A familiar face in Kitchener's culinary scene is hitting the road. Todd Johns, the former owner of the popular Wuddup Dog eatery, has traded his stationary kitchen for a set of wheels, launching a new food truck venture called Doc MacCheesey.
A New Chapter on Four Wheels
The transition marks a significant shift for the local entrepreneur. Johns, who built a reputation with his creative hot dog offerings at Wuddup Dog, is now channeling that expertise into a mobile format. The official launch and a photo opportunity for the new truck took place in Kitchener on December 2, 2025.
While the specific menu for Doc MacCheesey was not detailed in the initial announcement, the name strongly suggests a focus on gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes, potentially with the same innovative twist Johns applied to hot dogs. This move from a fixed location to a food truck offers greater flexibility and the ability to reach customers at various events and locations throughout Waterloo Region and beyond.
Embracing the Food Truck Trend
The food truck industry has seen substantial growth across Ontario, offering chefs and restaurateurs a lower-barrier entry point to the market and a dynamic way to engage with communities. For Johns, this pivot represents an adaptation to post-pandemic dining trends and consumer demand for diverse, accessible food options.
Operating a food truck allows for direct customer interaction and the agility to test new concepts quickly. It also aligns with a broader national trend where established chefs and new entrepreneurs alike are embracing mobile cuisine as a viable and creative business model.
What This Means for Kitchener's Food Scene
The arrival of Doc MacCheesey adds another player to the region's vibrant and competitive food truck circuit. Customers who enjoyed Wuddup Dog's offerings will likely follow Johns to his new venture, curious to see how his culinary style translates to a new format.
This story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of small business owners in the food sector. Pivoting from one successful concept to an entirely new operational model requires significant planning and investment. Johns's move demonstrates a commitment to staying relevant and continuing to serve the local community, just from a different vantage point—the driver's seat of a fully-equipped kitchen on wheels.
The success of Doc MacCheesey will depend on its menu innovation, location strategy, and the continued support of Kitchener's food enthusiasts. As of early December 2025, the truck is poised to begin its journey, adding a new layer of flavour to the city's streets.
