Poi Dog
Why Book Poi Dog for Your Event?
Poi Dog provides professional food truck catering services in Philadelphia, PA for corporate events, office parties, and special occasions. With experienced service, this seafood truck delivers fresh, made-to-order meals with hassle-free booking and transparent pricing.
About Poi Dog
Poi Dog was a beloved Philadelphia-based food truck and restaurant that brought the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian local cuisine to the city. Founded by Kiki Aranita and Chris Vacca, Poi Dog started as a food truck, serving up Hawaiian-style lunch plates, fresh ahi poke, musubi, and mochi, all crafted in-house. Their unique fusion of Hawaiian and local flavors quickly garnered a dedicated following, leading to the establishment of a brick-and-mortar location in Center City. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poi Dog permanently closed its physical location in July 2020. However, Kiki Aranita has continued to keep the spirit of Poi Dog alive through large-scale pop-ups and a line of retail sauces, allowing fans to bring a taste of Hawaii into their own kitchens.
Meet The Owner, Kiki Aranita
Kiki Aranita is a multifaceted chef, food writer, and entrepreneur, best known for co-founding Poi Dog, a Philadelphia-based food truck and restaurant that celebrated Hawaii's diverse culinary heritage. Born in New York City, Kiki was raised in both Honolulu and Hong Kong, immersing her in rich, multicultural food traditions. She pursued higher education at Bryn Mawr College, earning a master's degree in classics in 2011. During her time there, she developed a keen interest in food culture, which eventually led her to transition from academia to the culinary world.
Key Features & Services
On-Site Service
Boxed Lunches
Vegetarian Options
Vegan Options
Gluten-free Options
Minority-owned
Woman-ownedWhat's Included
- Fresh food preparation and professional service staff
- All supplies included (plates, utensils, napkins)
- Setup, service, and cleanup—no utilities required
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee from Food Truck Club
Minimums & Pricing
When to Book
The further ahead you book, the more trucks you'll have to choose from. Planning ahead is the best way to secure your top pick.
That said, shorter timelines work too—we book events just days out all the time. You'll just have fewer options to choose from.
Busy seasons: Spring and Fall are our most popular times in Philadelphia, so booking early gives you the best selection.
Venue & Setup Requirements
A flat, accessible parking spot—typically 12' × 25' for most trucks
Offices, homes, private venues, and most parks within our service area
Check Availability
* Truck availability is subject to change
Cancellation Policy
Full flexibility window
Partial refund available
Limited refund window
Reschedule or apply as credit toward a future event
Weather happens: If bad weather affects your event, we'll work with you to reschedule or credit your booking.
We promise exceptional service, each and every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our team.
- How far in advance should I book the food truck?
- We recommend booking Poi Dog at least 2-4 weeks before your event date. Food trucks in Philadelphia book quickly during peak seasons (Spring and Fall), so earlier is always better. For large corporate events with 100+ guests, 30 days advance notice ensures menu availability and proper staffing.
- What types of events do you cater?
- Poi Dog caters corporate lunches, office parties, employee appreciation events, team building gatherings, company picnics, community festivals, university events, government functions, holiday parties, and private celebrations throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
- Is there a minimum order or guest count?
- Yes, Poi Dog has a minimum order of $937.50. This minimum covers essential costs including food preparation, staffing, travel to your Philadelphia location, and setup time. For smaller gatherings, consider our attendee-pay option where guests purchase their own meals.
- What is included in the catering price?
- Your catering quote from Poi Dog includes fresh food preparation, all serving supplies (plates, utensils, napkins), professional staff, setup and breakdown, and travel within the Philadelphia service area. Pricing is transparent with no hidden fees—you'll see the complete cost including taxes before confirming your booking.
- Do I need to provide any utilities (power or water)?
- No utilities required. Poi Dog is completely self-sufficient with onboard generators, water tanks, and cooking equipment. Simply provide a flat, accessible parking spot (approximately 12x30 feet) and we handle everything else. This makes food truck catering ideal for outdoor venues, parking lots, parks, and locations without kitchen facilities.
- What happens in case of bad weather or cancellation?
- We always try our best to work with you (and the truck) the best we can. Rescheduling is the best option when weather hits but our cancellation policy is outlined above.
- Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
- We always try to cater to the customer's needs. Please reach out with specific dietary requests and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
- Are there allergy-conscious meals available?
- Yes, we accommodate allergy needs whenever possible. Please reach out with specific requirements and we'll work with you to ensure safe meal options for all guests.
Areas & Counties Served in Philadelphia
Questions about Poi Dog?
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