Articles about Food Trucks

Bobaddiction, a Bubble Tea Truck, is Rolling into Dallas on July 1

posted by Carol Shih | May 17th, 2013 4:02pm | filed under Food Trucks, Foodie People | 3 Comments »

boba

Randy Hu, one of the guys behind this new boba truck business, emailed me an hour ago to tell me about Bobaddiction. He wondered if I’d be interested in a story about bubble tea, a Taiwanese tea-based drink that started in Taichung. Recipes for it consist of fruit, milk, tea, and tapioca balls that can be slurped up through a thick straw.

I quickly emailed him back: “I’m Taiwanese. I have been waiting for a boba truck ALL MY LIFE.”

It’s true. My best friend, Teresa, once considered quitting med school to open a boba truck. I told her she was crazy. But deep down inside, I really wanted to say yes. If bubble tea didn’t cost $3 bucks a pop, I’d probably bathe myself in milk tea every single day. I’d rub my hair with tapioca balls and… anyways, I’m getting off topic.

Continue reading "Bobaddiction, a Bubble Tea Truck, is Rolling into Dallas on July 1"

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May 13 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | May 13th, 2013 8:52pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 1 Comment »

The big news this week is Dallas City Council‘s review of downtown vendor regulations, including mobile food trucks.  Changes include expanded hours (good), more locations in the CBD (good), reduced fees (good), and a possible dress code (huh?!?).  Carol made it to the City Council meeting and had this to report earlier today.

The City of Denton has likewise been moving forward in establishing a friendly environment for food trucks and trailers.  Their councilman most active, Kevin Roden, has a May 16 meeting planned to start reviewing the effectiveness of recently passed laws.

I’m running late this week, so instead of Monday-Sunday, we’ll start with Tuesday.  As always, check Facebook or Twitter first.  Jump….. Continue reading "May 13 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

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Food Truck Operators Might Not Be Able to Wear Tank Tops Anymore

posted by Carol Shih | May 13th, 2013 11:25am | filed under Food, Food Trucks | 11 Comments »
The tank top regulation.

Hey girl, this is tank top regulation

The Dallas City Council’s Quality of Life Committee met this morning (and is probably still meeting) about potentially lowering the costs of streetscape licensing and street vending permits in downtown Dallas. Generally, I think this is good news for the city. Lowering the costs = potentially more restaurants with outdoor seating/more food trucks in Dallas = more pedestrians enjoying downtown =  everyone is happy. In George Lewis’ words, “Fees can be onerous, simply because food trucks are mobile, which means multiple cities.  Multiply $300 – $600 for all of the cities: Dallas, University Park, Highland Park, Arlington, Denton, FW, Carrollton, Garland, etc. and you rack up a chunk of government money.”

I snuck out of the meeting after the streetscape licensing part because I had to get back to the office, but the vending permits Powerpoint is on the committee briefings page, anyway.

The proposal is to cut vending licenses by half to $600 annually. Right now, food trucks are allowed to operate between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, but the proposed update would extend those hours to 10 p.m. (Mon-Thursday, Sunday) and midnight (Friday and Saturday). There’s also a suggestion to require photo ID badges for all vendors, prohibit smoking by vendors while operating in the vending locations, and to establish a dress code. All these are unregulated right now and sound pretty fair, except… what’s up with this dress code? Take a look for yourself:

Appendix B: Proposed Dress Code

  • Proposed minimum dress requirements for vendors include the following
  • Clothing must be neat, clean and sanitary at all times
  • Walking shorts allowed, but no cut-offs ◦ No apparel with offensive or suggestive language,images, symbols
  • No tank tops or halter tops
  • No outer apparel made of fishnet or undergarment material

 
Continue reading "Food Truck Operators Might Not Be Able to Wear Tank Tops Anymore"

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May 6 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Fort Worth

posted by George Lewis | May 6th, 2013 7:14pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | Be The First To Comment

