Yard Grub brings gourmet fast food to Kingston with smash burgers and late-night service

Kingston-based Yard Grub has positioned itself as a gourmet fast-food brand operating from a food truck on Bellman Road, serving smash burgers, wings, loaded fries, pasta, paninis and other menu items in a relaxed setting suited to families, friends and couples.

Co-owners Joshua Thompson, who leads marketing, and Bradley, who heads operations, said the venture began when three friends—Thompson, Bradley and partner Anthony—combined long-standing plans for a food truck with a customer-focused experience. The team started with pop-ups in November, initially renting equipment before acquiring their own setup. They officially launched in February 2026 and have since expanded service channels and catering.

Thompson described the concept as restaurant-quality food without a formal dining-room atmosphere. Patrons can dine in, take away or use curbside options. The smash burger is the top seller and is primarily beef-based; the menu stays focused on current items, though the operators test limited offerings such as a Cinco de Mayo week menu with quesadillas, loaded nachos, tacos and corn ribs to gauge customer response.

Burgers are prepared with a smashing press to create a crisp sear that operators say distinguishes smash burgers from standard patties. Orders can be placed via the brand’s website, walk-in service, phone or pre-order links promoted on Instagram. The team has also catered events, including a Saturday appearance at Decades where patrons gave positive feedback.

“Night shift,” running Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., targets late-night dining when few options are available. Customers can order by phone, walk in or use a buzzer system for curbside pickup; the device beeps and vibrates when an order is ready, and staff can bring food to vehicles.

From May, the truck is scheduled to open four days weekly with varying hours: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., draw corporate lunch crowds and drivers waiting out traffic near Bellman Road; Thursday nights attract late diners including university students and couples; Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., cater more to families with children. Bradley said the long-term vision includes growing beyond a single truck, exploring franchising and adding experiences such as movie nights, supported by team members including chefs working on site.