Mary Grace and Matthew Thomas own the trailer-based operation, which opened this year parked in front of the former Diesel Detail Co. shop at 1208 N. Stephenson Ave., just north of Kwik Trip. But her journey to operating a food truck started in 2022 with the help of the Woodland Kitchen at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Aurora, Wis.

NWTC’s certified, fully equipped, shared-use commercial kitchens can help local entrepreneurs turn culinary ideas into successful ventures.

“My friend and I, we both have a passion for cooking,” Grace Thomas said. They decided to share their food and culture, thinking, “Who knows, people might like it.”

She would recommend the Woodland Kitchen to those looking to start out in the food business.

Mary Grace Thomas cooks some appetizers in her food truck, Kutsara Philippine Cuisine LLC, on the north side of Iron Mountain. She specializes in Filipino food. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News)

“They provided everything you need, from appliances, equipment. If it’s not available you just tell them and they get it to you,” she said.

She envisioned having a food truck when she was working out of Woodland Kitchen.

“When we were at NWTC our menu was limited, but when we have this, now I can offer more, different food,” she said.

Her love of cooking comes from her aunts and the many family gatherings that are a very important part of the culture in her home country. Although she has lived here almost 10 years, her love of cooking continues.

Kutsara means spoon. “Because we love cooking, that’s what came out of our mind, because we use it a lot — for eating, for cooking,” she said.

Some of the most popular items she makes are adobo, pancit and lumpia, which is a form of springroll, but they continue to add new items. They can also do special orders and private events.

She preps for meals each day at home. The food truck is open at 11 a.m. daily and serves until 6 p.m. or until she runs out. She does most of the daily operation, but also works at System Control, where her husband is also employed. Friends who also work at System offered her the use of the site and she pays for the electric and water.

People are encouraging her to open a restaurant but as of right now, she wants to focus on the food truck. She plans to try to stay open through the winter.

“I just want it to be small and simple but at the same time I can offer more food. I can still do what I like. For right now I’m happy with the food truck,” she said.

Go to the Kutsara Philippine Cuisine LLC Facebook page to view the full menu and fresh-made daily specials.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.