Food from a truck?

Buffalo’s Food Truck Tuesdays kick into high gear

By Michael Read

Summer is right around the corner and that means Buffalo’s Food Truck Tuesdays are back.

The popular food destination kicked things off on April 29 and with over 30 trucks offering many delicious food and drink options.

Samantha Epps, director of events for the Larkin Square and Larkin Development group, didn’t expect to make a whole day of the week dedicated to the food trucks. Instead, it was meant for meal alternatives.

“It was simply an idea to create alternate dinnertime food options for the residents of Larkinville and create opportunities for local businesses,” Epps said.

Not only are local businesses benefitting from appearing in the popular Larkin Square event but even trucks and business make the trip from out of Western New York to give Buffalonians a taste from Lake Ontario.

“Food Truck Tuesdays was the first organized food truck event of it’s kind and quickly grew to be the largest food truck gathering in Western New York. It is also unique in the way that it brings trucks from Rochester as well as local Buffalo trucks,” Epps said.

One of those Rochester based trucks is Midnight Smokin’ BBQ.  

Epps said if you want to beat the dinner rush, come early. And what are you supposed to do after you eat? Well, the director of events has some things that might interest you.

“After you grab some food, grab a drink at any one of our three bars and a seat by the band to enjoy some live local music.”

Hungry patrons check out Food Truck Tuesday on a chilly April day.
(Photo credit to Michael Read)

Just a warning, seating is limited but guests are allowed to bring in either folding chairs or a picnic blanket, according to the website, larkinsquare.com/things-to-do/food-truck-tuesdays/.

But for Tuesdays that aren’t all sunny and 75, you will most likely be able to find a table to eat at, arrive late and beat the lines.

“I went on a colder day so there wasn’t as many people,” said Brianna Brenon, of Lockport.

Brenon has seen many pictures on social media singling out the crowds that are usually pouring into Larkin Square. “It was nice with no lines though,” she said.

Two of the many trucks parked in Larkin Square.
(Photo credit to Michael Read)

The good, the bad and the future for Food Truck Tuesdays:

The Good- “This year our new trucks are: Ted’s Hot Dogs, Antone’s at the Fair, Midnight BBQ, and Gourmasian Bistro,” Epps said.

The Bad- “I thought the prices were a little high on some things,” said Brenon, who paid $6 for a smoothie and $3 for macaroni and cheese.

The Future- “We add on new trucks every year and have plans to rotate in new trucks mid-season. We’re always looking for new ways to recreate this event,” said Epps as she also shed light on how far they have really come. “Food Truck Tuesday started out as a small events with 4 trucks and over the past three years has quickly evolved into a giant event.”

As for first-time food truck visitor, Brenon used three words to describe her overall experience.
Energetic. Delicious. Options.

readme01@mail.buffalostate.edu