There’s fast food, and then there’s far-out fast food. Pronto Bronto, a Grand Junction food truck currently ensconced as the food truck-in-residence at Ramblebine Brewing Company, proudly tips toward the “far-out.” With its distinctive retro-futuristic graphic footprint, the Pronto Bronto food truck catches the eye. But what sets this culinary collaboration apart is a creative menu that toggles between old-school burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs done up fancy, and inventive vegetarian alternatives that strive to be just as satisfying as the options for carnivores.

*Photos by Lisa Kral for the Business Incubator Center*

Pronto Bronto was founded in 2022 when Kenny Levad and Andrew Watson were working together at Hot Tomato in Fruita — a fortuitous stop in the long cooking careers of both men. While Watson’s background is in graphic design with a specialization in music posters, Levad is a wordsmith with an English degree. But for both, “cooking always paid the bills,” says Levad. So when a food truck became available, Levad and Watson seized the moment to stamp their personal mark on the Grand Valley’s culinary scene.

“Our goal was to be fun and inviting and offer food for anyone. We’re building a reputation as having the best burger in the valley, that’s what people say,” shares Levad. “We don’t try to be super fancy, but we do try to be inclusive,” he adds, noting that those with dietary restrictions will find plenty from which to choose.

Sourcing local meat from Mountain Meat Packing ensures taste and freshness, and the truck’s signature burger, the Bronto burger, definitely tilts toward the traditional with American cheese, pickles, onion, lettuce and tomato. Brioche buns elevate the experience, while Bronto Sauce serves as the, ahem, secret sauce. Other burgers include a bespoke patty melt, the Matty Melt, a beef chili burger called the Western Slop and two portobello mushroom burger options. Looking for something more far out? Check out the weekly special. When we visited in March, it was The Spam Jam: a burger with grilled Spam, blueberries and maple jam.

Pronto Bronto’s hot dogs are also locally made, and toppings range from sauerkraut to pickle cream cheese, slaw, bacon and portobello mushrooms. Sandwiches include the BLT-REX and a grilled balogna, alongside vegetarian yummies like the Ruby, made with smoked beets, and others incorporating chickpea and jackfruit “chick’n” salad.

In addition to Levad and Watson, Pronto Bronto has a third partner, Angelica Jestrovich, who runs the business side and “keeps us in line,” according to Watson. Additional support comes from the local commercial kitchen housed at the Business Incubator Center (BIC), which provides licensed and permitted food prep space and storage for culinary businesses. The BIC also offers parking for food trucks, and numerous classes including business plan coaching and marketing support, as well as a loan fund to help entrepreneurs get started.

Mike Ritter, the BIC’s director of economic development, is a Pronto Bronto fan. “Their creativity has captured a niche in our community where they almost have a cult following. That wouldn’t happen if their food wasn’t stellar,” he says. “But it’s also because they’re just great guys, and they really understand the Grand Valley and fit it like a glove.”

This makes sense because the Grand Valley community acts as Watson and Levad’s greatest inspiration, starting with their business name. “We were looking for something that meant speed,” explains Levad, “but also had a local connection via paleontology.”

Pronto Bronto will celebrate its third anniversary on August 29 with a community market featuring local vendors, live music and, of course, far-out food, which by this time will be served from their new, larger food truck. Look for them at Ramblebine Brewing Company, 457 Colorado Ave., in downtown Grand Junction. Pronto Bronto is open 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 12-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

prontobronto.com

Originally published in the summer 2026 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Pronto Bronto: Grand Junction’s Far-Out Fast Food