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Jax Truckies is embarking on a partnership with downtown restaurateur Gallery Restaurant Group, owners of Burrito Gallery, Uptown Market and El Gato Grande. The rally is designed to be a demonstration event that creates mutually beneficial partnerships with nearby restaurants and retailers. Not only do food trucks provide consumers with options and spur job creation by offering a cost-effective way to create a small business, but they also contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhoods they serve.
Participants are asked to contribute a $1 donation to Second Harvest for the purchase of a wrist band allowing admission into the event. The mission of Second Harvest North Florida is to distribute food and grocery products to hungry people and to educate the public about the causes and possible solutions to problems of domestic hunger. 1 in 6 adults experience food insecurity each day in America and 1 in 4 children don’t know where their next meal will come from. Second Harvest provides food to more than 170,700 individuals annually – or an estimated 31,400 weekly. One dollar donated to Second Harvest generates seven meals, or the equivalent of two days of food for a person in need.
Highlights include 5 new trucks that were not at the first event (link first event), several vendors offering vegetarian options and a really cool ice cream truck adding to the vibe that the event will be both adult friendly and family friendly. Vendors include:
3 Mom's Ice Cream
Super Food Truck
Sprocket's Food Truck
Gourmet Aviator
Corner Taco
On The Fly
Mother Fletcher's
Monroe's BBQ
Mike B's
Driftwood BBQ
Why Downtown?
Fresh off the heels of April's successful Jax Truckies rally in Riverside, this event is intended to be a demonstration of how the food truck industry can be a positive in adding foot traffic and small business growth opportunities in downtown for an affordable cost, while being a positive to both trucks and brick & mortar businesses.
“This is a one-day event to bring attention to Downtown and to familiarize others about how food trucks can contribute to the fabric of our community,” said organizer Mike Field. Adding, “These innovative entrepreneurs want to inject some flavor into Jacksonville’s neighborhoods, and downtown certainly needs the help. We’re so appreciative of Burrito Gallery’s commitment to our city and to be able to also raise money for such a worthy cause like Second Harvest only adds to the transformational nature of this event. With everyone’s help, we can stamp out hunger in North Florida”
Jacksonville isn't the only city with a growing gourmet food truck scene.
Many cities, such as Denver, have utilized their popularity to serve as micro-entrepreneurs in the revitalization of their downtowns. Why? Because, food trucks have been proven to bring pedestrian traffic into areas that haven't typically seen much pedestrian traffic, such as downtown Jacksonville. Many cities, such as Denver, have utilized their popularity to serve as micro-entrepreneurs in the revitalization of their downtowns.
This gives us an opportunity to see how other communities are modifying their zoning ordinances and regulations to integrate food trucks into their urban environments in a positive manner. One city that Jacksonville's leaders should keep an eye on is Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo is Southwest Michigan's largest city and its downtown is home to the country's first urban pedestrian mall. Like Jacksonville, Kalamazoo has historically not allowed food trucks on public streets. However, City staff is now in the process of creating a draft ordinance to allow food truck vendors to operate in designated areas, similar to what Jacksonville does for downtown hot dog stand vendors.
According to Kalamazoo City Planner Andrea Augustine, "Food trucks are really popular and I think they have a potential to increase vibrancy and liveliness on the street. We want to both allow for entrepreneurialism and allow for vibrancy, but also be respectful to existing businesses."
With this in mind, Kalamazoo is considering modifying their zoning regulations to create a situation where food trucks would rent space on downtown public streets in the same way there would be rent for a restaurant. However, the designated sites would not be directly in front of brick and mortar restaurants.
Food trucks serve as a low barrier to entry for someone who's considering coming into the food business. In addition, they are an affordable option utilized by brick and mortar restaurants to expand their product offerings to different areas of town. Best of all, they have a following that an instantly put a steady stream of feet on underutilized parking lots and seldom used sidewalks. Two things that Jacksonville has an abundant supply of. Kalamazoo has taken an approach of creating a situation that is a win win for downtown vibrancy, brick and mortar businesses and food trucks. This demonstration rally is to illustrate why Jacksonville should seriously consider doing the same.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/05/kalamazoo_food_trucks.html
“Having activities Downtown and creating opportunities to experience our Downtown has been a focus of Gallery Restaurant for nearly a decade. We are happy to support anything positive in the core. We also appreciate those who come Downtown and support our business, our retail neighbors, and producers whose events bring traffic to our emerging city center” says Paul Shockey of Gallery Restaurant Group.
