Reviving the Heart of North Waterford: A Food Truck Park Rises from the Ashes

In the quaint town of North Waterford, a new chapter has unfolded, as a vibrant food truck park has emerged to fill the void left by the beloved Melby's Market and Eatery. This community gathering space, once a cherished fixture, closed its doors in 2022, leaving a palpable void. However, the Morse family, determined to breathe life back into the town, has transformed the former Melby's parking lot into a hub of culinary delights and social connection.

Bringing Back the Heartbeat of North Waterford

Reclaiming a Community Gathering Space

The closure of Melby's Market and Eatery left a void in the heart of North Waterford, a place that had long served as a gathering spot for locals and a beloved community hub. Spencer Morse, along with his father, Richard, recognized the need to fill this gap and decided to revamp the former Melby's parking lot into a vibrant food truck park. Their vision was to not only provide a place for people to enjoy a delicious meal but also to recreate the sense of community that Melby's had fostered for so many years.The Morse family's decision to transform the space was driven by a deep-rooted connection to their hometown. Growing up in North Waterford, Spencer Morse witnessed the gradual disappearance of the town's stores and eateries, with Melby's being the last remaining fixture. "One-by-one they kind of went away," he reflected, underscoring the importance of reviving a community gathering place.

Honoring the Legacy of Melby's

At the heart of the North Waterford Food Truck Park is the presence of the beloved Melby's owners, Tracie and Wayne Hill, who have brought their food truck, Buffalo Hill, to the new location. The Hills, who had poured their hearts and souls into Melby's for years, are now committed to rebuilding the community space that was lost with the closure of their restaurant."It was a meeting place for locals. That's what kept us going … our local customers," Tracie Hill reminisced, highlighting the integral role Melby's played in the lives of North Waterford residents. The Hills' decision to join the food truck park is a testament to their desire to maintain that sense of community and connection that was so deeply rooted in Melby's.

Embracing Change and Adapting to Challenges

The closure of Melby's was not an easy decision for the Hills, but it was one driven by the realities of running a business in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, and the increasing costs of maintaining the historic building. "The building just got away from us," Tracie Hill acknowledged, noting that the necessary downsizing would have been heartbreaking.However, the Hills' passion for food and their commitment to the community have not waned. At the North Waterford Food Truck Park, they continue to serve up their signature dishes, with Wayne Hill's culinary expertise and love for experimentation shining through in every creation. As one customer described, his meals are "not food, but the essence of food," a testament to the Hills' dedication to their craft.

Expanding the Culinary Landscape

The North Waterford Food Truck Park is not just a haven for the Hills and their Buffalo Hill food truck. It has also become a hub for other culinary entrepreneurs, with The DogHaüs hot dog cart and the Shut up N' eat it food truck joining the lineup, particularly on the busier weekends.This diversity of offerings not only caters to the varied tastes of the community but also adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the park. Visitors can now indulge in a wide range of culinary delights, from classic burgers and hot dogs to innovative and unexpected creations, all while enjoying the camaraderie of a shared dining experience.

Envisioning the Future: A Multifaceted Community Hub

The Morse family's vision for the North Waterford Food Truck Park extends beyond just a place to grab a bite. They are actively planning to transform the space even further, with plans to create an area where the park can feature music acts and serve beer and wine."We're gearing up to make something pretty special here for the town of Waterford," Spencer Morse declared, underscoring the family's commitment to creating a truly multifaceted community hub. The goal is to not only provide a place for people to enjoy a delicious meal but also to foster a sense of community, connection, and entertainment that was once so integral to the town.The North Waterford Food Truck Park is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a consistent presence and a reliable destination for locals and visitors alike. While the park will be closed during the winter months, the Morse family's vision for its future promises to keep the heart of North Waterford beating strong, even in the colder seasons.