Look for pop up events this week at:

  • Tuesday: The Village Apartments and the “Tasty Tuesdays” event at Sprouts on Marsh.  The Sprouts event includes Rock ‘n’ Roll Tacos, Tuttas, Pompeii, Rockn’Ricks, Cup Cakin’, The Guava Tree, and Bombay Street Food.
  • Wednesday: Sigel’s Greenville
  • Thursday: Coppell families have a great selection of food trucks at Austin Elementary
  • Friday: Cup Cakin’, Rock ‘n’ Roll Tacos, Tutta’s Pizza, and Easy Slider will be at the North Richland Hills Sounds of Spring.  The event is at NRH Centre Events Plaza, 6000 Hawk Avenue, starting at 6pm.

 

This week, we add What’s Cook-n Chef, a new food truck, serving primarily in the mid-cities and Fort Worth.  What’s Cook-n Chef focuses on Latin-style food, with churrasco on sandwiches and taco.

Here’s your schedule for the week; and remember, always check Facebook or Twitter.  Changes do happen.  Jump…… Continue reading "May 6 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Fort Worth"

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The First Texas Food Truckin’ Fest at the Rangers Ballpark

posted by Sheila Dang | April 30th, 2013 9:30am | filed under Events, Food Trucks | 4 Comments »
Smoothies1

From left to right: Orange Mango, Pina Colada, and Cappuccino smoothies. photo by Sheila Dang

A valuable lesson that I’ve learned this past weekend: even though you may be on your way to a food festival or a popular restaurant, don’t starve yourself in anticipation.

The Texas Food Truckin’ Fest took place April 26-27 at the Rangers Ballpark, featuring 34 food trucks that were parked and ready to serve me and what seemed like half of the Dallas population. But what did I expect? In Texas, we like our food and we do it big.

Continue reading "The First Texas Food Truckin’ Fest at the Rangers Ballpark"

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April 29 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | April 29th, 2013 4:40pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

Many of the food trucks that participated in last weekend’s Texas Food Truckin’ Festival were quite pleased with the results.  From the customer perspective, lines were long and several of the newer trucks under-estimated and ran out of food early.

Many of your local schools are adding in food trucks so that you have more of an option besides turkey legs and popcorn.  Most of these are open but some are private.

Several trucks will be at the parking lot of Sprouts/Henderson on Thursday evening.

Here’s your schedule for the week.  Always check Facebook or Twitter before going out.  Continue reading "April 29 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

Over 30 Food Trucks and Trailers Meet in Arlington for the Texas Food Truckin’ Fest

posted by George Lewis | April 25th, 2013 3:31pm | filed under Food Trucks | 3 Comments »

Experience Arlington and US Food Trucks are hosting the largest food truck event to date in North Texas on Friday and Saturday, April 26/27. The Texas Food Truckin’ Fest starts Friday at 4PM, and again Saturday morning at 11AM.  There should be over 30 food trucks or trailers at the event, including:

Aunt Sweet Tooth’s Kitchen, Bombay Chopstix, Café Con Leche, Cravetopia Bakery, Doughboy’s Pizza Truck, Eat Jo Dawgs, Empanada Armada, First Bite Gourmet, Four Seasons, Gorgonzilla, Jolly Trolley Express, Lee Malone’s Sliders, Little Greek, Maui Wowi, My Cupcake Garden, Nammi, Oink and Moo, Rockn’ Rick’s, Salsa Limon, Short-N-Sweet, Simply Dosa, SweetieV’s, Taste of Home, The Bacon Lover’s Truck, The Big Purple Truck, The Butcher’s Son, The Guava Tree, The Lab of the Streets, Tin Star Taco Taxi, Tutta’s Pizza, What’s Da Scoop, What’s Cook-N Chef, and Yellow Belly.

The organizers will have live music throughout the day and seating in the ballpark to watch the Saturday televised away game.

