Hunter J. Wheat, owner of Midtown's upcoming food truck attraction Bleu Garten, said Oklahoma City is experiencing a "food truck renaissance." Wheat said that's why he is working to open Bleu Garten, a family-friendly outdoor arena for food trucks and live entertainment, scheduled to open in fall 2014.
Located at the corner of N.W. 10th Street and Harvey Avenue, Bleu Garten will feature a bar, live music and local art.
Wheat attributes the renaissance to many local business owners' desire to "get their feet wet" before starting a new venture.
Niesha Harris of Off the Hook Seafood and More agrees.
Bleu Garten isn't the only venue to celebrate food trucks. On the last Friday of every month, through October, H&8th Night Market throws a block party, complete with more than 30 food trucks and live entertainment. Travis Reeks of Mexi-Dog Food Truck says he decided to open his truck because he loves cooking for others.
Kawanna Coppage, Chick N Wangs co-owner and operator, said people want a wide variety of food choices and this is why so many food trucks and venues are starting up in the metro.
Raena Muntz, owner and operator of Roxy's Ice Cream Social, says she thinks food trucks are becoming more popular because it's exciting and new.
Muntz's husband also has a hand in the local food truck business. His company, Shane's Custom Creations, designs trucks for Oklahoma City and as far away as Colorado and Texas. Shane said his trucks, which start at $25,000, have featured everything from ice cream to pretzels and even an authentic brick pizza oven.
Food trucks may be popular and exciting, but how does the food actually taste? Alex Lynch of Oklahoma City said he visits H&8th every month for the entertainment and food choices.
"They have everything from fresh seafood to chicken wings to pizza. I can't even imagine how much I've spent at Off the Hook," Lynch said.
2 Brothers Bistro serves up a mean meatball sub and other authentic Italian food choices. Named for her two sons, Candace Gideo attributes her success to experience.
As Kawanna Coppage of Chick N Wangs leans out the window with a basket of hand-breaded chicken wings with her husband's secret spices, she often chats with customers.
Coppage said she is blessed in what she has been given and wants to share it with others.
What food truck venture would be complete without dessert? Roxy's Ice Cream Social serves up homemade ice cream, right from a brightly-colored truck that looks like an ice cream cone. On the menu are popular flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, cherry and several others. Roxy's also serves ice cream sandwiches made with homemade cookies.
What is a hungry family to do when they are craving their favorite delicacy, but don't know where to find their favorite trucks? A free app called Truck it OKC allows users to track food trucks all over the greater Oklahoma City area in real tme. The app allows you to see menus, operating hours and the truck's next stops. The free app is available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and is anticipated to be available for Android phones in 2014. As of August 2014, the app tracks more than 30 trucks and has been downloaded by more than 2,000 food truck aficionados.