Food trucks flock to Northern Meadows

If you're a fan of food trucks, Northern Meadows is the place to be.

“They’re a lot of small businesses out here who share what they have for the community; coming out here means you’re supporting these local businesses,” Asia Lovato said, who is an employee at Thai Cuisine Food Truck.

“Food Trucks in the Park" was created by the Northern Meadows POA, and volunteer Selina Wade has been coordinating the food trucks. The evening of June 3, 11 food trucks set up shop at King Meadows Park, including Cerealsy Sweet, Thai Cuisine, Los Alebrijes Cocina Mexicana, Aces Fry Guy, Now Thatz Good Eden, Rawroot Juice Bar, 505 Bussin Taste Buds, Poco Loco Pineapples, Sourpuss Lemonade, Shaka Cone, and a few popups set up as well.

PHOTOS: Food Trucks in the Park

“Kimo’s Hawaiian Barbecue came out here awhile ago, and it was a really big success so I just started adding trucks,” Wade said. “The food truck owners are great. They all support each other, they all trade with each other, they all advertise for each other, they’ve become friends.”

Tuesday through Saturday, food trucks set up at various Nothern Meadows parks (including King Meadows Park and Zia Park), and give residents an option for eating that does not require the long drive.

Northern Meadows is an isolated neighborhood in Rio Rancho where eating options around the area are minimal. In most cases, eating out means a 15-minute drive while other neighborhoods have restaurants less than a couple miles away.

“It’s really exciting to see the different kinds of styles of food and ice cream, different sweet treats that people have; there's different lemonade stands that come out. It's nice to get together and kind of mingle with all the other owners and see what they have to offer,” Justin Gioffredo said. Gioffredo is the owner of the Shaka Cone food truck, which is a food truck that serves New Zealand-style ice cream.

“You got the park right there for the kids, and over here, you got some really great food and a lot of chefs who are doing their own private thing,” Gioffredo said.

According to the Northern Meadows POA website, “Food Trucks in the Parks" is designed to foster community spirit and strengthen relationships among residents. These gatherings provide an opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy food in public parks during the summer season.

“This is a great environment, and everyone making food here is great. I promise you it is worth every dollar, every bite,” owner of Now Thatz Good Eden Nakia Williams said.

Williams moved to New Mexico from New York City and started selling Chopped Cheeses, which is what jump-started her business. Williams works alongside her sisters and other family members.

“Chopped Cheese was the first thing on our menu, and that’s when everything took off. We also fell in love with the green chile, so we offer the Chopped Cheese with a green chile queso,” Williams said.

For more information and updates about “Food Trucks in the Park,” visit the Northern Meadows POA website. Wade also posts schedules and menus daily on the Northern Meadows Hood Page on Facebook