Entry fees to the event are $10 for adults ($12 for a 2-day pass), $5 for kids, under 32″ tall are free.  Parking is included, but does not include any portion of food costs.

Jump for details and a bit of commentary on why you should go and why I think you might be out of your mind if you do go… Continue reading "Over 30 Food Trucks and Trailers Meet in Arlington for the Texas Food Truckin’ Fest"

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April 22 Food Truck Schedule and New for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | April 22nd, 2013 3:58pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

This weekend will see the largest food truck events in DFW to date.  With over 30 food trucks/trailers schedule so far, the Texas Food Truckin’ Fest in Arlington this coming Friday and Saturday includes.  Be prepared for a $10 adult and $5 child entry fee.  Some of them will be there both days and some only partial.

Aunt Sweet Tooth’s Kitchen, Bombay Chopstix, Café Con Leche, Cravetopia Bakery, Doughboy’s Pizza Truck, Eat Jo Dawgs, Empanada Armada, First Bite Gourmet, Four Seasons, Gorgonzilla, Jolly Trolley Express, Lee Malone’s Sliders, Little Greek, Maui Wowi, My Cupcake Garden, Nammi, Oink and Moo, Rockn’ Rick’s, Salsa Limon, Short-N-Sweet, Simply Dosa, SweetieV’s, Taste of Home, The Bacon Lover’s Truck, The Big Purple Truck, The Butcher’s Son, The Guava Tree, The Lab of the Streets, Tin Star Taco Taxi, Tutta’s Pizza, What’s Cook-N Chef, and Yellow Belly.

If you are not one for long lines in huge parking lots, consider instead the numerous popup events:

Several of the Dallas-based food trucks will be at the George Bush library opening on Thursday.

On Saturday April 27, 2013 from 11a to 5p, there is a fundraiser at Preston Hollow Elementary 6423 Walnut Hill Lane.  Food trucks include Nammi, Easy Slider, Enticed, Gandolfo’s, Eat Jo Dawgs, Pompeii, and other event-oriented trucks.

Here is your schedule for the week.  Always remember to check Facebook and Twitter before venturing out.  Jump…. Continue reading "April 22 Food Truck Schedule and New for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

April 15 Food Truck Schedule and News in Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | April 15th, 2013 6:35pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

I am happy to add a new feature to SideDish’s food truck/trailer schedule.  Finally, each truck or trailer is a link to their Facebook page.  In some cases, it is their web page when they don’t have a Facebook page.

The first popup event this week starts with Tuesday evening at The Village Apartments.  Participating food trucks include Easy Slider, Cajun Tailgators, Nammi, Pompeii, Rock and Roll Tacos, and Rock’n'Ricks.  The standard Sigels/Greenville events on Wednesday and Friday are next.

On Friday, several food trucks will be in Addison at the Vitruvian.  These include Enticed, Little Greek, and Tutta’s Pizza (Tutta’s hopes that their fire-damaged truck is repaired and back in service).

Frisco Streats is back for the second year this coming Saturday.  Participating food trucks include Cajun Tailgators, Gandolfo’s, Gastro Bomber, Jack’s ChowHound, Nammi, Pompeii, Ruthie’s Too, The Butcher’s Son, and Unforsacon Bacon.

And with that, here is your schedule for the week.  Always check Facebook and Twitter before going out.  Jump. Continue reading "April 15 Food Truck Schedule and News in Dallas and Ft. Worth"

April 08 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | April 8th, 2013 5:25pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 1 Comment »

Almost all of the food trucks are looking for help.  If you are in between jobs, looking for summer employment, or want to try working on a food truck before launching, this is a good time.  Figure out which truck or trailer you want to work with and approach the owners.

Tutta’s Pizza tells SideDish that they expect to be back on the road on April 13.  That’s pretty quick turnaround from their builder, Cruisin’ Kitchens, consider the damage.

