Food trucks continue growing in popularity in Gautier

Every last Thursday of the month in Gautier, food trucks gather in the lot near the old Singing River Mall, inviting the public to a buffet of the best street food on the Coast.

More of these independent businesses are popping up in our area.

Food trucks here on the coast have gained popularity over the last few years — so we took the opportunity to come out to Gautier, where they have Tasty Thursdays, and ask some of these business owners: Why a food truck?

It’s economical, in some sense. You can DIY your restaurant on wheels as much or as little as you want, to cut down on overhead. Even with modifications, a truck is far and away less expensive than putting tens of thousands toward a full restaurant.

The food now comes to the customer, instead of the other way around. Waveland has Food Truck Fridays, Gulfport had a food truck festival last year at Jones Park, and so on.

Some people, like Meatbawl’s owner Shatanya Clark, say they can dip their toes into the restaurant business with this strategy. “I couldn’t really see starting so big so fast. So, I was like, I’m going to put some training wheels on and see if I can ride the bike. And it’s been working, you know?”

Lakelia Jones, who owns Sugar Beans Cafe with her husband, has been in the game for three years now. They rolled with the food truck idea because it allows them to be dynamic with their menu. They’re able to change menu items as easily as they can haul their trailer to the next festival. “So, it’s easier for us to do it on the food truck, because we get to pull up and go, and not have the maintenance of a full brick-and-mortar building.”

“I enjoy moving around. I enjoy being part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I get to go to one city, county, to the other one. For me that’s a great experience.”