Food trucks getting shined up for big season in Okanagan, Kamloops
Food trucks are getting shined up for a busy season as warmer weather approaches and more events re-emerge from pandemic-related cancellations.
Hubs of fresh cooked food smells, unique menu eats and socializing, food trucks have a special place in the hearts of many.
“It is a nice way to try different food and you don’t have to make a reservation, just walk up and chat,” The Lobster Pot owner Mike Taylor said.
Food truck owners in the Thompson-Okanagan region are busy scrubbing and fine tuning equipment, collecting inventory for the season, and sketching out menus and event calendars. Taylor said an increase in food and gas costs are being taken into consideration this year.
READ MORE: Popular Okanagan food truck moves in to Kamloops
“We are ordering our lobster and putting together some new menu options,” Taylor said. “Everyone’s favourite is the East Coast Lobster Roll. We won’t know our lobster pricing firmly until fishing season opens up on the coast. Last year, our food costs jumped, we are hoping our prices will stay the same this year.”
The Lobster Pot has two trucks that stay in Kelowna and Vernon, while two other trucks travel more, covering the South Okanagan, Kamloops and the Shuswap.
“To make up for the high price of gas, we will have to make sure we are a little more efficient in our bookings and where they are located,” Taylor said.
Last year, The Lobster Pot expanded to reach a few events in Kamloops, and the plan is to do a few more there this year.
The Lobster Pot calendar of events will be appearing soon on their Facebook page here.
Deanna Bell is the owner of Cookshack Cravings in Kamloops. She is booking events for the season but intends to stay fairly local. She is already booked to serve at a few graduation parties, businesses lunches and family days at some area parks.
“First I have to put the pump and battery back in the truck and complete all kinds of permits, and restock,” she said.
Cookshack Cravings has been a part of Kamloops’ summertime scenery for seven years and Bell is known for giving back to the community. She and a team of volunteers stepped up to help feed wildfire evacuees for free last year. The year before she helped truckers out during the pandemic.
READ MORE: Kamloops food truck will be serving long-haul drivers as long as they need it
After two stop-and-go pandemic years of cancelled events and changing restrictions, Bell is excited to get back out into her community and cook up delicious food.
“The menu is centred around multicultural foods,” she said. “The jerk chicken tacos are a favourite as well as poutine and mango salsa. There is a lot of work and a lot of fun ahead."
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