Couple In Waukesha Make Food Truck Dream A Reality

WAUKESHA, WI – The symbol of the phoenix speaks to the owners of a new food truck in Waukesha. The mythical bird represents renewal and resurrection.

Celena and Alejandro Aguilar named their business Phoenix Mobile Grill, which can be found parked at 210 E. Broadway in front of Let’s Roll Tobacco & Liquor.

The name clicked for Celena Aguilar: She attended Phoenix University and is a fan of the "Harry Potter" series, which features the mythical bird. She has a deeper connection to the symbol as well, she told Patch.

The Aguilars' house burned in a fire in 2013, and they lost everything. The couple from Milwaukee were supported by the community to help them get back on their feet.

"We rose from those ashes, and now we are starting a new life in multiple ways," Celena Aguilar said.

Making A Dream A Reality

Alejandro Aguilar worked as a cook for 30 years in Brookfield. The time was right for them to go into business for themselves.

"It is a whole new lifestyle for us," Celena said.

Alejandro noticed how stressed his former bosses were and how it was hard to get out of the business by selling, he said. He always had a dream of owning his own business but wanted to do things on his terms.

A food truck offered the flexibility to close if need be. If he wanted to sell the truck in several years, it would be easier than selling a brick and mortar restaurant, he said.

For now, the couple has big plans for their food business.

"We plan on growing in the future and getting more trucks," Celena said.

The Waukesha community has been very supportive, including Tracy Kinski, owner of Let’s Roll Tobacco & Liquor.

Kinski said she allowed food trucks near her business before. She hopes customers of the food truck will come in or will remember the store the next time they come by.

"It benefits us both. We send out customers out there. My employees are probably their best customers," Kinski said.

She praised the food truck and described the food as "to die for."

'Something For Everyone'

The food truck boasts something for everyone's diet. It was important for Celena to offer vegan, keto and gluten-free options for customers. There are keto and gluten-free tortillas available.

"You go somewhere as a family, and not everyone can eat at the same place. It was my goal to have a variety for everyone," she said.

The food truck features a variety of tacos, gyros, burritos and other items. "We want things to taste good and wanted a variety for everyone," Celena said.

The top sellers are gyros and Korean BBQ tacos, she added.

The Aguilars hope to weather the harsh Wisconsin winter. The desire is for people to use online or phone orders. In the sticky dog days of summer, mobile ordering is still available."We try to make it convenient for people. They call ahead or order online," Alejandro said.

Celena joked that if things don't work out, she and her husband will go somewhere warmer for the winter months.

Phoenix Mobile Grill Hours

• Monday: Closed.
• Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed.

For menu information, visit the website or Facebook page.