Extreme heat forces Windsor food trucks to close or cut hours to protect workers

Patel's food truck in Windsor, Ont. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

Several food trucks in Windsor are delaying their opening times or temporarily closing as extreme heat makes conditions inside and around the mobile kitchens unsafe for employees.

WindsorEats confirmed its food trucks will not operate at its Erie Street East food hall this weekend because of the heat, including during Saturday’s Canada round-of-16 watch party.

The food hall itself will remain open on reduced hours and will host the watch party at noon. Customers buying drinks will be allowed to bring in or order outside food, but not outside beverages.

Rico Taco had already announced it would remain closed for the weekend, saying the decision was about protecting workers rather than maximizing sales.

“Due to the high heat happening this weekend, we are going to have to close,” the business said in a statement. “It’s not always about sales, but the safety of our workers.”

Near the University of Windsor, Patel Panipuri is adjusting its schedule after owner Chintan Patel said the heat made it impossible for staff to operate during the afternoon.

Pani puri is a popular Indian street food made of small, hollow, crispy shells filled with seasoned potatoes or chickpeas, then topped with tangy, spicy flavoured water — usually eaten in one bite.

The food truck, located outside V-Desi Grocery Store on University Avenue West, normally operates from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We tried to open at four. But we couldn’t stand more than 10 minutes outside, so we closed it,” Patel said, speaking to CTV News on Wednesday.

The food truck didn’t open Wednesday until 9 p.m., when conditions had become somewhat more manageable.

Patel said the business will likely delay opening until around 8 p.m. for the remainder of the week, although its schedule will depend on the weather.

“I want to make sure the employees can work inside,” Patel said. “It’s going to be a tough one this week.”

Customers are being advised to check Google and the business’s social media pages for updated hours.