Robert and Trisha De Los Santos, a husband-and-wife duo who met in the Dominican Republic, are bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Bend with their new venture, The Dominican Food Cart. As the city’s first eatery dedicated to Dominican cuisine, the couple aims to share their passion for food, community and connection — one flavorful bite at a time.
Located at Dogwood at the Pine Shed, the food cart offers a welcoming atmosphere that reflects Caribbean hospitality. Robert, the culinary mind behind the operation, brings a slice of his homeland to Bend, while Trisha manages operations and proudly serves as the cart’s official taste tester.
“I love when people are filled with food — it makes me happy to feed people,” Robert says. “My priority isn’t the money; my priority is to serve people through this endeavor.”
The menu features a blend of authentic Dominican dishes and American favorites with a tropical twist. For those ready to explore traditional flavors, highlights include La Bandera, a combo plate of marinated beef, rice, beans, tostones (fried plantains) and a fresh Dominican salad. Other staples include Chicharrón (crispy pork belly with seasoned onions, rice and tostones) and Carne Frita (marinated steak with boiled yuca, vinegar onions and beans). Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
For a Dominican-inspired twist on American fare, the cart also serves a cheeseburger, chicken sandwich and pork sandwich. To ease first-timers into the cuisine, Robert and Trisha offer samples, encouraging curiosity and inspiring many to try the full Dominican dishes.
Since opening, the cart has become a hub of connection, even drawing in local Dominicans. “We’ve met at least five people from the Dominican Republic, and the support has been incredible,” Trisha says. “People share their connections, whether they’ve visited or know someone from there, and it’s so special to us.”
To show their gratitude, the couple offers punch cards, with the 10th meal free and the first one on the house. With plans to expand their menu and strengthen ties to the community, The Dominican Food Cart continues to serve bold flavors and warm hospitality, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
The Dominican Food Cart
Dogwood at the Pine Shed
821 NE Second St., Bend
thedominicanfoodcart.com
This article appears in The Source Weekly January 30, 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
Took a look at this lot the other day taking bags to the Bottle Drop.
I wish all those carts the best. The most uninviting place to hang out and eat and drink I can possibly imagine. Until the Bottle Drop is forced to move out of the city core………this place is going to struggle mightily.
Had lunch there today. Amazing. 2nd street is open and there was plenty of parking. I miss Spoken Moto, but welcome the new spot just the same.