Back-to-School Food Truck Fest was a success

by Terry Eddington of Food Truck Connection

Food truck owners donated part of their sales to The Family Place.

Photo by Terry Eddington

The Back-to-School Food Truck Fest attracted a steady stream of patrons.

After spending just a short time around a group of food trucks, the sense of community between the trucks is readily apparent. But that willingness to help out each other also extends to the community where the truck owners live and work. On Tuesday, August 7, several trucks from all around the DFW metropolitan area congregated in the parking lot of The Family Place Resale Shop in Dallas to support the Back-to-School Food Truck Fest. Aside from being a draw to bring people to the resale store, the trucks donated 10% of their sales with many of the trucks also donating their tips for the night.

The trucks provided a wide range of food choices, including gourmet grilled cheese from Ruthie’s, bahn mi sandwiches from Nammi, Philly cheesesteaks from Free Wheel’n Café, pistolettes or gumbo from Cajun Tailgators, hot dogs wrapped in bacon and deep fried by Eat Jo Dawgs, and fried ravioli and pasta dishes from Semplice Cibo Italiano. The sweet tooth was covered, with whoopie pies and a small batch gourmet ice cream from Rockstar Bakeshop, a delicious selection of fancy cupcakes from the Cup Cakin Machine, and shaved ice -- virgin- or-adult style -- from Enticed. There was truly something for everyone and a steady stream of patrons and supporters between the trucks and the stores.

Photo by Terry Eddington

Seating was available on the sidewalk outside The Family Place Resale Shop.

Helping Hands is a social and fundraising auxiliary of The Family Place, the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area. A group of civic-minded professionals provide fundraising and volunteer resources to the The Family Place and support its mission to eliminate family violence through intervention and education as well as direct assistance to the victims and their families. When I stopped by their table outside The Family Place Resale Shop, the response was that turnout was great and they were signing up a number of new members.

The Back-to-School Food Truck Fest is one of many social events and happy hours sponsored by Helping Hands. This event focused on collecting school supplies for those who need a helping hand getting the things their children need for the upcoming school year. Between contributions dropped off, brisk sales at the Resale Shop, and the donations coming from the trucks, the event was a great success.