Rich Winiarski was in his truck cutting up onions when I popped in on him on a recent Monday — a similar scene to what he’s been doing since 2015, when he first opened Big Ski’s Pierogis in Bend. This one, however, is one of just a handful of Mondays ahead for the truck, located at The Podski for the last eight years or so. Earlier this summer, Wienarski announced the closure of the truck at the end of the year, but then made another announcement this month, saying the last day would come much sooner, due to circumstances beyond his control.
With his kids now grown, Wienarski is ready to move onto new adventures, possibly in new locales.
“This town’s been incredible,” Wienarski told the Source. “Ever since I announced that I was closing, I mean, thousands of people have reached out from all around the country.”
At the time of opening, Big Ski’s was among just a handful of food carts to exist in Bend.
After 20 years working as a prison guard, Wienarski said he wanted to open Big Ski’s, “to show my kids what it was like to have a business — use my family’s recipes and have a good time. And Bend’s been great. No regrets. It was nice that I got into the beginning of the food cart industry. I’ve seen a lot of changes.”
The last day for Big Ski’s will be Sept. 14.
Big Ski’s Pierogis
Last day of service: Mon., Sept. 14
536 NW Arizona Ave., Bend
bigskipierogi.com
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