After 3 years, it's the end of the road for Maine waffle truck
File photo / Tim Greenway
Roux Kehoe ran the Pink Waffle food truck as a one-person operation for three years.
After three years in business, the Pink Waffle Food Truck is no more, the owner announced on social media.
"It is with a heavy heart and an excited view of the future that I am announcing the closing of the Pink Waffle food truck," Roux Kehoe posted. “A lot of you know TPW is a solo run operation with a stunning selection of humans who like to help me out. The time has come for me to move on from this project and focus on something new."
The business is a member of Fork Food Lab, a shared commercial kitchen and food-business incubator based in South Portland.
"It’s been a real pleasure getting to share my artistry with y’all!," Kehoe continued. "I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing people and have made so many incredible connections during this time!! TPW is something I worked very hard to build and the success I’ve had since is something I am so grateful for. Thank you all for the support over the years."
During the Pink Waffle food truck's first weekend of business, in May 2021, Kehoe made stops outside a Portland brewery and a Scarborough fitness studio, serving about 70 customers for a whirlwind start.
"The weekend was a huge success,” the restaurant-industry veteran told Mainebiz at that time. “I sold out about an hour earlier than expected at the brewery … and got great feedback about the waffles.”
The vehicle is a former Fryeburg Fair concession vehicle Kehoe bought secondhand for around $30,000. Kehoe then molded it into a wheeled waffle business on a mission to “stop hunger at the sidewalk.”
“I have always been a big fan of waffles, and I like the freedom that a mobile food establishment allows you,” Kehoe told Maine in 2021. The idea for business was inspired in part by Kehoe's trip to Belgium — a country known for its waffles — during a backpacking European honeymoon.
'Waffle-shaped hole'
The Pink Waffle had an ever-changing menu with unusual items, from a cornbread waffle to the Monte Christo waffle sandwich featuring ham, turkey and Swiss cheese.
In May, the truck made an appearance at a South Portland fundraiser for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, which is based at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Fans have been digesting news of the closure with messages of support and appreciation on social media.
"There will be a waffle-shaped hole in Maine," posted one Instagram follower.
"We're so glad we could work with you on our wedding waffle cake," wrote another. "You will be sorely missed!"
Offering its own congratulations, Fork Food Lab said it "can't wait to see what you do next. We'll miss you!"
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