Crystal Beach's Big Pappi’s set to deliver the goods to beachgoers

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Big Pappi Front

Big Pappi's Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Hotdogs and Shake Shack owner Shane Therrien has got some new wheels. Plans are to make deliveries to beachgoers at Bay Beach via the business's new Velo Taxi. - Richard Hutton/Metroland

It's an idea the owner of Big Pappi's Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Hotdog and Shake Shack has had in mind since he opened his Derby Road eatery two years ago – delivering food to those enjoying a day at the beach.

And now he's got the vehicle to make it happen.

It is a unique one that is screaming out to be dubbed the Pappi Wagon. It's a velo taxi manufactured by a BAYA AG, a German company. Essentially, it's a tricyle that can be operated manually or with the assist of a small electric motor. They are widely used across Europe as an alternative means to get around.

"It was always in the plan to do something unique," Therrien said. "We wanted something that would be eye-catching."

And that's what he got with his new wheels. The white, plastic-bodied trike is now adorned with Big Pappi's beach resort colour scheme, complete with a characiture of Therrien, the Big Pappi himself.

There are still some details to work out, he said, but Therrien expects the delivery service will be up and running in the next two weeks.

"We need to fine tune it a little bit," Therrien said. "Right now, it will just be for beach delivery."

The process itself is quite simple. Customers with a hankering for a Miss Piggy pulled pork grilled cheese or a messy Nasty Sanchez chili dog can order their food online, and Big Pappi's will text customers when their order is ready.

"Then they can meet us at either (the main or Ashwood Street) entrance," Therrien said.

It's just the first step in a plan that will eventually lead to offering up delivery to residents in Crystal Beach as well.

"It would be like the old Dickie Dee (ice cream bikes), but we would be selling hotdogs and sangos from it. Eventually, I’d like to have something I could run right into Sherkston Shores."

Big Pappi's is located at 406 Derby Rd. in Crystal Beach. Call 905-788-4663for hours and more information.