Cincinnati’s MamaBear’s Mac food truck is hitting the streets after the completion of their brand new food truck.
Known for their masterful mac and cheese creations, owners Kimberly and Dave Heileman (Mama and PapaBear) first opened their food truck in May of 2018.
Reopening a business in the midst of a pandemic might not be the most ideal situation, but Kimberly says that after losing some of their biggest events this spring, they had no choice but to move forward.
“We've just had to be 'creative' in finding new ways to work,” Kimberly said in an email interview.
Some of those new ways include abiding by the obvious safety guidelines by enforcing social distancing and reminding customers with a sign on the truck, which Kimberly says people have responded well to.
They’ve also figured out ways to better serve the community, like offering up weekday neighborhood stops coordinated by the HOA and residents, where neighbors can order their meals in advance and their orders arrive hot and ready to go. They’re also parked in Mt. Lookout on Saturdays at 1038 Delta Ave. and Paradise Brewing on most Fridays at 7766 Beechmont Ave.
With a new truck comes new menu opportunities for MamaBear’s Mac, which shifted from a 14-foot vintage truck to a 25-foot truck with an 18-foot kitchen. In addition to their weekly changing menu of at least five mac and cheese choices, the mobile eatery also offers three different grilled cheeses and fresh homemade crab cakes, as well as two-pound take-and-bake mac and cheese trays.
According to Kimberly, the impact of the coronavirus on their prospects initially left her and her husband nervous about their business. But they are holding steady to their faith and express that they have been blessed since day one.
It’s also affected their personal life, as her grandson was diagnosed and hospitalized with Wilms' Tumor cancer on March 30 and they have struggled with being separated from her family. Also, being in their 50s, Kimberly noted their concern about social contact.
“Keeping busy with MamaBear's Mac really helps," Kimberly says.
To get a taste of what MamaBear’s got cookin’ and find where their truck is headed next, visit mamabearmac.com. To schedule a neighborhood visit, reach out by calling 513-349-4612.
