Dallas-based Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe is taking its recipe for grilled cheese food truck success to the East Coast, announcing the opening of its first franchise in Newark, Jersey.

Ruthie’s, known for serving up a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, was founded in 2011 by Ashlee Kleinert.

The new franchise, which opened on Oct. 2, will be owned and operated by Whitney Pillsbury and June Leadbetter, and kicked off its first week by rolling into Military Park in Newark.

“I’m so proud that her legacy and recipes will live on outside of Texas and be shared with New Jersey residents, who I hope cherish them as much as I do.”
Ashlee Kleinert

“When evaluating the expansion of Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, we wanted to ensure we would preserve the legacy and mission of the food truck to use comfort food to bring together a community,” Tyler Kleinert, managing director of The Tritex Group, which manages Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, said in a release. “We are confident the new franchise owners, Whitney Pillsbury and June Leadbetter, will not only protect the identity of Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, but help take it to new heights and growth opportunities.” 

Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe has been a local success in Dallas, having been named the Grilled Cheese Food Truck of the Year in 2015 and 2017 by Mobile-Cuisine.com.

The colorful Ruthie’s food truck often can be found at locations including the Southern Methodist University campus, Reunion Tower, and Klyde Warren Park. 

“Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe is the result of my dream to take my grandmother’s nostalgic cheesy dreamy recipes, put them on wheels, and share them with others,” Ashlee Kleinert said in a release. “I’m so proud that her legacy and recipes will live on outside of Texas and be shared with New Jersey residents, who I hope cherish them as much as I do.” 

Ruthie’s New Jersey owners plan to carry on the company’s philanthropic mission and support charities including the YMCA, Vanguard Theater Company, the Community Food Bank, and foster programs. 

“I’m originally from Dallas and I’ve always loved Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe’s sandwiches and mission,” Pillsbury said. “After working in marketing for 25 years I know a great brand when I see it, and Ruthie’s has all the right stuff; uniqueness, consistency, philanthropy, and fun. Oh, and cheese, there is a lot of cheese. I guess, I did it for the cheese.”  

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