Mobile food vendors were on hand to display their unique
brand of cuisine along with local farmer's market vendors, musical guest Shaun Abbott and of
course...Knoxville foodies.
Southern Railway Station, on Depot Ave. was filled with over 1,500 in attendance eager to
partake of the many food choices and to enjoy the food truck park event. The food truck park will occur every third Thursday
"Events like these are a win-win for everyone. We have permitted a total of 32 food trucks.,"
said the City's Business Liasion, Patricia Robledo.
"We are happy to be supportive of these entrepreneurs that offer such diversity of food choices . The success of food trucks positively impacts retail
establishments, existing bars and restaurants and engages citizens to create a
vibrant community."
Participating trucks were: HOLY SMOKIN' BBQ, Chef Deuce's
Island Grill, Dale's Fried Pies, Forks on the Road, Hawg Dawg's, Jamamerican
Jerk Centre, Retro Taco, Oishi Knox, M3 - Meatball Maddness & More, Sweet
Smuckers Doughnuts, Quick Fix Coffee and Vol Dogs.
After a two-year successful experience with a pilot program
for food trucks, a permanent Mobile Food Unit (MFU) ordinance was drafted late
in 2015. Public comment was solicited, and thoughtful feedback from citizens
prompted a series of amendments to the proposed ordinance, first by City staff
and then by City Council. On April 26, 2016, City Council voted unanimously to
adopt the permanent ordinance regulating food trucks.
The permanent ordinance, which replaces the regulations set
up for the pilot program, continues to allow mobile food vendors to operate in
similar fashion – plus, it expands the program to allow food trucks in other
districts under certain closely-regulated conditions.
Katie Galyon of Blue Slip Winery is excited about the benefits food trucks bring to Knoxville, "We are a small business ourselves and we enjoy supporting other local small businesses. Working together creates multiple opportunities for all of us! We hope to continue expanding this event as it brings the community together in a historical Knoxville location."
Interested in finding out more about the mobile food units
program? Visit http://knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/business_support/mobile_food_units
Or, to find out where your favorite food truck will be and
when, visit
http//www.knoxvillefoodtrucks.com/.