Get Ready for Food Truck Fridays: A Delicious Treat Returns to Grand Rapids This Week!

Riverside Park in Grand Rapids is buzzing this Friday for the return of Food Truck Fridays. This summer event brings together live music, local merchants, and plenty of food trucks. It all started nine years ago, thanks to Alan Tomlinson, the owner of the Underground Cookie Club. This year, he’s added some exciting features to enhance the experience.

Food Truck Fridays kicks off on May 16 and runs for 12 weeks from 5 PM to 9 PM at the north end of Riverside Park. Tomlinson is aiming to create a better experience for everyone involved.

One notable addition is Tomlinson’s nonprofit, Heart of Food. Its mission is to support the local food truck community in Grand Rapids. A key feature of this nonprofit is a new app, available for free download. The app will help users find event schedules, including the weekly lineup for Food Truck Fridays.

Tomlinson shared that the app also allows users to vote for their favorite food trucks in various categories, including Best Overall. You can vote every 24 hours, making it fun and interactive.

Another unique feature is a punch card system available through the app. Users can earn rewards by scanning their purchases at participating food trucks. After 10 visits, they’ll receive a free item.

Expect big crowds; Tomlinson mentioned that Food Truck Fridays is a hot spot, drawing between 3,000 and 5,000 people each week.

Lauren D’Angelo, who has been running her food truck, Patty Matters, since the event began, confirmed that participation has grown rapidly. Her truck focuses on diverse burger options, catering to various dietary needs. She has seen a surge in new food trucks entering the scene, making the competition stronger.

D’Angelo emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses: “There are many people aspiring to open food trucks. If you keep at it, your dreams can come true.”

Food Truck Fridays not only brings great food but also fosters a sense of community. The growth of this event showcases the vibrancy of Grand Rapids’ food culture. Based on a recent survey by Food Truck Nation, nearly 43% of Americans say they eat from food trucks at least once a month. This trend demonstrates the growing appeal and demand for diverse food options and local flavors.

So, grab your friends and head out to Riverside Park. Enjoy the food, music, and community spirit!

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