Each Monday I recap food truck news as it relates to the Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). Bringing news that impacts food truck owners, fans, or those curious.
Food Trucks and March Madness
Two things I enjoy: Food Trucks and the College Basketball Tournament. This year I lined up food trucks with schools for the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This year Barone Meatball (Michigan State), KoKyu BBQ (Wisconsin) Only Burger (Kentucky) and Pie Pushers (Duke) made it to the Final Four. To see how we got here, check out the post.
Back to the Bar: Bar Rescue (Moonrunners Saloon)
Late last year, Spike’s Bar Rescue revisited the Garner restaurant, Moonrunners Saloon, to see if ownership kept the changes implemented from their rescue episode. Part of the episode should have a cameo of the Stuft food truck. The episode will air Sunday, April 5th at 9 pm on Spike.
Pittsboro’s April Food Truck Rodeo
A food truck lineup has been announced with Baugettaboutit, Bandido’s, Halal Haven, Little Dippers, Red Eye BBQ, and Belgian Waffology. Bella Donna and Bear Creek Brews will also be there. The event is April 18th across from the Pittsboro Road House.
Brewgaloo Food Truck Lineup Announced
Over 30 food trucks listed for the event taking place on April 25th from 2 to 10pm on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. This event is one of those big events that puts a bow on NC Beer Month (April). In addition to beer and food trucks, there is also live music that book end the festival.
The food trucks listed for the event are:
All American Food Truck
American Meltdown
Bam Pow Chow
Baguettaboutit
Barone Meatball
Baton Rouge Cuisine
Belgian Waffology
Big Al’s BBQ
Big John’s Wings & Things
Bulkogi
Cafe Prost
Captain Ponchos
Chai’s Global Street Food
CockADoodleMoo
CJ’s Street Food
Chirba Chirba
Czech This Out
D’Burritos
Dump Pho King
Dusty Donuts
Gussy’s Greek
Iced Cupcakes
JAM Ice Cream
King’s Authentic Philly Cheesesteak
Lumpy’s Ice Cream
Mac-u-roni
MamaDuke’s
Not Just Icing
Pie Pushers
Sarge’s Chef on Wheels
Sol Tacos
Stoke & Smoke
Stuft
The Humble Pig
Virgil’s Jamaican
Will & Pop’s
The event is free to attend. Food trucks are a la carte, however, the event highlights beer, cider, and spirits made in North Carolina. Tokens can be purchased at the Brewgaloo website (5 beertokens for $25 or taster cards, 5 – 3 oz pours for $5).
Taste The Event hosts a Burger Smashdown
Watch Mattie B’s Public House, Tyler’s Taproom, Al’s Burger Shack, Buns and Only Burger prepare their favorite burger and side combinations for your vote. In addition burgers and sides, Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam will pair beers for each item. Part of the ticket proceeds will fund the Durham Branch of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The event takes place at Fullsteam Brewery on April 25th. Tickets available here.
World Beer Festival – Raleigh
All About Beer Magazine brings 250 craft and specialty beers to Downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square on April 11th. The event is separated into two sessions an afternoon (12-4) and evening (6-10).
Food Trucks in attendance: American Meltdown, Belgian Waffology, Charlie’s Kabob Grill, Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Mac-UR-Roni, Only Burger, and Stuft. For more details and tickets, find it here.
For those looking for next time, Durham hosts one in October (last year it was at Durham Bulls Athletic Park).
Blues Events at Durham Central Park
Looks like Durham Central Park will have a few events with food trucks in the near future.
May 30th – 1st Annual Blues and Brews Festival (Tickets)
The Warehouse Blues events will kick off July 10th the opening date with three events to follow on Fridays afterwards.
Special Food Truck Dinners
Food trucks and breweries are having special dinners at their taprooms. Here are a few going on now:
Manna & Nickelpoint: April 6th (5 course for $50, tickets at Nickelpoint)
Manna & Double Barley: April 8th
Manna & Brueprint at New Hope Valley Railroad (Brew & Choo): April 25th
Food Trucks Hiring
Jay’s Italian Ice is looking for part time help. See their Facebook page for contact information.
With Gussy’s opening up a new restaurant in May, Gus (“Gyro Hero”) is looking for the help, especially with a grill person. Contact him for more information.
Trucks Giving Back
I hope you can recall last year when Gussy’s organized a rodeo that was just for the Durham Rescue Mission. The event was participated by Gussy’s, Stuft, Chick-N-Que, and Not Just Icing, where they provided food to those at the Rescue Mission for free. Gus wants to do the event again expanding it to more trucks and Rescue Mission locations. If your food truck is interested, contact Gus at 919-656-7096 or Direct/Private Message @GreekGussys. The event was covered by many media outlets, including a live shot by Anthony Wilson from ABC 11.
Trucks Opening Locations
Recently Opened
KoKyu BBQ opened Na’mean, a sandwich shop, today at 4823 Meadow Dr, Ste. 108 in Durham. Check out info on our Wheels and Mortar post.
Coming Soon
Sol Tacos (as a Sol Tapas concept) – Looking at an early 2015 opening. Stay tuned.
Deli-icious: Location is in Clayton with a 2015 date expected.
Captain Ponchos restaurant has a location in Southern Village, Chapel Hill. Details are things are coming along, but an opening date is not expected until May.
Big Events Coming
For Rodeos, check out the Rodeo Page.
Beericana presented by 919 Beer
In 2014, the Triangle was introduced to an awesome event with local beer, food trucks, and music. Thankfully we will see this again September 12th, 2015. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details on the blog.
Outside the Triangle
The inaugural Capital City Food Truck Convention organized by the DMV Food Truck Association (DC-Maryland-Virgina) is taking place Sunday, April 19th. This one day event will gather current and new food truck owners, as well as, other people within the industry. Currently, they are doing early bird registration until February 28th. For more details on the location, registering and agenda, see the association’s website.
Lowcountry Vendors and Food Truck Expo
The event is taking place Saturday, May 2nd down in Beaufort, SC. The event is highlighting the community and they are looking for food trucks to promote the region. For more details on the event, you can see more at their Facebook Page.
ROAM is coming to Orlando, Florida
Hopefully you caught last week’s special post on the 2014 event.
Circle your calendars now for ROAM 2015 in Orlando. This is the only food truck industry conference that brings owners and industry-specific people together. I’ll have a special post just on my experience here in San Antonio. But in short, if you are someone in the food truck business, I think you need to be here. The dates are November 15 and 16th, which is Sunday and Monday. Hopefully, those are admin days and only 8 1/2 hours (by car) between the Triangle and Orlando. I hope we can exponentially expand our representation for this one.
Food Trucks and Restaurants to support (RED) in June 2015
I came back from the ROAM Conference early November 2014 was about the (RED) organization. The (RED) Organization fights AIDS in Africa where 2/3 of those with AIDS are located. In 2014, the organization had events around the food and beverage industry. However, they want to make it bigger and get everyone involved. It would be a nice scene to see food trucks featuring a (RED) menu next June!
For more details on the event, check out details at (RED)‘s website dedicated to the food and beverage industry.
Is your food truck news here? This post focuses on Triangle food trucks every week. If you got news, let the blog know using the form below.
The Wandering Sheppard 