Appenzell Bakes & Cakes is taking its pies and other treats on the road with a new Whakatane-built food trailer.

The mobile bakery opened this week at 9 Gateway Crescent, near Glenn’s Glass.

Owner Jinesh Solanki says the decision to take the business closer to customers came after years of support for the bakery, which is located away from the town centre.

“We are getting really good support from Whakatāne, but we are in the middle of nowhere,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t want to come up the hill, so we decided to go to them.”

The trailer was built by Kiwi Az Trailers & General Engineering in Whakatāne, with the cabinetry also made in New Zealand.

Solanki said he was proud to support local businesses and use New Zealand-made components.

He also tries to support local suppliers where possible, including sourcing his meat from the Export Meat Warehouse.

The mobile operation will open Tuesday to Friday, 6am to 2pm, with Solanki also planning to also attend events and potentially operate at Rugby Park on weekends.

Customers can expect many of the same products available at Appenzell Bakes & Cakes, including pies, doughnuts, sandwiches, drinks, chips and lollies.

Everything sold from the trailer will be prepared in the bakery’s kitchen.

Solanki said the business’ best-selling pie is its brisket, cheese and jalapeño, featuring brisket slow-cooked for six hours after being prepared with the bakery’s spices. Mince and cheese and mince with double cheese are also popular choices.

Solanki said the trailer would also allow the business to take its products to events around the region when opportunities arose.

“Now we can go to the customers,” Solanki said. “People come from all around New Zealand for kapa haka and tournaments.”

The bakery began operating about three years ago, after Solanki and his team took over the bakery alongside their existing dairy business.

He said the support from customers across the Eastern Bay had been a major reason behind the expansion.

“The love we are getting from Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Ōhope, Kawerau, Edgecumbe – it’s unbelievable,” he said.

“Thank you very much to all of our customers who trust us and who give us strength to do more things.”

For updates on the trailer’s future locations, follow Appenzell Dairy Plus on Facebook.