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An intimate night at the Grand Ole Opry
An intimate night at the Grand Ole Opry House with friends: Brett James, Jason Sellers, Natalie Hemby, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher and other guests. This charity event
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Carl Sublett Retrospective
presented by Haynes Galleries
A retrospective of works by master watercolorist Carl Sublett is being shown at Haynes Gallery in Midtown. The artist, who died in 2008 at the age of 89, breathed motion
6th Annual Hands Together at Flatrock Music and Arts Festival
Join the Frist Center's Community Engagement Team for a full day of multicultural music and arts in Coleman Park on Thompson Lane. The festival celbrates the diversity
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ATLANTA'S TOP RESTAURANTS
Atlanta food writer Andrea Janise tells us what to try next.
EATING IN SYLVAN PARK
Mouthwatering locations along Murphy Road
Nashville Food Truck Guide
The ever growing business of mobile food vendors in and around Nashville
Written By: Valerie Hammond
Photographers: Katie Jacobs, Valerie Hammond & The Tennessean
Would you know what I mean if I said Hoss’s truck is “good people?” This team headed by Dallas Shaw is the friendliest, most helpful bunch. That is, if you don’t hit them up right in the middle of the lunch rush. I’ve already heckled them about how long their lines are, but these one-third pound hand-patted, 100% organic, grass-fed, local beef burgers stuffed with cheesy goodness are worth it. And hey, they’re the only truck that offers a reward card.
Here’s your first punch: The new Herman Burger, stuffed with Meunster (haha, get it?), topped with arugula, watercress and white truffle aioli. You also have to try the rosemary Parmesan fries and one of those pretty Jarritos Mexican sodas (note: you will not lose your man card by ordering Jarritos, unless you actually ask for a "pretty one"). Good people, good burgers!
Average Price: $7.00
Find them: HossBurgers.com, @hossburgers
In any food truck talk, people are always name dropping The Grilled Cheeserie. It’s the gateway truck for good reason: Le Cordon Bleu trained Chef Crystal De Luna-Bogan and her crew aren’t slapping together Kraft singles on Bunny bread and calling it a day.* With a dependence on local suppliers like Silkes Old World Bread Co. and local sourced cheeses, these are not sandwiches you can just “make at home” (let’s be honest, we’ve all thought it). Try the Croque Madame made with Gruyère, rosemary ham, a farm fried egg with whole grain mustard on sourdough and then get back to me. The Cheeserie serves masterful melts with homemade puddings and tater tots with their special spicy “tot sauce.”
*with no slight intended toward Kraft or Bunny products.
Average Price: $5-7
Find them: TheGrilledCheeserieTruck.com, @GrlldCheeserie
One of the newbies, even though 4-5 new trucks have hit the streets since our June issue launched. Biscuit Love is run by Karl Worley and his wife Sarah who actually met in culinary school. If you've been within a mile of the truck surely the wafting goodness of freshly baked biscuits have lured you to their window.
The Gertie (named after their daughter) is a fun one to try with a chocolate gravy made from with product from locals, Olive & Sinclair. But before that you have to experience what they call the East Nasty: Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese on a fresh biscuit topped with the chicken crisped to perfection and sausage gravy.
Average Price: $8.00
Find them: BiscuitLoveTruck.com, @BiscuitLuvTruck
Dave Wong will be serving Hawaiian shaved ice all summer long with 100% cane sugar syrups. He's usually got one small batch of a special flavor; try the watermelon basil when you get a chance.
Average Price: $4.00
Find them: BlueMonkeyShavedIce.com, @BlueMonkeyIce
Andy Roddick is the classic farmer, even down to the questionable residue on his work boots. A renaissance man, he raises and prepares the meat from his USDA certified organic farm in College Grove and then cooks and serves it from the truck. They source dairy, cheese and veggies from neighboring farms like their friends the Delvins. Everything is extremely fresh and simply delicious.
Average Price: $8.00
Find them: BlackbirdHeritage.com, @BBHeritage
Cake baker turned cupcake maker, Tammy Fischer is the woman behind Dixie Belles. Not only does she serve beautiful, tasty cupcakes—she delivers! If you need 2 dozen or more for birthday parties, office meetings, or a slow Friday afternoon she'll bring them to your door.
