The Food Truck Festivals of America are coming back to Waukesha for a second year. The group is bringing 29 food trucks and 50 craft beers to the event.
"Last year, Mother Nature didn't cooperate," Anne-Marie Aigner with Food Truck Festivals of America said. "She's making it up to us this year. We love it."
The foods range from American to Vietnamese and everything in between. So there is something for everyone.
"You don't have to travel to all these different restaurants," Chuck Andrews with Macarollin Gourmet Mac & Cheese said. "You can come to one place and have 29 amazing restaurants with craft beers."
Andrews made the trip from Rochester, NY for the festival. Their macaroni and cheese truck is a fan favorite for their twists on the modern American classic.
"We have a unique following," Andrews said. "We have buffalo chicken if you like a little kick. We also have our seafood option, our lobster mac and cheese. But probably the most we sell is the classic. It's a little less expensive and it's traditional."
Andrews is among the few who come from further away than two hours. Food Truck Festivals of America sourced food trucks from a two-hour radius to help keep it local.
"You're supporting a couple hundred small businesses," Aigner said. "It gives us a lot of options. We have more than last year. This year, we expanded, thinking a lot more would be coming to make sure they get what they want."
"It really makes a difference when you support a local business," Lisa Vaccarello with Nimble Coffee said.
Vaccarrello's truck is a little different than your average food truck. It's essentially a coffee shop on wheels but they offer so much more than just a cup of joe. She also has some family recipes to share.
"Our pastries are mini bundt cakes," Vaccarrello said. "I got the recipe from my aunt and she taught me how to bake them. So yeah, a little family recipe there."
But if you would rather trade the coffee for a coffee stout, you won't have to look far. Raised Grains Brewing Company will be on site with some of their award-winning beers. They may have the least distance to travel as they're located right in Waukesha. But it's not entirely a work day for them. They also use it as a chance to network and try some great food too.
"We love being a part of events in Waukesha," Nick Resitad with Raised Grains said. "We'll bring beer out and make trades for foods. It's a great relationship that way. They're thirsty. We're hungry. In the beer tent, we're always sharing samples of what we have and want to try what the competitors have. Competitive analysis if you will."
With all of the options available, the idea of attending the food truck festival can be daunting. Aigner says, do some research before coming here to be prepared.
"Plan ahead. All the menus and trucks and breweries are on our website. Strategize if you're coming with friends. Pick out items you want to wait in line for and meet back at a blanket or chair," Aigner said. "Maybe wear elastic waistbands. Forget the diet for the day."
The festival is Saturday at the Waukesha County Expo Center from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 on their website or $10 at the door. Military members or children under 12 are admitted for free. There are also VIP tickets available for $25.
For more information, you can visit the Food Truck Festivals of America website.
