The Cone Artist Ice Cream Truck will once again be returning to the streets of Moose Jaw this summer, but the ongoing effects of the pandemic mean that the popular food truck is making some changes to do their part in flattening the curve.
“We figure we've got to adapt to new stuff and new changes in life. We can't always run things the exact same way, when life throws curveballs, [and] so we're just finding different ways that we can stay afloat during this,” said Izaak Falk, from the Cone Artist.
Beginning on May 1, the Cone Artist Ice Cream Truck will be back roaming the city with a few stipulations. In order to stay in line with public health recommendations, the Cone Artist will be practicing stricter sanitation protocols and limiting payment options to debit or credit only.
The food truck is also changing the way it serves up its menu, especially as many of the events the truck normally attends during the summer — like the Sidewalk Days street festival — have already been cancelled.
The Cone Artist is moving to an order-based model, and will be offering contactless delivery of all menu items on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Delivery is free with a $10 purchase, or costs an additional $2 on orders less than $10.
The switch to orders means that the Cone Artist has also made some changes with their menu, but it's all changes for the better, said Falk.
All the usual treats people know and love are still available, with some extras coming soon.
“We've decided to add premium flavours that we don't typically offer,” said Falk, adding that he’s tried one of the new ice cream flavours, Black Forest, and thinks Moose Jaw will be impressed.
Ice cream will also be served in covered cups rather than cones this summer, because of the nature of orders and contact-less delivery options. The full menu will be shared on their Facebook page once they are open for the season.
Also beginning May 1, the Cone Artist will be travelling a pre-designated route around the city and making a few stops at specific locations, where customers can meet the food truck and order directly.
These stops will vary week to week, said Falk, and customers are welcome to message the Facebook page with any specific location requests during the season.
“We'll be going by a lot of busy shopping areas, where people are waiting outside, and we'll be going down near walking trails and stuff so people should just keep their eyes out [for us],” said Falk.
Facebook is the place to keep up with the Cone Artist this summer, said Falk, as it's where they will be posting all of their updates about the menu and upcoming stops as they are decided.
