in February 2024," she says. Just a few months later, Mason Jar Food Co. opened its doors. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
At the truck, which resides in Carnarvon, a short trip north on Highway 35 from Minden, Tara and Andrew serve up an expansive selection of road trip comfort foods that are almost too good-looking to eat in your car.
Classics like poutine, sweet potato fries, hot dogs and smash burgers are met with creative twists, to the tune of buffalo and blue cheese poutine, loaded bowls, gourmet sandwiches like their own take on a chicken Big Mac and heaping milkshakes.
Their most popular menu is the Minden Mac Smash Burger, Tara tells me, which almost instantly became a fan favourite. While it may be inspired by the McDonald's Big Mac, it's certainly more impressive, with two quarter lb. smash patties packed in with bacon, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce and their secret jar sauce.
The name comes from their mason jar desserts, where decadent treats like strawberry and chocolate caramel cheesecake are loaded into the conveniently portable container.
In the year since opening, Tara tells me that she's been astounded by the immediate praise they received. Within weeks of opening, folks were flocking from all over southern Ontario to experience Mason Jar Food Co. for themselves.
"We quickly realized we were a spot that a lot of people were talking about; and in small towns, word travels fast," Tara says.
"We often talk to customers who drive far distances, just to eat our food. We have been fortunate to build a large, returning customer base in our first year of business."
Despite the spoils of striking gold with their business, Tara notes that the experience of running the food truck has come along with plenty of bumps in the road, especially when tourist business slows down during the winter months.
"We are located in the heart of cottage country, and so local businesses rely on the influx of travellers during the spring, summer and fall months," and, though the truck is winterized, there just aren't as many people on the road once snow starts to fall.
And yet, Mason Jar Food Co. is officially gearing up for yet another season supplying locals and visitors alike with everything from soft-serve to salads, and their devoted fans could not be happier about it.
The next time you find yourself in Carnarvon, you can check out Mason Jar Food Co. at the corner of highways 35 and 118.
Mason Jar Food Co.
