RAPID CITY, S.D. — Friday was National Food Truck Day, a chance to enjoy delicious meals from local food trucks. This celebration, started by Roaming Hunger in 2009, honors the dedication of food vendors who bring tasty options to our streets.
The Black Hills area is packed with food truck events. Every Tuesday at 5 PM, families gather at Canyon Lake Park in Rapid City. On Wednesdays, Box Elder Community Park hosts a similar event. During the week, many locals grab lunch from food trucks parked at Founders Park.
Isaiah Shevlin, a local enjoying lunch with friends, shared, “It’s nice to just come down to the park and eat. Whether you’re with friends or by yourself, it’s a good experience.”
Over the past decade, Rapid City’s food truck scene has exploded. Owners report a seven-fold increase in the last ten years. New trucks are constantly joining with creative menus that range from wings to unique ethnic dishes. Rylee Akard, who runs CD’s Wings, is one of the newcomers. “We’ve been around for about a month and a half now,” she said, excited about expanding to nearby towns like Deadwood and Spearfish.
Public interest in food trucks is backed by statistics. A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association found that more than 50% of consumers have tried food from a food truck at least once. This trend shows how much people enjoy the variety and convenience of street food.
Roaming Hunger encourages everyone to share their foodie experiences on social media with the hashtag #NationalFoodTruckDay, which helps spotlight these small businesses and their unique offerings.
Food trucks not only satisfy cravings but also foster community. They bring people together, making dining a fun and social experience. So next time you spot a food truck, consider stopping by and supporting a local vendor!