Based on feedback from vendors and the response from customers, the city Parks & Recreation Department’s “Food Trucks in the Plaza” is a hit.
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each Thursday and Friday, mobile food and beverage purveyors ply their trade in the plaza, with different food trucks — and therefore a different menu –– each day.
Johnny Hassan brings his Cravings Mobile Kitchen to the plaza at least twice a month. He serves barbecue, seafood and Middle Eastern fare and offers a different off-the-menu special item when he parks in the plaza. Thursday, he was pressing Cuban sandwiches.
“It’s working,” he said. “We’re right here at City Hall, so people can come out and in a few minutes they can be back at their desk eating lunch.”
Hassan’s operation has a built-in smoker. Between the trailer and the truck to move it to different locations, he has made a six-figure investment in the business. He could have financed a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but being part of a trend had more appeal.
“For that kind of money, I could have opened a sandwich shop anywhere, but food trucks are ‘in’ and Jacksonville is behind on food trucks,” said Hassan.
Blue Pacific Grill & Taco Bar was set up Thursday near the Skyway station. Izzy Tahil said his food truck is a regular in the plaza and the selection of international flavors has developed a following among the neighborhood’s takeout lunch crowd.
“I like coming here. It gives people more choices and it lets people Downtown have the food truck experience,” he said.
In other Downtown food truck news, Dale Stoudt didn’t bring his Super Food Truck to Hemming Plaza Thursday, but he’s working on another way to penetrate the Downtown market. Stoudt is talking about leasing the former Starbuck’s coffee shop space at 11 E. Forsyth.
His plan is to serve coffee and pastries for breakfast and artisan salads and sandwiches for lunch. Happy Hour will feature raw oysters and microbrews for the after-work crowd and a late night menu will draw patrons from Burrito Gallery and other Downtown night spots.
“I’m one investor away from being able to sign a lease,” he said.
For the schedule of vendors participating each week, visit jaxparks.com and click on Food Trucks in the Plaza.
(904) 356-2466