“I'll meet you at The Truck!” is starting to become a common statement on Longwood University's campus lately,and rightfully so with students having busier schedules as the weeks go by. Having food that is easily accessible, and on the go, was missing from Longwood’s dining options. Fear no more the truck is here to remedy that issue.
I have been to food trucks before up in the Washington D.C. area, so I went in with some high expectations. On the first day of operation I made sure to stop by because they were serving up BBQ sandwiches. The Truck did not disappoint. Not only was the sandwich hot and to my liking, but the cashier was pleasant as well. I knew right then and there that I was going to be a loyal customer.
I wanted to learn more about the truck so I went directly to the source with the Director of Food Service, Grant Avent. A lot of people have been wondering whose idea was it to purchase the food truck. Avent stated, “The university purchased the truck knowing we [Aramark] would use it at concessions, Spring Weekend and Rock the Block.
The food truck has offered a variety of different menu items for its short period of being in operation. So far they have served BBQ sandwiches, burrito grandes, gyro's on pita bread, Italian sausage with hot peppers and Longwood chicken salad on croissant. The truck has also had two days where they have sold out of food items before closing time. Avent stated, “The chicken salad on croisant is really popular, and its so simple and easy...its going to be a staple and the hot item we will rotate.”
On Tuesday, March 24 the food truck was serving up Longwood chicken salad on croissant and gyro on pita bread. I personally tried the gyro for the first time. Lorenzo Brown was the chef whipping up the sandwiches and put the gyro together in no time flat. The pita the gyro was served on was warm, but not burning my hand. The pieces of seasoned beef and lamb were garnished with diced tomato and shredded lettuce with a tzatziki sauce. Overall, it was a great lunch item and easy to enjoy on a sunny day on Brock Commons.
Right now the truck may not catch your eye because the outer design is white and has a “Longwood University” decal. Avent made it clear that this is not a permanent design, but just a place holder for what dinning services will do in the future. One idea being tossed around is getting large magnets to go on the truck of Elwood for example.
Some students still have not seen the food truck on-campus because it can move from week to week. For now the truck has been moved between two different locations: Communication Studies building and its more permanent location of Beale Plaza fountain between Hiner and Ruffner.
The food truck currently has no name, but Aramark intends on changing that with the help of students. Just like the naming of the university's mascot, Elwood, there is going to be a contest for naming the food truck. If you have an idea for a great name for the truck you can tweet at @Longwooddining with your name suggestions. There will be a prize for the person that comes up with the best name for the food truck. Avent hopes to announce the name of the food truck at Spring Weekend, so make sure you get those suggestions in!
Be on the look out for the food truck on Thursday, March 26. The truck will be located at Beale Plaza. And remember the truck accepts Bonus dollars, Lancer cash and cash!
