Owned and operated by Madelyn Card, On The Fly CHQ features the slogan “American classics with a modern twist.” Card said she has always been a fan of classic, diner-style 1950s-themed foods, and her love for that inspires the food she serves and some of the names on the menu as well.

For the Chautauqua Institution pre-season On The Fly CHQ is located just inside the main gate, serving lunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and once the official Chautauqua summer season begins on June 23, Card will move onto the grounds on Cookman Avenue by Alumni Hall behind the Hall of Philosophy for her second year on the grounds, serving Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cook said her truck is a perfect stop for those attending the afternoon lectures.

Being born and raised in Chautauqua County, Card said owning a food business has been her dream, so once a trailer became available she jumped at the opportunity with the help of some savings and support from her family.

“For me, it’s always been about either art or food,” Card said. “I studied Graphic Art in Cleveland, but deep down I always knew I wanted to return to this area–to grow, thrive, and be present in some meaningful way. After losing a local teaching position due to COVID-19 and budget cuts, I became determined to make a name for myself in the food industry.”

Madelyn Card is pictured in the window of her food truck On the Fly CHQ, with one of the menu items that they serve. Submitted photo

Card officially launched operations last summer and has been going “full steam ahead” since, saying her trailer offers ample space and flexibility and while she does not cook directly inside the trailer she is fully permitted to serve both hot and cold meals, with fryer foods excluded. Card added that she focuses on keeping the menu simple, fresh and clean in both flavor and presentation.

On The Fly CHQ offers a variety of items from rotating hot specials and breakfast items to artisanal sandwiches and a new melt menu. One of the truck’s bestsellers is the “Lady Smith” — pulled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, sliced green apples, topped with arugula, spinach, and a maple mustard and a new melt which Card said is her take on a classic Monte Cristo.

Last year, Card also opened a secondary business kitchen in Sherman where she lives, allowing her the ability to operate without the need for a separate rental kitchen.

“Feeding people is my love language; it brings me joy to serve both my loved ones and my customers,” Card said. “I always tell them, ‘I eat that sandwich every day, you should too!’ I plan to operate this food trailer for the rest of my career. I’ve poured my heart into making it beautiful, clean, and welcoming — it truly is a dream come true.”

Card mostly runs her trailer solo, but said sometimes her husband Chad, best friend Kevin Gleason or younger brother Riley help out as well. She added that she could not do it without them and that their volunteer time and support mean the world to her.

On the Fly CHQ is currently open in the main entrance to Chautauqua Institution, to move into the grounds once the official summer season starts. Submitted photo

Throughout the summer Card plans on having On The Fly CHQ on select Friday evenings into the fall inside Camp CHQ and at other special events around the county like Lucy Fest and Findley Lake Harvest Fest.

For more information on On The Fly CHQ – Mobile Food Trailer, including hours, menu changes, and event appearances around the county, follow them on Facebook. Calling or texting is available at (716)640-8117 to pre order, inquire about small events and dinners or ask about On The Fly CHQ’s prepay system, which allows for regular customers to set up food pickups in advance. All forms of payment are accepted, including cash, credit cards and pay apps.