July 20, 2024
By Fred Liggett
sports.lstribune08@gmail.com
A popular blue food truck appearing all over Lee’s Summit can serve up more than just a tasty meal for their fans. Chef Aristo’s and his family can tell some tasty stories from the decades the family has been supporting the Kansas City Comets.
Currently Chef Aristo’s famous blue food truck appears at the Lee’s Summit Farmer’s Market, Macadoodles and recently at the Bite of Blue Springs event. Featuring authentic Greek American food the truck is a hit at area events throughout Eastern Jackson County. In addition to seeing Owner Aristo Camburako and his wife serving up their menu items don’t be surprised to see them at an area pro soccer event.
The love of food and soccer came at a young age for Aristo who worked at his family business at Kemper Arena along with his parents, a brother and a sister. The business catered food for Kansas City Comets indoor soccer players. Aristo says of the players, “I grew to know very well.” In fact Sunday dinners at the family home were a hit as players like Tasso Koutsoukos, Zoran Savic, Gino Shiraldi and Yilmaz Orhan could be seen there enjoying their Sunday evening. Meeting superstar soccer players from Europe coming to play in the US tops Aristo’s memory of his days working there. One big memory of his was when Phil Collins came to Kemper Arena to perform and he came to the kitchen to meet his idol Gordon Hill.
Things got even better later when Aristo’s best friend Chris Damico played for Wichita prior to signing with the Comets in 2003. Aristo admits, “I would have to say he was my favorite player of all.” Now in present day the food truck is a popular part of the Lee’s Summit community. This popularity extends to catering and Aristo’s eatery located at 862 SW Blue Pkwy. in Lee’s Summit. The eatery is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The game of soccer has always been a part of Aristo’s life as he recalls growing up playing soccer and then coaching his son’s soccer team many years ago. All of his boys played soccer over the years with one of them currently working in ticket operations for the KC Current. Now that the Kansas City Comets soccer team calls Cable Dahmer Arena home Aristo admits, “I’m just a big fan of the team and like to go watch the games with family and friends.”
While his family enjoys attending many Sporting KC and KC Current games now Aristo is “really looking forward to the FIFA World Cup games coming to our hometown in 2026 and all the opportunities it will bring to Lee’s Summit.” Don’t be surprised to see Aristo and his popular blue food truck parked at one or more of the World Cup events as his love for the game of soccer continues.
