Summer may be paddling season, mosquito season, camping season and patio season, but during lunchtime in downtown Yellowknife, summer is food truck season.
Food truck operators pose for a photo with Mayor Mark Hyeck (far right) after the parking space lottery on Tuesday. From Left, Will Sun of Noodo Monster, Sou Chanthalangsy and Linda Khounkhong of One of a Thai, Luthfun Nahar of Saffron and Joanne Jones of Curbside Treats 'n Eats, and Heyck.
“Food truck location ballot draw is done! LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Mayor Mark Heyck tweeted in anticipation on Tuesday.
Four food trucks participated in a lottery on Tuesday for designated parking spots downtown.
The first name drawn was One of a Thai, which chose a spot outside the Greenstone Building on Franklin Avenue at 51 Street.
The second business pulled was Saffron, which will serve up curry and samosas in front of Cabin Radio, formerly the Diavik Diamond Mine headquarters, on Franklin Avenue.
Poutine and fish tacos will be on offer outside Somba Ke Family Dental (48 Street and 49 Avenue), where Murray's Curbside Treats 'n Eats will be parked.
Noodo Monster will dish out ramen in front of the New Gallery Building, across from the movie theatre.
Having a designated parking spot was something both food vendors and their customers wanted, stated the city in an April 23 news release.
“We're excited,” Luthfun Nahar, who runs the Saffron food truck, said Thursday.
Right now her truck is getting inspected and cleaned while she's waiting for the weather to warm up a little.
“I had a really good run last year,” said Nahar, who has been operating her food truck for five years.
This year, Saffron is adding an Indian-style pasta dish to its menu.
“We're just experimenting now at home, so we'll see how you guys will like it,” she said.
Nahar said cooking and serving from the small space inside her truck can be challenging.
“If you're really organized, it's not that bad,” she said. “It's tight, but I'm used to it.”
Murray Jones of Murray's Curbside Treats 'n Eats is also looking forward to revving his engine for a fifth year.
“We got some new menu items,” Jones said Thursday. “We'll probably have quesadillas and a couple other different pieces.”
Murray's will likely begin serving in the first week of June.
“If the weather is good, that's the big factor,” he said. “If it's nice and sunny out, it gets people out and about and people enjoy it ... people stand around and wait for their food order and there's lots of good conversation.”
The food trucks can begin operating immediately and their vending agreements are valid through December.