Ruthie’s, Easy Slider, and Jack’s Chowhound will be at Hope Cottage at 4209 McKinney Ave. on Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm.  A portion of revenue will go this terrific program.

The usual Wednesday and Friday events at Sigels/Greenville in the evening are continuing on.

Here is your schedule for the week.  Remember to check Facebook and Twitter before going out.  Jump. Continue reading "April 08 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

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Ruthie’s Rolling Café: Bringing Good Eats and Good Deeds to Dallas

posted by Caren Rodriguez | April 5th, 2013 11:55am | filed under Food, Food Trucks | 1 Comment »
Ruthie's photo

Ruthie’s at Klyde Warren Park.

A buttery, gooey grilled cheese is such a satisfying treat, it’ll make anyone smile. As a longtime cheese lover, I was more than excited when I got the chance to have a behind-the-scenes experience with Ruthie’s Rolling Café, the popular and growing grilled cheese food establishment.

About five people were standing in front of Ruthie’s when I arrived. The aroma of buttered bread on a hot grill filled the air. A small dry-erase board near the order window read: “Welcome D Magazine!” When I told the young woman at the window I was with D, the door opened. A blonde woman stepped out of the truck and introduced herself as Ashlee Hunt Kleinert, one of the two sisters who own Ruthie’s.

“At my grandmother’s house we used to always make grilled cheese sandwiches,” Ashlee said. “We were trying to think of something universal and appealing [for the food truck].”

Ashlee and her sister, Heather Hunt, launched Ruthie’s  in 2011 after learning about the booming food truck business at a conference for event planners. They decided to open a food truck when they got home.

“We felt like the timing was right,” Ashlee said. “When we came back we were like, Austin has thousands, literally thousands, of trucks and Dallas has fewer than five. We better jump on this, let’s do it.”

When I stepped inside the truck, I was amazed at how accommodating and organized it was. Whitney Finkelstein was busy cooking sandwiches on the grill. Amber Williams was prepping and checking orders. Steve Machina, the manager and Ruthie’s first employee, was taking orders at the window. Ashlee and Taylor McDaniel, the director of operations, were standing at the far end near the driver’s seat. They weren’t bumping into each other, it was super clean, and the team worked well together. Continue reading "Ruthie’s Rolling Café: Bringing Good Eats and Good Deeds to Dallas"

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April 1 Food truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | April 1st, 2013 8:23pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 1 Comment »

There are three events that I want to highlight this week.  The Tuesday and Thursday events at Sprouts on Henderson (Thursday) and on Marsh Lane (Tuesdays) starts up again.  I highlight these two events because of the outstanding lineup of food trucks.  Tuesday’s lineup include Rock and Roll Tacos, Pompeii, The Mobile Stand, Cajun Tailgators, Lab of the Streets, The Guava Tree, Bombay, The Mobile Stand, and Rockstar Bakeshop.  Thursday includes Rock and Roll Tacos, Easy Slider, Yellow Belly, Pompeii, Ruthie’s Grilled Cheese, Cajun Tailgators, and Rockstar Bakeshop.

 

Tasty Tues Sprouts Thursday

 

On Saturday afternoon, the Stonewall Jackson Elementary School at 5828 Mockingbird Lanewill again be hosting an event to support the school’s garden program.  The kids learn about life cycles and what plants need to grow.  They each get to take care of their own plant, they learn how plants take in and use energy and learning about the insects and animals that live in the garden. Five dollar entry fee.  Go. Support.

Jump for your schedule.  Always check Facebook or Twitter feeds before venturing out. Continue reading "April 1 Food truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

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New ‘Best Coffee’ and ‘Best Food Truck’ Categories Added to Best of Big D 2013

posted by Carol Shih | March 26th, 2013 1:07pm | filed under best of big d, Coffee, Food Trucks | 3 Comments »
Nammi's owners exemplifying what the Dallas food truck community does best: giving each other a lift.