Reclaiming Jacksonville Book Signing
Last but not least, there have been several inquiries about the availability of Metro Jacksonville's recently released book Reclaiming Jacksonville, Stories Behind The River City's Historic Landmarks.
The Jax Truckies Downtown Food Truck Rally will also host a public book signing by authors Ennis Davis and Robert Mann. Learn more about Reclaiming Jacksonville
Article by Ennis Davis
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fieldafm
June 04, 2012, 08:38:33 AMIn addition to the ice cream truck (kids love ice cream), there will be upwards of six food trucks offering vegetarian options. Burrito Gallery will be opening the outside patio up and will be selling drinks (adults love drinks) on site.
The Food Truck Rally To Stamp Out Hunger will have something for everyone. Your $1 donation at the door will provide SEVEN meals to Second Harvest. Most of the people Second Harvest serves are working families.
Great food, great cause, great location and a great partner in Burrito Gallery.
Tacachale
June 04, 2012, 10:36:52 AMCan't wait for this!
fsujax
June 04, 2012, 10:42:57 AMCan't wait. I know of some people driving from Gainesville to attend.
TPC
June 04, 2012, 11:29:24 AMThis is going to be awesome! I'm glad to hear they've included more vegetarian options.
fieldafm
June 04, 2012, 02:02:45 PM3 Moms truck was on Action News this morning talking about their new business as well as the event on Saturday.
thelakelander
June 04, 2012, 03:46:20 PMAn update from Gary Mills at Jacksonville.com
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-06-04/saturdays-downtown-rally-features-10-jacksonville-area
Lunican
June 04, 2012, 04:12:46 PMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/04/world/europe/food-trucks-add-american-flavor-to-paris.html
fieldafm
June 04, 2012, 05:21:00 PMGreat thing to wake up to on the local new station, food trucks!!
Sophia was bound and determined to get that plug about the truckies event in there
http://www.fox30jax.com/content/topstories/story/Sweet-twist-on-local-food-truck-push/AqoSVKJKw0qm_c0Obtce4g.cspx
coredumped
June 04, 2012, 09:08:56 PMBe sure to stop in at other downtown locations (like Chamblins) while downtown. We don't want to give the impression that food trucks are taking all business away from B&M merchants
fieldafm
June 05, 2012, 08:39:40 AMSeveral trucks will be doing special menus for the event.
So far we have:
Sprockets
I can personally vouch for the Florida Melt. It is very good!
Disregard the drink portion, Burrito Gallery is selling all drinks for the event.
On The Fly
fieldafm
June 05, 2012, 03:34:54 PMCouple of quick points:
*$1 admission benefits Second Harvest(cash only). Donations are also appreciated. As little as $1 can provide 7 meals to those in need. Every small donation goes a long way to ending hunger in our community.
*Please understand that there will be some long lines at times and some trucks may sell out. We appreciate your patience and we're sure it will be worth the wait!
*Burrito Gallery will be selling water, sodas and alcoholic beverages to all of our hungry(and thirsty) foodies. We suggest you try a cold pint of Intuition available on tap at the BG bar.
*Most vendors accept credit cards, however Mother Fletchers and Sprockets are cash only
*Cash is encouraged. There is an ATM available on site at Burrito Gallery.
*You are encouraged to bring your own chairs, good street food is meant to be enjoyed tailgate style!
*BG restrooms are for BG patrons only (so be sure to buy a drink, you know in the interest of rehydrating).
Should be posting up a few more menus from other trucks soon.
fieldafm
June 06, 2012, 11:58:30 AMhttp://jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-06-06
fieldafm
June 06, 2012, 09:42:20 PMHaving another share contest on Facebook. One random person who shares the event page will get $20 to spend at Saturday's event. Facebook.com/JaxTruckies
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 08:08:20 AMAnother share contest on the Truckies facebook to win $20 to spend at the event. Go to facebook.com/JaxTruckies and share the event page to enter.
In the meantime, more menus:
Driftwood
(chicken salad is my fav, great brisket too)
Corner Taco
(big fan of the buttermilk fried chicken and the shrimp with asparagus)
Gourmet Aviator
(recommend the helipads sliders and their coated fries!)
