SWAT Food Truck rolls into VFW post as a ghost kitchen

by Kathleen Steele Gaivin

Small businesses have hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan Molnar, owner of SWAT Food Truck, has found creative solution to offset some of the financial losses from the summer by opening a ghost kitchen at VFW Post 6768, 8584 Olde Eight Rd., Northfield. Through the partnership, SWAT provides curbside service to-go seven days a week.

Ghost kitchens are the new big thing in the unique time in which we’re living. An outside restaurant comes into a commercial food preparation and cooking facility to prepare to-go only orders. In this case, SWAT sells meals and donates 10 percent of the sales to the VFW to assist local veterans.

Molar is an auxiliary member of the VFW thanks to his grandfather’s service in the Korean War. He said that for the time being, he is only a social member, until he submits his grandfather’s discharge papers.

After joining the VFW, he contacted Post Commander Clint Ulrich with the idea to partner SWAT with the veterans organization and set up shop on Nov. 9, just ahead of Veterans Day.

“It’s a win-win for both parties,” Molnar said.

Molnar operates two SWAT trucks – “Stuffed With Amazing Taste” and “Smoked With Amazing Taste.” One truck sells gourmet burgers and wraps; the other, smoked BBQ meats. Both trucks offer side dishes.

“We have a huge following in the Nordonia area,” he said.

SWAT has been around for six years, Molnar said, catering large events and is also under contract with Blossom Music Center for summer concerts. This summer’s revenue was down to about a quarter of the business from the previous year, he said.

“Without the VFW, I don’t know what we’d do,” said Molnar, who employs three people at the mainly family-owned and operated business.

SWAT expanded its menu at the VFW. In addition to the usual items, Molnar said they offer a Cajun seafood boil, a 10-ounce Delmonico steak and daily specials. Customers call in, place their order and pick it up at the VFW kitchen.

SWAT also serves members inside the club. He said members get a discount on their orders.

“It gets busier and busier every day. The biggest problem we’ve had is that that people don’t realize the food is in the kitchen and not in the truck,” Molnar said.

Until recently, the SWAT truck was parked in front of the club to draw attention. It was moved because people were banging on the truck to order, then mistakenly thought that the business was closed when there was no answer.

SWAT Food Truck is now the preferred caterer at the VFW, but there are no events scheduled at this time due to the pandemic. Once things get back to normal, Molnar said, the hall will be open for weddings, showers, graduations parties and other celebrations. He said he will offer a separate menu for catered events.

SWAT is open Monday through Friday, 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. View the menu at swatfoodtruck.com and place an order through the website, or call 330-554-4443 or 330-554-2272. Do not use the VFW phone number when ordering.

Feature image photo caption: Dan Molnar, owner of SWAT Food Truck, will provide curbside service to-go seven days a week at Northfield VFW.