Nammi’s owners exemplifying what the Dallas food truck community does best: giving each other a lift. (photo by Kevin Hunter Marple)

In case you haven’t noticed (or hadn’t even voted), we’ve added some new categories to our Best of Big D: Food and Drink poll this year.  With the number of trendy coffee shops growing in Dallas, it only made sense for us to add a ‘Best Coffee’ to the ballot. And food trucks. How could we ever forget these essential mobile kitchens? Food trucks make our world go ’round, and we’re honoring them by giving them a place on our polls.

I was already planning to write this post about food trucks being on Best of Big D before word hit the street that Tutta’s Pizza food truck was on fire this morning, according to George Lewis. Tutta’s Pizza is nominated for this year’s ‘Best Food Truck,’ and another contender, First Bite Gourmet, just tweeted out to them, “Oh no!!!!!! Ugh! Please let us know if you need anything else! We may be able to use some extra helpers??? Over the weekend??”

It’s clear the food truck community in Dallas is strong and supportive. Even though they’re all competing on the same ballot, they lend a hand wherever they can. I’m pretty proud of Dallas. Aren’t you? Now go vote.

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Tutta’s Pizza Food Truck on Fire

posted by George Lewis | March 26th, 2013 11:43am | filed under Food Trucks | 3 Comments »

Tutta’s Pizza serves up smoked-meat pizza.  A few minutes ago, an on-scene SideDisher sent us these pictures.  We are working on getting more news, but it appears that Tutta’s won’t be rolling for a while.  Owners Jeremy and Amanda Scott are great people.  We’ve reached out to them to see what happened and what their plans are.

IMG_6180 20130326_110358

Update [12:49 p.m.]: Tutta’s Pizza just tweeted, “We had an electrical fire & the truck took some pretty bad damage. The team is okay & headed back to the commissary now. Updates coming…”

Update [3:07 p.m.]: Amanda Scott from Tutta’s tells us that a fan motor caught on fire.  The truck will be on a tow truck and on it’s way to Cruisin’ Kitchens in San Antonio tomorrow for repair.  San Antonio’s Cruisin’ Kitchens was the original builder, but the fan motor had recently been re-wired by an outside electrician.  Cruisin’ Kitchens says that they’ll be going again in two weeks, but all scheduled Tutta’s events are cancelled through April 6.

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March 25 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | March 25th, 2013 3:25pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

I’m running short on time this week, so I’m just going to put the schedule out there.

The usual popup events are continuing.  Be sure to vote for your favorite food truck.

Jump for the schedule. Continue reading "March 25 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

March 18 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Fort Worth

posted by George Lewis | March 18th, 2013 9:39pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 2 Comments »

We have a new category in “Best of …”.  Vote for your favorite food truck at Best of Big D: Food and Drink.  The food trucks are the last of the many categories.

Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe is adding another grilled cheese truck to its fleet.  Alas, it comes at the expense of Ruthie’s Cheesesteaks.  The second grilled cheese truck will be tagged “Ruthies Too”.   The Ruthies folks told us that they were turning down too many private party opportunities, so they had to make the change.

Several food trucks, including Lucky Ducky Dogs, Cup Cakin’ Machine, and Simply Dosa will be participating at Mayor Rawlings’ Rally Against Domestic Violence on Saturday late morning at City Hall.  Go. Support.

Monday nights have a new event in North Dallas at the intersection of Coit Rd. and George Bush Tollway.  This week’s food trucks include Rock and Roll Tacos, Easy Slider, the Mobile Stand, and Yellow Belly.

Wednesday and Friday evenings continue at Sigel’s/Greenville.

