News Summary
Columbia is hosting Food Truck Fridays, an initiative launched by city councilwoman Aditi Bussells that promotes local cuisine and community engagement. The event, held every Friday at the REI Co-Op parking lot, features a variety of food trucks offering diverse culinary options. With growing popularity, city officials may expand the event to other locations. The initiative supports local businesses while enhancing community interaction, creating a vibrant food scene that residents can enjoy each week.
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as it hosts Food Truck Fridays every week, spotlighting local cuisine and promoting community engagement. This initiative, which began in June 2022 under the leadership of city councilwoman Aditi Bussells, takes place every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the REI Co-Op parking lot in the BullStreet District. The event has quickly gained popularity, with slots for food trucks booked months in advance.
Shontay Cooper, an administrative specialist for the city, emphasizes that the goal of Food Truck Fridays is to showcase the diverse culinary options available in Columbia. Each week, a variety of food trucks line up to offer their unique dishes, providing residents and visitors with a taste of different cultures and flavors.
As the event continues to thrive, city officials are considering expanding Food Truck Fridays to other locations, including the under-renovation Finlay Park. Currently, Columbia boasts 141 active food truck licenses, indicating a vibrant and dynamic food truck scene in the area. This initiative not only promotes local businesses but also enhances community interaction, bringing people together in a shared culinary experience.
Among the participating food trucks is Brown Bag Deli, owned by Amy and Brad Holub, which takes part in Food Truck Fridays approximately twice a month. Another regular participant is Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ, operated by Chris Bennett, who finds great value in the exposure the event provides. Bessie’s Bites & Sweet Delights, managed by the married couple Vongrethen and Tyrus Donawald, also enjoys the favorable location of the event.
The food truck model provides restaurateurs with lower overhead costs and flexible working conditions, enabling them to operate more sustainably. Stephanie Abreu operates Tacos Oink Oink, a family-run food truck that allows them to share their cultural heritage through their cuisine. Similarly, William Hanti of Smok’in Pot characterizes his work as both challenging and rewarding, appreciating the feedback he receives from customers.
Food truck owners recognize that dedication and passion are essential for success in this business, as noted by Diana Brown of Brown Sistaz Island Vibz. National Food Truck Day coincides with Food Truck Fridays, celebrating the achievements of food vendors nationwide and reflecting on the growth of the food truck phenomenon.
Bill Hanti, who has owned his food truck for five years and specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, exemplifies the dedication required to thrive in this industry. Newer entrants like Joseph Cole, who has just launched his food truck Fishers of Men, are excited despite facing challenges. They are optimistic about their opportunities for growth in the local culinary landscape.
For those eager to experience more of what the local food truck community has to offer, the 10th Annual South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival is scheduled to return to the SC State Fairgrounds. This festival promises to delight attendees with over 25 food trucks, craft beers, live music, games, and an artisan market. Advance tickets are priced at $5 online or $10 at the gate, with free entry for children aged 10 and under.
As Food Truck Fridays continue to strengthen community ties and highlight local entrepreneurship, Columbia residents can look forward to a culinary adventure that celebrates both the diversity and creativity of their local food scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming Community Events in Columbia
Celebrating Juneteenth with Community Events in Columbia, SC
Cayce Historical Museum Showcases Local Heritage and New Exhibits
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Columbia SC Food Truck Fridays
- Wikipedia: Food truck
- WISTV: Columbia Food Truck Owners Reflect
- Google Search: Food trucks Columbia SC
- WACH: 10th Annual Food Truck Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Truck
- ABC Columbia: Local Living Art on State
- Google News: Food Truck Fridays Columbia
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