Average Price: $3.25
Find her: DixieBellesCupcakes.com, @DixieBellecakes
Run by brother-sister team Juliet and Sutherland Seals, the Coffee Truck features gourmet coffee, teas and natural juices. Juliet actually got her food-truck-feet wet working in The Grilled Cheeserie truck with Crystal De Luna-Bogan. Keep in mind these two have a family-owned coffee bean plantation in their favor. A Costa Rican blend might be just right...
Average Price $3-5
Find them: TheCoffeeTruckNashville.com, @CoffeeTruckNash
Besides The Cheeserie, Smoke Et Al was one of my first food truck experiences. This explains my love and devotion. Talented chefs with over 25 years combined professional experience, Shane Autrey and Mike Hill will not only change your perception of food from a truck, but change how you eat altogether. I thought about their pork belly and chicharones tacos for days. They call it a mobile boutique smokery; it feels more like Christmas morning with impeccably smoked and seasoned meat as your gift. Also try the sour cream-sage biscuits with shredded smoked chicken, Tennessee wildflower honey and green onions. Add a side of their chilled Noble Springs goat cheese macaroni for the win.
Average Price: $7-10
Find them: SmokeEtAl.com, @SmokeEtAl
Currently making the switch from trailer to truck, owner of Hit and Miss Ice Cream, Brad Freeman is busy with a 1973 US Army Radio Communications vehicle. Instead of being used for a SWAT team, it'll be used for ice cream! Talk with Brad for even a few seconds and you can tell he loves making ice cream (and I love eating it)—win win.
Average Price: $3.50-6
Find Hit & Miss: HitandMissIceCream.com, @HitAndMissNash
You know what’s best about Thai food? Having a native Thai chef prepare and serve it to you. And never will you meet a kinder group than Jay and his staff of Deg Thai. The menu changes every month or so, and single items can pop in and out from week to week. Red Curry is the most popular, but the toasted sweet chili with tofu was our favorite, with the bite-sized spring rolls.
Want an insider tip, get the Thai tea. This beautiful orange concoction is like drinking dessert. I’d never have ordered this on my own—I warn you not to be so foolish, it will be your new favorite thing. Only one other truck besides Deg Thai has been given a corner office so to speak, parking for lunch time (starting at 11 a.m.) at the corner of 3rd and Union, otherwise known as Public Square. Get your fix on Fridays or follow them all over town for authentic Thai with a twist.
Average Price: $7.00
Find them: DegThai.com, @DegThaiTruck
The Sugar Wagon serves unforgettable desserts. Using organic ingredients from local Tennessee producers — the baking brawn of pastry chef Tracy Ardoin-Jenkins and the marketing brains of Jane Nickell come together splendidly. Their menu boasts specialty vegan and gluten-free items that taste amazing. No special dietary needs? Try the oatmeal cookie with cream cheese ice cream.
Average Price: $3.50
Find them: SugarWagon.com, @SugarWagon
Meet your new food truck neighbors Stacey and Jessica, a bayou born couple that loves to cook. Try one of their Delta dishes like PoBoys, Meat Pies or Hot Tamales—these folks don't mess with authentic southern comfort food! I got to try the Muffaletta sandwich and highly recommend it.
Average Price: $8.00
Find them: Delta-Bound.com, @DeltaBoundTN
We call this one a crossover. You may know them better as a cute house shop in Germantown, but the Cupcake Collection bus sets to the streets of Nashville for special events around the city. Savor the homemade treats from the stationary location or hire them out for a party!
Average Price: $1.50
Find them: TheCupcakeCollection.com, @cupcaketweets
Photo by Sanford Myers
If you get a chance, before eating from Riffs you would do well to chat with Chef B.J. Lofback, one of the most passionate food truck owners in Nashville. As winners of the 2011 Battle of the Food Trucks, he and Carlos Davis, co-owner and co-chef, have got a record to uphold. These two culinary creators believe local, organic, sustainable food is the best way to eat, and you can taste it. Try their shrimp and grits, blackened tilapia or anything with Carlos’ noteworthy jerk sauce. Inspired by what’s in season, Riffs offers a mixed bag menu, rather than one specific type of food. Trust that whatever you order will be good.
Average Price: $8.00
Find them: RiffsTruck.com, @riffstruck
Izzie's isn't around all year so when they start back it's a sure sign of the summer season. Alice and Elizabeth use no artificial ingredients or dyes and 100% fruit for their ice's, made fresh each day. Take comfort in knowing every flavor has been taste-tested and approved by their Tasting Team (over 30 nieces & nephews!). You can spot them most often at the 12S Market in Sevier Park on Tuesdays.
