TYLER, Texas — An East Texas bar is introducing the first food truck park in Tyler.
Meaghan Gamboa, manager at The Xchange Bar & Lounge, said the food trucks will be located just outside the bar.
"You just grab your food. Whether it’s a family coming inside, they can go to any food truck they like, have a seat, grab a beverage (and enjoy) the live music and all that good stuff," Gamboa said.
According to Tyler Texas Online, there are almost 40 active food trucks in the city alone. They already represent an important business sector, and now for the first time, they’ve all got some common ground.
"I think this is exactly what Tyler needs. As far as, it’s very unique," Gamboa said. "It’s the first food truck park that has come to Tyler."
Food truck business owners said they like to be on the move, but they’re happy to have one central location where they’re always welcome in Tyler.
"I mean it’s amazing because when I first moved here to Tyler, I kind of was blown away that there wasn’t a spot for food trucks. You go to Dallas or Austin, and there are actual food parks. It kind of attracts more people the more food trucks that are gathered," said Tyler Moore, owner and operator of Saucebelly.
Food trucks thrive on competition and enjoy being surrounded by similar operations. At the Xchange, food trucks will have the same business opportunity.
"I think they’re planning on up to eight food trucks here. So, there will be a place in Tyler for people to come, recreate, hang out (and) have some fun. Other cities (like) Austin have this. So the fact that Tyler finally gets one, this is long overdue," said Adam Turner, owner of TNT Grill and Pizza.
The Xchange Bar & Lounge's food truck park is located at 3521 South Broadway Ave. To see the weekly food truck schedule, visit The Xchange's Facebook here.