IN AUGUST OF 2020, when local elections were in full swing, a local business owner called Franklin County Mayor David Alexander to see if he could set up a food truck in the parking lot while people voted. He told administrative assistant Sharon Byrum that he was “a hometown boy, just trying to make a living.”
Due to county property and election regulations, the mayor’s office had to decline. But it got Byrum and the mayor thinking.
“A couple of weeks went by. I was thinking, ‘how could we do this?’” Byrum said.
There was already one food truck in town – Fully Involved N Smokin BBQ – but the area needed more dining variety. And according to Byrum, members of the community were complaining about not getting new restaurants in the area.
Mayor Alexander brought it up to Byrum again: “Have you thought about that call we got?” he asked. “I haven’t stopped thinking about it,” she said.
They began to concoct a plan. The Franklin County Farmers Market was in full swing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but sat empty on Fridays. Thus, “Food Truck Friday” was born.
“Everybody wants to support local [businesses], so that’s been a really, really good thing,” Byrum said. “We want to continue to grow it for the Franklin County community to give people a variety of options here.”
Once their plan was approved by the pavilion board, it wasn’t long before vendors began to apply. Fully Involved N Smokin BBQ lent a helping hand and helped get other vendors started, some of which include Walnut Hill Coffee Company, Crazy Daisies, The Dinner Bell, Sassy Chef Catering, and several more. The first official Food Truck Friday was held on March 5, 2021, with seven vendors.
“It’s a heart-warming thing to see our vendors. They’re like a big family,” Byrum said. “They work hand in hand with one another.”
The local business owners offered each other advice and mechanical help when needed, as they often were facing or had faced the same obstacles. Some trucks come from a little farther away, but regardless, Byrum said “it’s just one big family, and it’s very welcoming.”
Since the first Food Truck Friday, over 15 different restaurants have participated, including GoGo Hoagies N’ More, Hillbilly Q, Lupita’s Tacos, and more.
“It’s allowed them to spread their wings and fly,” she said. “Getting that rapport with the community is a great thing because they’re following their dreams, and if the customers like it they’re going to come back again.”
Some have expanded to cater special events and community activities, or even open brick-and-mortar stores. Some are there every week in the same spot. But Byrum said new trucks apply all of the time.
The local community counts on them being there every Friday. Many come every week to kick off the weekend with their favorite meal on wheels or to try something new. In October, the county hosts Food Truck Friday’s Truck or Treat. Owners decorate their food trucks, offer special menus, and hand out candy. The first one was a smashing success.
“It was shocking to see the outpour from the food truck vendors and especially the community that participated,” Byrum said.
Byrum said that with inflation and local restaurants having a hard time finding workers, she thinks Franklin County is taking a step in the right direction.
“All it takes is that dream and two or three people,” she said. “I see food trucks as the future.” GN
