There are not many places on campus where students can purchase matzo ball soup and pesto pizza right next to each other, but the on-campus food trucks provide an unconventional way for NC State students to get a quick and easy lunch. Whether it’s used to keep working on that new research paper or studying for the next exam, food is an essential part of a student’s academic life. It brings people together, and it’s what excites the taste buds for a new adventure. On Centennial Campus, food trucks are one way that the community comes together to maintain this daily need.

Food trucks provide a quick and exciting food source that students can depend on for lunch on campus. The insight of what it’s like to run a food truck is a perspective that not many people get to experience.

Becky Cascio, co-owner of the food truck Pie Pushers, explained the process of running a food truck.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of time,” Cascio said. “Anywhere from getting started and permitting to scheduling and then actually staffing, prepping, cooking and finally serving the customers, and remembering to smile and have fun every step of the way.  We have been open for almost eight years now as a food truck, and it’s an honor to still be driving around, hauling the trailer, filling bellies and watching our crew grow. We have such a great team of folks that are such an important part of making Pie Pushers operate every single day.”

Time and effort are put into every meal sent out by food trucks in order to satisfy the hunger of every customer. Even though there are difficulties that come with running a food truck, there are many positives that pair with the hardships.

Harry Monds, the owner of the food truck Bull City Street Food, described his favorite part of operating a food truck.

 “Unlike with a restaurant, we are mobile, of course,” Monds said. “Therefore our scenery, location and environment is constantly changing. Bull City Street Food is unique because we change our menu every week in order to introduce a new theme from a different region of the country or a different country from around the world. We cover all tastes, have several vegetarian options and have options for a variety of dietary needs… It keeps things from getting old, routine and mundane.”

With the ever-changing scenery, nothing ever gets boring when running a food truck. Every new face that comes along is a new personality that wants something to satisfy the taste buds.

“We have had such great experiences with NC State and such a great working relationship for years,” Casico said. “Some organizations embraced us all and got excited to integrate food trucks into their dining, food, lunch, et cetera programs; NC State was one of them. The staff and students have loved it ever since. It is great being a truck that has the opportunity to come out every other week, too. It’s great to see regulars, talk to the same folks on and off throughout the school year. We are honored to be a continued vendor on Centennial Campus.”

When vending for customers, food truck owners and employees have found that their work is appreciated and loved throughout the community. Long hours are spent planning and prepping for the upcoming workday, and the effort is visible through the food. The ability to go to any environment and provide for everyone there is a rewarding experience for any food truck owner and employee.

“Food trucking can be very rewarding in a number of ways,” Monds said. “This is an extremely hard business with long hours. You most assuredly get out what you put into it. The reason we have managed to be as successful as we have been is because of the dedicated, hardworking team that we have assembled. You definitely have to love what you’re doing when it comes to running a food truck.”

Food trucks come to visit Centennial Campus from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on weekdays to feed all students and faculty on campus.