Changing Mains brings fun, creativity to local food truck scene

Looking to bring fun and creativity to the local food truck scene, Preston Russell has opened Changing Mains on Route 1 outside Rehoboth Beach.

He said it’s been in the works for more than a year. 

“We want to have fun and bring fresh, good-quality food to our customers,” said Russell. “People can feel the love in our food.”

Located next to Big Chill Surf Cantina, Changing Mains has been open since mid-November. Russell said the menu focuses on five core items – hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, tacos and chicken wings – but it also features other seasonal items. For example, he said, June’s menu will include Caribbean items, while July will focus on a backyard barbecue theme.

He said food truck menus can get stagnant and boring. With this concept, customers won’t get bored, he said.

Executive Chef Mike Rodowicz is a college friend of Russell. He’s been in the restaurant business for nearly two decades, most recently as sous chef at Iron Hill Brewery in Wilmington.

There was a lot of homework done before getting to this point, said Rodowicz.

“We pretty much have all of 2024 mapped out,” said Rodowicz.

Russell said Changing Mains’ signature items include the Chicken Dollie Sandwich – house-seasoned and fried, with hot honey sriracha, B&B pickles and a Martin's potato bun – and the Changing Mains Classic Frank – a marinated hot dog, split, with Changing Mains butter spread and a Martin's potato roll.

“It is the talk of the town,” added Russell with a big smile.

The Route 1 location features indoor dining that seats 60, and has bathrooms, music and entertainment for kids. It’s geared toward families, said Russell.

Changing Mains will soon have a mobile unit for catering, private parties, office buildings and more, said Preston. That will be available from Wilmington to Ocean City, Md., he said.

Rodowicz was quick to add that they’ll be offering DoorDash services too.

For the remainder of 2023, the hours of operation will be 4 to 11 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday; noon to midnight, Saturday; and noon to 11 p.m., Sunday.

Beginning in 2024, Changing Mains will be open seven days a week. The previous hours will remain the same, but it will also be open 4 to 11 p.m., Monday and Tuesday.

For more information on Changing Mains, 19406 Coastal Hwy., go to changingmains.com or email events@changingmains.com or contact@changingmains.com.