About Us
The DumpTruck was founded on the belief that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people.
More than simply serving food, we exist to create memorable experiences through handcrafted dumplings, genuine hospitality, and a deep respect for the people and places that make each meal possible.
Our inspiration comes from the intersection of traditional techniques, our love for traveling and eating, and the agricultural abundance of Maui. We believe exceptional food begins with exceptional ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and an environment where guests feel like family.
Living on an island requires a different perspective.
Unlike many places on the mainland, Hawaiʻi exists within a finite system. Land is limited, natural resources are precious, and many of the products we depend on travel thousands of miles across the ocean before reaching our shores.
This reality encourages us to think beyond convenience.
Every locally grown vegetable, every fish landed by a local fisherman, and every product made by a Hawaiʻi business represents more than freshness or quality. It represents generations of knowledge, families committed to caring for the land and sea, and a community working together to sustain itself.
Supporting local producers is not simply about keeping money within the local economy. It is about strengthening the island's ability to feed itself.
The Team
Chef Kyle Sahlstrom
Kyle is a classically trained chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and a passion for thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine. As co-founder and the culinary force behind The DumpTruck Maui, he blends fine-dining technique with approachable comfort food, creating handmade dumplings and globally inspired dishes that celebrate local Hawaiian farms, fishermen, and seasonal ingredients.
Emelie Thirawattanapan
Emelie is a hospitality professional and entrepreneur with a background in fine dining, operations, and guest experience. As co-founder of The DumpTruck Maui, Emelie oversees operations, branding, marketing, and guest relations, helping transform a simple food truck into a memorable experience rooted in community, quality, and genuine hospitality.
Our story began in 2012 at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where we met as culinary students. What started as a friendship built on a shared passion for food, hospitality, and hard work grew over more than a decade into a lasting partnership and resulted in the opening of our business!
Our Partnership
