Google says this King and Parkdale fry truck is closed permanently. But Choobee’s is alive and cooking
If you're hunting online for a burger and fries in Hamilton's Glenview West neighbourhood, you may be a tad confused about the status of the fry truck at the corner of King Street East and Parkdale Avenue South.
There's a website, a Skip The Dishes profile and some five-star reviews for the Avondale convenience store parking lot chip wagon. But, Google says, Sam's Fresh Cut Fries is no more.
They're closed, they're closed, they're closed," says Choobee's Fresh Cut Fries owner Nan Keochanh.
Sam's is listed as permanently closed" for good reason - Keochanh took over in January and has been running Choobee's there ever since.
The active website and Google prominence of the previous business is the biggest confusion" for customers, Keochanh says. I get random people coming by that say Oh you're open, but on the website it says you're closed.'"
Folks are still used to Sam's menu and order items that Keochanh doesn't make. He says he's expecting that for at least the first year."
There are several of these stationary fry trucks spread across the city. Some, like Choobee's, are very active. Others, not so much.
Here are a few to try:
Choobee's Fresh Cut Fries
Where is it? 2327 King St. E. in the Avondale parking lot.
When is it open? 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.
What's on the menu? Keochanh is excited about his smash burger" and thinks customers will appreciate the quality, but the thing you won't find at any other food truck are his cheeseburger spring rolls. Don't knock it until you try it."
How much is the food? A burger is $5 and small fries are $3.35. Ten golden mushrooms (battered, deep-fried mushrooms with ranch sauce) are $5.
A six-piece fish and chips combo is $25.
Gageview Fries
Where is it? The big yellow fry truck shares a parking lot with Gageview Carwash at 900 Main St. E.
When is it open? 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.
What's on the menu? Deep-fried pickles or pogos are possible. Or try the torpedo shrimp.
How much is the food? Get a hotdog or hamburger for $3.99, small fries for $3.29.
Six-piece fish and chips and family fries is $21.99.
There's an ATM nearby.
May's Fresh Cut Fries
Where is it? Beside the No Frills at 770 Upper James St. at Mohawk Road West.
When is it open? 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.
What's on the menu? Calamari rings are available and vegetarian spring rolls.
How much is the food? Get a hotdog or hamburger for $3.99, small fries for $3.29.
Six-piece fish and chips and family fries is $21.99.
Debbie's Fish And Chips
Where is it? The Beer Store parking lot at the corner of Barton Street East and Elgin Street.
When is it open? 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday.
What's on the menu? Chicken wings, a chicken club sandwich, clam strips and 20-piece shrimp.
How much is the food? Diners can get a hotdog for $3.40, a hamburger for 3.75, small fries for $2.00, fish on a bun for $4.75.
Family fish and chips is $22. Taxes are included. Cash only.
Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com