Twenty-nine food trucks rolled into Veterans Park in Springfield Saturday for the 10th Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition, but only one of them rolled out of town as the grand prize winner.
Dine-In Hawaiian, from Hamilton, Ohio, earned the $5,000 grand prize for its signature dish, soy-braised short rib with crispy korokke. The winner was determined by a panel of local chef judges, as well as anonymous roving judges during the event.
“It’s been a really humbling experience to be here with all of these phenomenal trucks and we’re truly blessed to receive this award out of so many great trucks. They deserve to have a medal, too, all of them,” said Aaron Kimura, of Dine-In Hawaiian. “Thank you so much for having me, and aloha!”
Tortilla Mexican Street Food, from Hilliard, Ohio, was named the $2,500 runner-up for its barbacoa corn tamales. Raging Bull Wood Fired Pizza, from Urbana, Ohio, was awarded the $1,500 third place prize for its Big Jimmy pizza.
Chef judges determined winning dishes based upon a combination of flavor/taste, presentation/visual appeal and creativity/originality. The panel included:
● Elizabeth Wiley – Chef/Owner of Meadowlark Restaurant and Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
● Jenn Disanto – Chef/Owner of Fresco
● Lisa Freeman – Chef/Owner of Crust & Company, Salato Deli, Le Torte Dolci and
Ironworks Waffle Cafe
● Issac Soto – Co-owner of Casa del Sabor
● Doug McGregor – Owner of Seasons Kitchen
Over 500 attendees used the Springfield Food Truck mobile app to vote for their favorite truck throughout the event, with El Cardenal Taqueria, of West Chester, Ohio, taking home the “People’s Choice” $1,000 prize in its first year competing at the event.
“I’ve always heard good things about the event from other trucks and organizations, so I put in my application and here I am,” said Chaz Himes, of El Cardenal. “It’s been a fun event to work, the people are great and it’s a nicely-run organization.”
In addition to the competition’s extensive food truck line-up, this year’s event once again featured live music from local bands and artists, including Mike Manley and Katie Harford, Andy Fox, Add On Room and Terrapin Moon.
Attendees, both new and returning, continue to praise the Springfield Rotary Club for hosting a top-notch event enjoyed by residents from across the region.
“This was my first time attending the event, and I was really impressed by the number and quality of food trucks, the entertainment line-up and the overall atmosphere of the event,” Jack Wallace, of Grandview Heights, Ohio. “My favorite thing I tried was a gyro from Greek Street, and it was delicious. I will definitely be back next year!”
While food truck vendors kept their sales revenue from the day, all money raised from concession sales, corporate sponsorships and donations benefit the many charitable causes of the Springfield Rotary Club. The amount raised from the previous nine years of the event totals more than $300,000.
“The food, drinks and entertainment are just a piece of the equation,” said Eddie Bell, past Rotary president and Food Truck Competition marketing committee chair. “This event is really about creating a lasting difference in our community, especially for our neighbors with disabilities. We’re committed to growing this event every year, making it an essential part of Springfield’s summer and a powerful force for good all year round.”
The 2025 Springfield Rotary Food Truck Competition will return next August.
