From food truck to patio oasis, Purple Basil gets a new home

By Tiffany Kloiber

Plover – Purple Basil, a popular food truck known for its customizable Italian menu, is setting up a more permanent shop in Plover.

Owners Taylor Okerlund and Carolina Corral have delighted customers of their well-known food truck since 2021 and have decided to grow roots with a perfect new patio space, called Purple Basil Terrace.

The duo purchased their food truck and completed the remodel in May of 2021, offering customizable Italian dishes that have become a local favorite. With unique dishes like Italian nachos and create-your-own-pasta, the small business captivated taste buds across central Wisconsin and now, it’s growing.

Okerlund and Corral met in 2012 while serving in the military. From San Antonio, TX to Colorado Springs, Colo., and overseas, their friendship grew as they explored different cultures and cuisines.

Okerlund said their shared love for good food and meaningful conversations fueled their desire to become entrepreneurs.

After their military service, Okerlund convinced Corral to move to Wisconsin, promising amazing summers filled with endless activities and Wisconsin cheese curds — though he says he may have downplayed the winter weather.

The next course

Now, the food truck will have a primary location at the former Mission Coffee House patio, 2860 Post Rd. in Plover.

Purple Basil Terrace will offer a selection of local wines and beers, Okerlund said. The company’s wine and beer license was approved by the Plover Village Board earlier this month.

Okerlund said he was excited about the new opportunity to grow their customer relationships in a fun, relaxing space.

“Part of having this outdoor patio will give us the opportunity to make it family-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ play area,” he said. “Adults can enjoy their meals while keeping an eye on their kids playing.”

Okerlund said the business is eyeing mid-April for the grand opening of Purple Basil Terrace, depending on the weather.