Ajumama, the longtime Korean-American food truck that helped popularize Korean street dishes across Columbus, is shutting down after 14 years on the road. The bright-blue truck built a devoted following with its fusion comfort food and regular festival appearances.
The closure was first reported in a May 18, 2026, story by reporter Dan Eaton for Columbus Business First, which noted Ajumama's 14-year run and identified Laura Lee as the chef-owner.
Local staple since 2012
Ajumama hit the streets in 2012 and quickly became one of Columbus' go-to mobile kitchens. An early profile in Columbus Underground highlighted how Lee blended Korean recipes with Midwestern favorites, helping the truck stand out in a growing food-truck scene.
Known for Korean-American street food
The truck's menu mixed Korean staples with American comfort food - think Bulgogi Cheesesteak, kimchi bratwurst, and hodduk pancakes - dishes long advertised on Ajumama's site. Ajumama and local festival pages list the truck's signature items along with its typical event appearances.
Part of a shifting food-truck scene
Ajumama's exit comes amid a wave of retirements and closures among Columbus mobile vendors, underscoring how tough it can be to keep a kitchen on wheels running year after year. As 614Now reported in 2023, several veteran truck brands have scaled back or put their brands up for sale.
How to follow final dates and catering
Customers hoping for one last meal or looking to arrange future catering are being directed to Ajumama's online "Find Us" and contact pages for schedule updates. Ajumama lists the social media handles and contact information the team uses to announce pop-ups and private events.
Lee's Ajumama leaves a lasting mark on Columbus' evolving food scene, having brought Korean flavors into regular rotation at markets and festivals around the city. "Laura Lee is one of the OG food truckers in Columbus," Breakfast With Nick wrote, reflecting the truck's role in expanding local mobile dining options.
