Food Truck Fridays

Written By: Juliana Bomark Food and Drink Editor

Photos by: Jordan Neifert and Marissa Anaya

Summer is almost in full spring in Grand Junction, Colorado, and what better way to kick off the sunny days than with the return of Food Truck Fridays? It is time to find what’s been missing all winter, the delicious taste of fresh food made with love. 

Food Truck Fridays is a fun-filled event with live music and activities supporting the local food truck industry which has become a huge part of the city scene here in Grand Junction. This community event started about eight to ten years ago when food trucks were not as big as they are now, but this event has brought big publicity to local food trucks.

The variation of Food trucks at these events is vast and unknown, so it is hard to perceive which food trucks will attend these events but each will hold a different variety to suit the tastebuds of many happy customers.

Steven Preuss, the coordinator of Food Truck Fridays started solely as a food truck operator for the Colorado Q Barbeque. Preuss was offered the opportunity to take over the event in 2017 after his first season of attending Food Truck Fridays. He now runs Gelato Junction, Colorado Q, and Bakers Boutique! 

This event is very important to him and he works hard to make sure it’s community-filled and fun for the whole Grand Valley. 

“It’s just a good way for everyone to come out and support some local businesses, it is getting out in our local parks, it’s enjoying the scenery that we have, its supporting local food trucks, supporting local musicians, and it’s just bringing the community together to support a good cause and enjoy each others company, there’s been a lot of people keeping to themselves and its nice to be able to bring everyone together “ Said Preuss.

Preuss and his wife plan all of these events and reach out to the individuals who are looking to get their trucks out there.

 “ We try and bring out a variety of food trucks for people to have many options for dinner, a couple of options for specialty drinks trucks, and some options for delicious dessert vendors.” Said Preuss when speaking about the variety at the event. 

Along with the food trucks is the community aspect. The sponsor for the event this year is Highline Internet. Highline will start implementing more events for the kids and making Food Truck Fridays family-friendly with activities such as face painting and balloon animals.

This event rotates throughout the Grand Valley so food trucks from all corners of the county can spread their name and expand their audience. “ Lincoln Park is our Grand Junction central location, we operate out in Palisade at an area called Deroco Cellars, and then we also go out to Reed Park out in Fruita,” said Preuss. The coverage of this event through all of the towns brings delicious food and fun times to all areas encouraging less travel from community members.

However, due to this large coverage, A recent setback has majorly impacted the owners and community members who are a part of this event. The Food Truck Friday’s old Facebook account, which held over 7k followers, was deleted and Preuss never regained access to this account.

Preuss lost his main communication platform with the local community and the engagement since the loss of the last account hasn’t been the same since. The business is trying to regenerate its following to properly reach the community for any updates of musicians or changes to the events. Without this publicity, many people will miss out on a large event that brings spectacular food and fun to the local community. 

Preuss encourages community members to go follow the new Food Truck Fridays Facebook account to stay up to date this coming summer season, with new food trucks coming to this event, the 2024 Food Truck Fridays will be one to remember.