Smoke Wring aroma attracting Food Cart Pod expansion

Dave Owens and John Dunlop have a little fun at the Smoke Wring BBQ outdoor restaurant in The Dalles today, March 1. The site may soon host several more food carts once approvals are gained from the city.

By Tom Peterson

Cool Beanz- Smoke Wring BBQ is putting out some good vibes and looking to attract additional food trucks.

Smoke Wring BBQ at 801 E. 2nd St., is looking to sauce things up a bit as partners in the business are in the process of developing a food cart pod at the sight. 

Ben and Anne Wring are currently working with the City of The Dalles planning department to get approvals for the site. 

The Wrings are partners with John Dunlap and Stacey and Steve Kain in the business and ownership of the property which was purchased for $130,000 in November 2020. 

The partners are working with the city currently in a request for approval to construct a four-unit mobile food vendor pod.

Much of the physical work has already been completed said Dave Owens and Anne Wring today, March 1st.

All of the infrastructures for the pods are in place - including grease traps, electricity, water and sewer services for both gray water as well as black water in the event bathrooms are needed in the future. 

“We are working hard with the city to get it going,” said Wring today. “We’ve been working toward this since 2020.” 

No official deals have been struck with food truck owners that would lease at the sight. Wring said they must first complete their work with the city to gain approvals.

However, Wring said they are working with some folks who might be interested in starting a new food truck, but the cost can be prohibitive. 

“People don’t realize how expensive it can be,” she said.

Prices for a food truck, depending on whether it is used or brand new can range from $50,000 to $175,000, according to roaminghunger.com 

Those prices don’t include employees, marketing, start-up food costs, accounting, etc. Just because the business is in a rolling truck or a cart, does not mean that it is extra simple. 

Owens said the food cart pod will provide a great welcome mat to people coming to town who are looking to try their food and move west to check out stores, pubs and other fun distractions. 

There is also a synergy to them when they are grouped together and can provide multiple flavors easily to a group of people who are after different food items.

“The biggest thing for us is creating a fun atmosphere where people can bring in their families to eat,” Owens said. “Parents and kids or friends can come and play some cornhole or ladder ball and have a good meal.” 

True Grit Award

The partnership, officially called Nice Dreams LLC, started in early 2020 and has been able to maintain and improve the location even under the harsh hand of the pandemic. 

Wring said their food pickup and outdoor venue actually was an asset as state mandates shut down and limited seating in brick and mortar restaurants during the past two years. 

“It was a blessing to be able to stay open,” Owens said. 

Dunlap and Owens pointed out that the outdoor venue allowed for several bands last July and kept the crowds coming and going all day long.

“That was a busy day,” Dunlap noted.

Wring said they also had an amazing turnout for Valentine’s Day in 2021 even though it was 25 degrees. Customers ushered in all day long for a taste of smoked duck wrapped in bacon. 

Like to play games, enjoy great BBQ? This is your spot at Smoke Wring BBQ at 801 E. 2nd St. The Dalles. The business is looking to expand its site with up to four more food carts in months to come.

The group has also thoughtfully added planter boxes, recycled basalt found on site to create interesting landscape features, and reused the existing concrete as platforms for outdoor tables. And of course, there are some games to play before and after you eat.

East TD Food Culture

“We’re hoping to develop a good food culture in this part of town,” Owens said.

“We’re hoping to develop a good food culture in this part of town,” he said.

The self-described meat monkey said Smoke Wring was the “best job he ever smelled.” His smile was unapologetic.

Wring just groaned at the comment.