Average Price: $3-5
Find them: IzziesIce.com, @izziesice
Even though we've all heard of Jim N' Nicks before, they've only just begun to dish out those famous BBQ sandwiches from the Jim N' Nicks food truck (started in Spring 2012). Like all the other food trucks, they'd lvoe to cater for you and have a mobile rig for onsite cooking in addition to the truck. They are very literally going whole hog!
Average Price: Depends on the catering package
Find them: JimNNicks.com, @jimnnicksbbq
The Davis family inside the Just Like Nannie Fixed It truck is full of great country cookin' and a good word. Their recipes are straight from the source, Kent's nannie. Bring your cash to their window and get traditional southern food and their "Daily Bread" inspirational scripture with every meal. The only thing that really need to be communicated here is: chicken and dumplings, sweet tea, ooey gooey cake. And now you know.
Average Price: $7.00
Find them on Facebook and Twitter, @justlikenannie
Unless you live near Nolensville Road, chances are until the last year or so, you’ve had the same reservations I did about eating from a truck. Off the street. Um, excuse me? Enter Teresa Mason who may have single-handedly translated food trucks into city-speak. She didn’t just bring a taco truck to mainstream Nashville; she has elevated the concept of food entirely. This cunning culinary entrepreneur continues to woo us with quinoa tacos and homemade aguas frescas and grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy sauce, rolled in crumbled cheese and finished with a little chile and—good gracious why are we still sitting here? What you need to know besides your order is that Teresa and her taco mongers now have a legit brick and mortar shop at 732 McFerrin Street, so the truck only runs a couple of times a week. Catch them with your cash in hand most often at Imogene + Willie on 12 South.
Average Price: $3-5
Find them: EatMasTacos.com, @mastacos
Ken Robinson is a Nashville native (those exist?) and is trying to decimate all of our mouths with his hot twisted chicken. His blend of dry and wet spices earn him every right to call his truck the Hot Spot. In addition to his regular menu, he cooks breakfast all day. Watch out, he and other truck owners are big pranksters; it's like Food Trucks meets Punk'd.
Average Price: $8.00
Find Ken and his crew on Twitter at @kenshotspot
Like many of the other food trucks, Jonbalaya is a family venture. The Heidelbergs, a husband and wife team, are the culinary backbone of this New Orleans’ style food truck with their two kids helping take orders and greet customers from time to time. Big Jon’s best work is in his namesake, jambalaya, and you’ll know by his accent that the gumbo and étouffée are for real. A master of meats, one of Jonbalaya’s menu top picks is the pork parfait. You heard me. Pork, potatoes, pork, potatoes, BBQ and bacon. He’s also recently revamped his menu, so look for anything with the new chili honey sauce.
Average Price: $7.00
Find them: JonbalayaCatering.com, @JONBALAYA
Hayden Coleman and Ale Delgado are true entrepreneurs—and soon they'll have the degrees to prove it. These business partners won second place in Belmont University's Business Plan competition in 2011 and turned their paper plans into a full-fledged business. Moovers and Shakers combines their nostalgic love for ice-cream shops. Choose from one of the weekly themed specials or stick with the standard floats and shakes. Get it while it's hot, Hayden and Ale are still in school so you can benefit from their summer va-cay while it lasts.
Average Price: $4.00
Find them: MooversandShakersNashville.com, @MooversShakers
Nashvillian's fill the downtown Farmers' Market for the Meet N' Three Food Truck fest each month.
Who can resist the Big Red Truck with Flames? Taking on dual duty until Biscuit Love's truck is complete—Jay Jay's is the traveling show of Jason McConnell of the Red Pony and Sol in Franklin. Mostly en route for special events and festivals—catch up with the truck down in Williamson county.
Average Price: $6.00
Find them: JayjaysTruck.com, @JayJaysTruck
W.C. Gore is a former Hume Fogg music teacher and hires mostly musicians to work the Rollin' & Smokin' truck with him. After surviving cancer and radiation treatment, W.C. is a treasure trove of stories and wisdom. Order the brisket ho-down ho cake and strike up a conversation.
