Penny Carlton / August 27, 2025
Established in the summer of 2023, Smash Wagon is a charming, family-run food truck that proudly hails from Prattsburgh, NY. At the helm of the grill are Mike and Christina Skelly, a devoted husband-and-wife duo whose love for perfectly smashed burgers inspires every aspect of their venture. For years, Christina had nurtured the dream of owning a food truck, and two years ago, she took the plunge by bringing one home.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. The “food truck” that Christina acquired was actually a pull-behind boxed trailer in need of some serious care. After undergoing several DIY renovations, including three transformations of its exterior paint, it finally became their own.
As for the menu, Mike is the first to acknowledge that he’s not the culinary whiz—Christina holds that title. However, they both shared a vision of steering clear of typical local offerings. Their desire was to create something simple yet irresistible, allowing their creativity to flourish. After extensive research, collaborative brainstorming, and heartfelt discussions, they settled on a smash burger, committing to make it the best one anyone has ever tasted.
The next phase is to fire up the grill. There’s an artistry in transforming a simple burger into a delectable smash burger. Mike chuckled, “Just so you know, I’m not your typical chef around here. I had to learn the craft of making a smash burger.” There’s something unique about small-town people—their deep-rooted family bonds, their resilience, and their fervor for realizing their aspirations. The sizzle on the grill carries all of that spirit.
From the very beginning, their mission has been clear: to serve up flavorful smash burgers and good vibes to their community in Prattsburgh, Hammondsport, Bath, and across the stunning Finger Lakes region.
In their second year on the road, Smash Wagon built an unbeatable reputation. At the 2024 FLX Finest Awards, they proudly secured 1st place for Best Burger and 2nd place for Best Food Truck—an accolade they attribute wholly to their loyal supporters and their unswerving commitment to quality. What a remarkable achievement! Smash Wagon rolled into town with the juiciest, most flavorful smash burgers imaginable, and everyone took notice.
After chatting with Mike, it’s clear that this husband-and-wife duo had no inkling that their first few test burgers sizzling on that scorching grill would propel them into such an exhilarating and rewarding journey. This year, Smash Wagon once again garnered top honors, claiming the 2025 FLX Finest Gold Winner title for Best Burger AND Food Truck in the Finger Lakes.
Nowadays, you can spot their grey truck parked three days a week at Krooked Tusker Distillery, a lively community hotspot, serving up smash burgers every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They infuse classic burgers with exciting twists, offering a bold and diverse menu that includes creative options like the Smac N Cheese and Spice Spice Baby. They excel at transforming a simple burger into a culinary creation worthy of 5-star acclaim! (Someone needs to get in touch with the Food Network! The Smash Wagon deserves a spot on the next Food Truck Race!)
Whether you’re enjoying dinner paired with a handcrafted spirit at Krooked Tusker or grabbing a quick meal on the move, Smash Wagon delivers smiles—one impeccably smashed burger at a time. Mike and Christina’s food truck isn’t just a spot to grab a bite; it has evolved into a community hub where friends and burger lovers come together.
Mike proudly admits he’s ‘living his wife’s dream,’ but in my view, they’re both living their best lives and inviting the rest of us to join them at the table to relish every bite of their ‘out of this world’ smash burger creations.
