Will Tampa keep truckin?
Courtesy of tampabay.com
Tampa residents were stunned to find they broke a Guinness world record with the latest food truck rally. On August 31, the I-4 exit was backed up for miles before 8 a.m. 99 food trucks rolled into the Florida State fairgrounds demolishing the 62 food truck record held by Miami earlier this year. The Tampa Tribune, The Florida State fair authority, and 98Rock were just some companies to get this event rolling. At 11a.m., Mayor Buckhorn rang the dinner bell and let the feast begin.
The competition was fierce, especially between rival trucks. There is much more to offer than the delicious BBQ smoker or a taco bus. The smells of lobster bisque, lobster macaroni and cheese, pastries, brownies, empanadas, gelato and cheesecake all lingered. Intense heat caused trucks offering gelato, polar cups, smoothies, and fruit pops to sell out quickly.
Jeremy Gomez, the event organizer, is planning to double the trouble next year on March 22. He expects 200 food trucks to set up at the Florida State fairgrounds next time.
Being the first year, many trucks ran out of food and propane numerous times before the event ended at 8 p.m. Vendors say the volume of customers doubled their expectations (32k) leaving them unprepared. It will not happen again.
Most guests were pleased with the family-friendly event, regardless of the hiccups.
Maria T. Owens tweeted, “It was a great event Saturday, despite that at 3:00 p.m., a lot of trucks were out of food after we made the lines. I am ready for 2014!”
Mark Lastra of Tampa shared on Facebook, “The lines were long, but we enjoyed it so much that we are looking forward to March 22, 2014, and will be better prepared. [So,] get there early and hit the more popular trucks first.”
This will surely be an annual event for Tampa, and it’s expected to improve with time. The Florida State Fairgrounds agreed to open both entrances in March to help with parking. They also plan to provide more recycling receptors for all the beer cans.
Other things like pavilions, shade umbrellas, more chairs and picnic tables, maps and menus of the food trucks, and more water have been suggested by guests.
Over 100 food trucks are already confirmed for the next food truck rally. The next food truck rally will be held on March 22, 2014 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Jessica Bartels is a Staff writer of The Hawkeye.
Jessica Bartels was born in Tampa, Florida. The 2005 Gaither High School graduate is a mother...
Jeremy Gomez • Jan 18, 2014 at 7:33 am
Thank you so much for the article and the kind words.
The World’s Largest Food Truck Festival Ever! Part II is actually being held at The Florida State Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 29th & Sunday, March 30th.
It is now a 2 day event.
Yes more parking.
Yes more entrances.
Yes more trucks.
Yes more food.
Yes bigger musical acts.
Yes bigger kids zone.
Yes more special guests…
The list goes on.
Thank you all so much! We really appreciate it.
Jeremy Gomez
Owner
Generation Food Truck
Tammy G • Nov 10, 2013 at 7:03 pm
I had thought about going to this, but I missed it. I’m glad that the event went well, and that they are planning on having another one. A friend of mine went late in the day, so many trucks were out of food, but what she had was very good. Hopefully, the next one will be better supplied since they’ll know what to expect.
Jessica Bartels • Oct 21, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Despite the hiccups I plan to attend with my family in March. I hope to see everyone there. This is a clean family fun event that will help bring revenue to our city. I support the cause! (oh yes and I love food too!!)
Alyssa • Oct 14, 2013 at 12:52 pm
I so wished I had known about this earlier. I would have absolutely loved to go, but I will be sure to mark my calendar for the next one in March. It has been a dream of mine to join the food truck fad for a while. Not only because this was a local festival, but I like to support people who have the courage to make their own dreams come true. It’s understandable that there seems to be some growing pains for the first rally. Hopefully these will be learned and next year’s will be doubly as successful. Food is so enjoyable to me. Even in the hot sun, I know I would have to have tried the lobster bisque.
Jimmy • Sep 27, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Absent of a strong demographic food trucks are not profitable. Mayor Buckhorn and all other neighboring city Mayors are not allowing enough access into the city.