Average Price: $7.00
Find Rollin' & Smokin' at RollinSmokin.com
He's one of the funniest food truckers on twitter, make sure and follow @RollinSmokin.
A site to see, this food truck has frozen treats AND hydraulics. Order from their extensive ice cream menu and try out some of their new gourmet desserts. And could someone please find out about these pizzelles they sell?
Average Price: $3-5.00
Find them: MeanGreenIceCreamMachine.com, @MeanGreenICM
I hope Preds fans are reading this, because the Latin Wagon is the food truck for you. Chef and owner Matt Wood is also a big fan and often has specials if you're wearing team gear, etc. As the former executive chef of Wild Ginger, Matt is pretty smooth when it comes to the kitchen. Try any of the burritos or the well known menu item The Cuban!
Average Price: $9.00
Follow Matt on Twitter at @TheLatinWagon
Much like Jim N' Nicks and Cupcake Collection, Maggie's Mobile Slab is a portable piece of the brick and mortar business. They started trucking in the summer of 2011 and travel in Middle Tennessee (Hendersonville, Jackson, Nashville) as well as Huntsville, Alabama. Focusing on festivals and special occasions, you'll find items in the truck that aren't served in regular Maggie Moo's stores—like a slice of ice cream pizza. Ask them to plug in our iPod and have your favorite tunes blasting from their truck. Party time!
Average Price: $3-6
Find them: MaggieMoosCaters.com, @MaggiMobileSlab
Here’s the breakdown: The name Yayo comes from the chef inside this truck, Yayo Jiménez; O.M.G. stands for Original Mexican Gourmet which is what you’ll get, plus a smile from Ingrid at their service window. These Miami natives have been making quite a name for themselves and will be featured on season three of the Food Network’s Eat Street. Two of their best are The Legend (brisket + chorizo + chicharron) and Yayo’s Mahi Mahi tacos. Another important recommendation, lots of napkins. And then a wet towelette, you’ll thank me later. In addition to top notch food, the Yayo’s crew runs a tight ship, with an immaculate truck and some of the most efficient service anywhere.
Average Price: $5-10
Find them:YayosOMG.com, @yayosomg
Taking tried and true recipes from their Brentwood restaurant, Mere Bulles is serving up an American traditional meal with an upscale twist. Buffalo sliders are you best bet, and some sweet potato fries while you're at it.
Average Price: $8-10
Find them: MereBulles.com, @MereBullesTruck
Since Kong Savankham is from Laos, it's only right that he brings the best of his culture to Nashville. Along side his wife Tricia and sons Zac and Anthony, the whole family makes up the yum yum team. They keep the menu simple so you can try something new. Order the Banh Mi (basically an Asian sub) with an order of the Laotian egg rolls and don't look back!
Average Price: $7.00
Find them: SumYumYum.com, @sum_yum_yum
PizzaBuds is Nashville's very first pizza truck! Serving by the slice 2010 you can't go wrong with a helping of pepperoni. If memory serves, the crust is often made by Kenny's mom.
Average Price: $3.50-4.00
Follow them on @pizzabuds
Samuel M. Simpkins
Did you know that Nashvillian Jennifer Winn took the prize for the Name the Puckett’s Trolley contest? Her genius resulted in the sassy red truck known as Trolley Parton. They are serving all kind of goodies on the menu, my favorites were the brisket chimichangas and the peach cobbler.
Average Price: $7.00
Follow the Trolley on Twitter at @PuckettsTrolley
Photo by Ned Sirriyutwatana
Fun fact: Wrapper's Delight owner Sean Brashears was one of W.C. Gore's (of Rollin & Smokin) students at Hume Fogg! If you like the Wu-Tang Clan and carefully crafted wraps then you're a perfect match for the Wrapper's truck. Sean and his ghetto fabulous crew are most often seen at Jackalope Brewery on 8th just past Division.
Average Price: $8.00
Find them on Facebook and Twitter, @WrappersDLite
Offering more than just the Nathan's all-beef hot dogs, you can chat it up with Sharon and Jim most often on Wednesdays in Cool Springs (725 Cool Springs Blvd behind the Healthways building). Their organic turkey dog and veggie smart dog are great lunch options as well.
Average Price: $2-3
Find them easiest on Facebook or Twitter, @HotDogFranklin
This truck is special event only for those of you looking for an ice cream truck, complete with Good Humor products and a "real" ice cream man (with black bow tie, white hat and uniform). Music City Ice Cream runs an original 1967 truck and has been a great way for the owner to teach his sons how to run a business while they were still in school. Invite them to your event and maybe they'll let you ring the bell!