Jump for your schedule.  Also remember to check Facebook or Twitter feeds before venturing out.  Continue reading "March 18 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Fort Worth"

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March 11 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | March 11th, 2013 4:00pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

Spring Break begets a bit of a slower week.  The typical Sigels/Greenville Wednesday and Friday events are ongoing, as well as the “Lunch Box” series.  Look for various food truck activity up and down Greenville Ave. this coming Saturday for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

This week, we add Sassy Hot Dogs, mostly a Ft. Worth-located food trailer, to our schedule.

Jump for your schedule, and always remember to check Facebook and Twitter feeds before venturing out. Continue reading "March 11 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

March 04 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | March 4th, 2013 5:32pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

Since today tied for the hottest March 4 ever, we are happy to see Enticed Shaved Ice back out on the streets.  Ding-dong.  Winter is dead.  Happier times ahead for Enticed and Coolhaus.

Sprouts is bringing back it’s Parking Lots events: Tuesday for the Marsh Lane location and Thursday for the Henderson Ave. store.

The Wednesday and Friday popups continue at Sigel’s/Greenville.

New trucks out on the street: The Bacon Lover’s Truck, the Empanada Armada, and The Little Greek Food Truck.

Here’s your schedule.  Remember to check Facebook and Twitter feeds before going out.  Jump…. Continue reading "March 04 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth"

February 25 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Fort Worth

posted by George Lewis | February 25th, 2013 4:36pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

The weather is getting better, so we will start seeing neighborhood events as well as food truck popups to support various charitable events.  This week, we start off with two great events, both this coming Saturday.  First up is a school fundraiser at William Travis TAG Academy in the heart of Uptown.  The event ($5 entry)will run from 11am to 4pm at 2001 McKinney and will include OinkNMoo BBQ and Gastro Bomber.

Update: Food trucks at the Travis event in Uptown now include:  The Butcher’s Son, Lucky Ducky Dogs, The Gastro Bomber, The Mobile Stand, OinknMoo BBQ, and Cup-Cakin Machine.

Later in the day (4pm to 9pm), there will be an event in Carrollton called Food Truckin’ for a Cure.  With a $5 entry fee also, this event includes Ruthies Grilled Cheese, Bombay Street Food, Cajun Tailgators, Rock & Roll Tacos, Easy Slider, Tin Star Taco Taxi, Pompeii, Wound Up Cafe’, My Cupcake Garden, and The Spanish Lunchbox.

Wednesday and Friday night at Sigels/Greenville continues.

The Lunchbox series continues:

 

This week, we are adding First Bite Gourmet to our schedule.  First Bite gives a “first bite” portion of the cost of every meal to feed the homeless.  According to one of the owners, Marie Jackson, First Bite brings an “eclectic fusion of flavors, beginning with our marinated and rubbed carne asada(grilled meat).  Everything from grilled sourdough sandwhiches, to double meat burgers, and street tacos”.

Ssahm BBQ turned in one of their leased trucks, so they are down to one.

With that, here is your schedule for the week.  Remember to check Facebook and Twitter feeds before venturing out.  Jump… Continue reading "February 25 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas and Fort Worth"

February 18 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | February 18th, 2013 5:45pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks |

This week, we add the OinkNMoo BBQ Food Truck to our schedule.  Amazingly, it’s Dallas’ first BBQ truck, not including the competitive trucks and trailers or weekend special events rigs.

The usual Wednesday and Friday Sigel’s/Greenville evening popup food truck events are happening, as well as the Lunch Box events that we reported last week.

Many of the food trucks are reporting that they are getting booked up for private events through the coming Spring.  So if you are planning a block private, birthday party, or something similar, better stop procrastinating.

Dallas is getting it’s first Greek food truck.  Owner/operator Cody Freeman was formerly part of the Ruthie’s empire, but is now on his own with a franchise license for “Little Greek”.  Here is Little Greek Food Truck‘s Facebook page.

Here is your schedule for the week.  Remember to check Facebook and Twitter for any schedule updates.  Jump. Continue reading "February 18 Food Truck News and Schedule for Dallas and Ft. Worth"


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