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Today seemed to be food truck day in Tampa. I started off this morning heading to the farmers market where I got fresh veggies to make pickled jalapenos and pickled corn relish. From there I headed to Ybor City Farmers Market. Today was the big day that the Cooking Channel food truck was in town. They were working with “Whatever Pops”, a local popsicle maker here in Tampa, giving out free popsicles. They were very tasty I might add.
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From Ybor City, I headed over to Hyde Park in South Tampa. Today was the first ever Tampabay Food Truck Rally
When I hit Hyde Park I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were cars parked everywhere, people walking towards the event cramming the sidewalks. This looked more like our “Gasparilla Parade” kind of crowd than one for a food truck rally. I started to get excited, then it hit me. I could have been one of those food trucks sitting there with hundreds of people around. Buying up every last bit of food they had. I thought about starting my own food truck, but listened to family and friends who said Tampa isn’t ready for that, or it would never make you enough money. Dang, looking around, all I see is crowds and lines of people just waiting to taste these mobile food kitchens delicacies.
There was music, a children’s play ground setup at the Church were they were holding the event, people dragging in lawn chairs to sit in the shade of the live oaks and enjoy Tampa’s newest thing. I want to congratulate all those food truck people. You have made food trucks successful in Tampa, Florida. Maybe it’s time I bite the bullet, ignore all advice, buy my food truck and hit the streets. You never know?
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Go for it. I have faith you would do well. I used to live there. The key factors would be to try to be in areas where the big name or a lot of restaurants are most convenient to people, plus you would make a killing frequenting the college, university areas such as HCC, University of Tampa, USF, etc. and I would even take a shot at being in very very close proximity to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, etc. Being at the right places at the right times are sure winners, plus, make a schedule and make it public where your nexts stops will be, what days and times and even post it on your truck so whomever is ordering your food will see it and also have some on hand to pass around as well as business cards with website link on so everyone can just visit the link to know your next spot. Ah, the possibilities are endless! No disrespect to those that tell you not to, but after all it is your life, not theirs and you only get one shot at life. Live it to the fullest. Dreams turn into goals turn into achievements. La vita e’ bella (life is beautiful).