L OCAL EAT S
FOOD TRUCK FEVER By Paige Eisemann
M
ay 14, 2020 was a fateful day for Shirley Brown and her daughter, Desiree Johnson, creators of the Clarksville and Surrounding Area Food Scene. That was the day of their first Clarksville Food Truck gathering. With only four trucks at that first set up, Shirley and Desiree had no idea what lay ahead. Their desire to partner with local small business and food truck owners to provide outstanding food and fun events for the community were the driving force in a challenging time. The pandemic had shut down most events and many restaurants at that point, and there were so many unknowns when looking toward the future. A small group of fans showed up to enjoy the food and fellowship at the end, and they’ve been showing up ever since. The group and the events just keep growing and growing! Clarksville Food Trucks gained traction and popularity almost from the get go. Word spread quickly about the great food, with their Facebook page gaining followers and attention coming from many directions (including this magazine’s August 2020 issue). Local foodies began to become regulars at the weekly events Brown and Johnson organized, and the food truck community in areas outside of Clarksville took notice. Food truck nights became popular in neighborhoods across
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Montgomery County, giving people something to look forward to during long weeks at home. Truck owners from the metro Nashville area and into Kentucky contacted Brown and Johnson, looking to participate in events. Brown shared that the excitement and support from the community continues to drive and motivate them. “We see the same faces each week, and are always meeting and adding new folks. People enjoy coming to the trucks, and they get to know each other. Now we are seeing people bring chairs, picnic blankets, etc. It is so fun to watch families come to the trucks and enjoy McGregor Park with their children.” What a great way to support local businesses in a safe outdoor environment.
Blvd.). Their Facebook page shares postings from individual trucks set up in neighborhoods and businesses, so that fans can follow their favorites for weeknight treats. May 28 will be a particularly special event at the original Two Rivers Mall location, because all four of the original trucks will be set up. Having all four together again is a wonderful way to honor what has grown out of that first event in May 2020.
“Seeing this family expand their business and follow their dreams has been such a blessing.”
Brown and Johnson continue hosting “Dinner with the Trucks” at Two Rivers Mall (690 N. Riverside Dr.) but have added other fun events such as Food Truck Sat.s which begin on Sat., May 1 and will be held at North Central Institute (168 Jack Miller
A recent event held on April 23 is a great example of how supportive this collaboration of trucks and community can be. In celebration of Pop & Dogs truck’s opening, a hot dog eating contest was held. This celebration honored a family that has grown their business from a local hot dog cart to the grand opening of their own food truck. Brown says “Seeing this family expand their business and follow their dreams has been such a blessing.” This writer agrees, and it is a blessing to our community to have such a growing Food Truck scene in our community.
Clarksville Food Trucks currently features the following trucks for the community’s enjoyment:
Clarksville Living
TACOS: Linell's Tacos Azteca
BBQ:
Fire Pit BBQ Brutha's BBQ Rib Umm & Soul LLC
DESSERT:
B's Cheesecakes Chillz Italian Ice Driving You Donuts Big Mike's Little Donuts Kona Ice of Hopkinsville/Clarksville Snowie of Clarksville The Tennessee Cobbler CO Coffee Express Janae's Italian Ice and More Georgia Mae’s Pecan Pies
GENERAL:
Tater Headz Kadi's Tacos and More Vansauwa's Tacos and Vegan Eats Off The Grill Pop & Dogs OfficialWings Firelime Offshore The Rolling Recipe LLC Lumpia Lumpia Lumpia IDC Whaterver Follow Clarksville Food Trucks on Facebook @ClarksvilleFoodTrucks
