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By Crystal Reith After operating Antonio’s in Fulda for 30 years, Shirlene Christians wasn’t ready to fully retire. Instead, she found a new way to continue doing what she loves.
“I wanted a life at 62,” Christians said. “I couldn’t continue working 80-plus hours a week.”
Christians, a 1982 Fulda High School graduate, began her food service career 48 years ago at the Fulda Cafe. She later opened Antonio’s in 1995 and operated the restaurant for three decades before selling the business in the fall of 2025.
In May 2026, Christians, along with her business partner and friend, Thomas Krier of Brookings, South Dakota, launched Antonio’s On the Go, a 16-foot food trailer that brings made-to-order meals to communities throughout southwest Minnesota.
Tying her new business adventure to her previous one, Antonio’s On the Go was born.
“I had Antonio’s and since I sold the business, I knew I wanted to keep Antonio’s and add ‘On the Go’,” said Christians.
Opting for a food trailer rather than a food truck was a practical decision for the duo.
“With a trailer, if you have problems with the vehicle, you can still go,” she said.
The trailer is equipped with a grill, fryer, two ovens, a steam table and a prep table. While some preparation is done ahead of time, meals are made to order. The menu changes regularly, but popular items include the Super Tony Burger, pizza, and Mexican-inspired dishes.
“I believe in quality so everything is made to order,” said Christians. “I have a love for my customers.”
Even with decades of experience in the food service industry, the mobile food business presents its own challenges.
“It’s difficult. You must be very prepared with all of your supplies,” Christians said. “You can’t just run to the back room and get more. There’s a lot of planning ahead. It’s a lot of hard work preparing, trying to remember everything.”
Since opening, Antonio’s On the Go has traveled to area communities including Avoca, Slayton, Iona, Mountain Lake, Windom, Seven Mile Park, Wilmont, Brewster, Adrian and Lakefield.
“Our plans are to go through harvest and be at elevators for farmers and other special events,” said Christians.
Customers can find the trailer’s weekly schedule by following Antonio’s On the Go on Facebook, where Christians posts upcoming locations and events.
“I would like to thank Thomas for doing this with me and Amber for helping at events,” said Christians. “It’s a different journey, but I love what I do.”