Mike B's
(HIGHLY recommed the Cleveland sandwich, they go great with a side of fried pickles)
Super Food
(recommend the bahn mi-with a twist chicken instead of pork and the mac n cheese bites)
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 08:13:22 AMMonroes On The Go will be doing their full regular menu... BUT, they will also have two special items.
These duck confit quesadillas sound awesome!! A friend of mine has also raved about their bread pudding from a catering job they did recently.
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 10:47:45 AMhttp://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2012/06/06/downtown-rally-attracts-food-trucks.html
CG7
June 07, 2012, 12:24:40 PMI'll be at the Food Fight at EverBank tonight, and the rally on Saturday. Should I feel wierd that I am doing all this eating to fight hunger?
stephendare
June 07, 2012, 03:17:29 PMCome celebrate thelakelander's birthday this Saturday at the Downtown Food Truckie event! Ennis (thelakelander) and Bob Mann (ocklawaha) will be there all day saturday signing books and hanging out!
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 04:20:22 PMCraig, I'll be there tonight as well... come say hi. I apologize in advance if I dont shake your hand.. my hands will probably just be drenched in food spillage.
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 04:22:40 PMThe Taste section in today's Times Union had a piece about the event this weekend.
Chris from Corner Taco will also be on First Coast News Saturday morning making some meals on air.
WmNussbaum
June 07, 2012, 04:51:37 PMUh, exactly where is this event taking place? I gather somewhere near Burrito Gallery, but can't tell for sure, and "downtown" is a rather large area.
fieldafm
June 07, 2012, 04:57:14 PMThe event will be held in the Burrito Gallery parking lot with the back patio of Burrito Gallery being opened up into the festival.
All literature relating to the event states it will be held at Burrito Gallery. It will not be hard to spot all the people downtown. That entire area is dead as a doornail on Saturdays.
Captain Zissou
June 07, 2012, 06:29:47 PMSomebody on the facebook page complained about no parking downtown and he is getting lambasted by over 30 people at this point. It's beautiful. There is no excuse not to enjoy our downtown on a Saturday.
Noone
June 07, 2012, 06:49:57 PMField, saw the write up about you in Folio. Congratulations. This event and the other events that MJ'ers have been doing to make Downtown a Destination. You guys are economic development.
fieldafm
June 08, 2012, 08:59:51 AMMother Fletchers menu:
(the black and bleu and the wings both get my highest recommendation)
Corner Taco is also doing a special in addition to their regular menu: Tuna ceviche with avocado, jalapeno and red grapefruit.
fieldafm
June 08, 2012, 09:00:53 AMCouple of quick points:
*$1 admission benefits Second Harvest(cash only). Donations are also appreciated. As little as $1 can provide 7 meals to those in need. Every small donation goes a long way to ending hunger in our community.
*Please understand that there will be some long lines at times and some trucks may sell out. We appreciate your patience and we're sure it will be worth the wait!
*Burrito Gallery will be selling water, sodas and alcoholic beverages to all of our hungry(and thirsty) foodies. We suggest you try a cold pint of Intuition available on tap at the BG bar.
*Most vendors accept credit cards, however Mother Fletchers and Sprockets are cash only
*Cash is encouraged. There is an ATM available on site at Burrito Gallery.
*You are encouraged to bring your own chairs, good street food is meant to be enjoyed tailgate style!
*BG restrooms are for BG patrons only (so be sure to buy a drink, you know in the interest of rehydrating).
*Rain or shine
fsujax
June 08, 2012, 09:06:42 AMHopefully, many attending will take this chance to support local downtown businesses as well, Chamblins, the shops at the Landing, etc.
JaxDiablo
June 08, 2012, 11:56:51 AMOk, of all the things I read, for the life of me I can't find where it says when the event starts. I may be missing it completely, but I'd like to try to be there early to make sure to partake in a bunch of good food!
Thanks!
thelakelander
June 08, 2012, 11:59:50 AMThe Rally runs from 11am to 5pm.
JaxDiablo
June 08, 2012, 12:01:20 PMThanks, after my 4th reading of all the information I found it in the quoted article! lol
thelakelander
June 09, 2012, 08:14:52 AMFood truck rally starts in a few hours and will go to 5pm, rain or shine. Bring your appetites!
Ocklawaha
June 09, 2012, 07:29:52 PMWOW! That's all I can say about todays event, if you missed it, YOU REALLY MISSED IT! To be completely honest, the crowd exceeded many of the city events I've attended. There was a time when you couldn't get an elbow in what must have been 3,000 people +/-.