Average Price: Depends on catering package Contact Music City Ice Cream at 615-730-6145
Unveiled in the last month, Bistro Truck specializes in artisan grilled pizzas, sandwiches, salads and homemade Soups. They're so new we haven't even tried them yet! If you have let us know what you think.
Find them: bistrotruck@bistroto-go.com, @BistroTruckNash
Soul Fuel 501 is a fire engine renovated to be a food truck. You'll need cash money to try the signature King Kong sirloin burger since they don't take cards yet. Specializing in 100% all-beef products, they only smoke and grill the best meats and veggies from engine 501.
Average Price: $10.00
Find them on Facebook and Twitter, @SoulFuelBBQ
When I met Mackey on a Saturday down at Wanderland (in Elmington Park), he'd only been three weeks on the job. His Italian ice cart is a part time gig for now because he's a student at Austin Peay studying Chemical Engineering (go figure!). All Mackey's products are water-based, dairy free and fat-free. I recommend the mango.
Average Price: $3.00
Find him on Twitter at @mackysice
Opened in the Fall of 2011, Sarah Souther took her lux marshmallows out on the town in the Bang Candy Van/Trailer. She made the brick to mortar switch recently and now does most of her candy concocting from the shop in Marathon Village. You'll love the new things she's doing with flavored drinks and syrups, perfect for summer soiree's.
Average Price: $5.00
Available for special events — (615) 587-4819
Find them: bangcandycompany.com, @Bangcandyco
When Trey Southerland, Burke Mahling and Herman Southerland get cooking, something magical happens. Just try the Big Pig (jumbo pork sandwich) with Mama's Tater salad, like food fairy dust. Slow & Low is a mobile vendor that has found a relatively stationary location at 195 N. 1st Street.
Average price: $4.00 (unless you're going for the ribs, that's $20)
Find them: SlowandLowBBQBistro.com, @slowandlowbbq
Brand new to the game, I can't even show you a photo of their food yet. Keep watching for food to fill your cravings.
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter, @MusicCtyCraving
The brand new Wandering Pie food truck was almost home when the trailer overturned and the whole thing (complete with wood-burning pizza ovens) was totaled. Don't lose heart, they haven't. You will want to be the first in line when Wandering Pie finally arrives.
Follow them: WanderingPie.com, @WanderingPie
Melodie and Matty of Tin Can Treats specialize in retro treats and vintage glass bottled sodas, but only in the spring and summer. Their vintage Shasta camper (aka Doris) is available for weddings, private events and food festivals these days which makes it easy to have a 100% customized menu. You choose the flavors and colors to suit your event, see their site for adorable inspiration.
Average Price: Depends on catering package
Find them: TinCanTreats.blogspot.com, @tincantreats
Photo by George Walker IV
Started last summer, the Squeals on Wheels truck is a great 4th meal spot after a late show at the Cannery Ballroom or Mercy Lounge. Let your ear drums recuperate as you much on the pork nachos.
Average Price: $5-7
Find them on Twitter at @SmokeyButts
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Owning a food truck is the opportunity to own a restaurant without paying the price of owning a brick and mortar restaurant. You can set your own schedule, your own menu and work by your own rules. Sounds dreamy, right? Before you dump the 401K into a retro-fitted camper, prepare yourself: Food trucking is not for the faint of heart. Balance the benefits of being your own boss with 16 hour days and every job from cook to server to bookkeeper to putting gas in the truck. While certainly rewarding, never think that the food truck business is easy money. Every owner I’ve met has chosen this path because they love food. And they want you to love it, too.
Take note that we're using the term 'food truck' to refer to the overarching community of mobile food vendors which includes trailers, vans, wagons and carts currently serving Nashville with unique meals on the go. Major props to all the true food trucks who go to great lengths crafting their compact kitchens and working on the street friendly menus that we've come to depend on.
To get the Complete Food Truck Guide, pick up the print or digital issue of this month's Nashville Lifestyles magazine. The guide includes a checklist of all the trucks, fun facts, dietary options and more!
Follow our Nashville Food Trucks list on Twitter and see their schedules all in one place! Several new trucks have started up since this issue, so the most updated source will be the Twitter list.
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