Food Truck Potluck

Lookout crockpots and casseroles, a new type of potluck has rolled into town. Not to worry, however. The reason behind these modern gatherings remains true to tradition. The main goal of food truck events is centered on social interaction and providing fun and wholesome activities for the entire family. Since the first meet up last year, the food truck phenomenon in Benton has evolved into what’s known as “Third Thursday Throwdown – Food Truck Meet.”

Hamburgers, pizza and other forms of fast food are common fare to be sold out of a food truck. In recent years, food trucks have become more popular as chefs and restaurateurs have hit city streets with gourmet cuisine and a variety of ethnic food offerings. Variety, quality and affordability are common ingredients diners consider when picking their next meal. Now, Saline County residents don’t have to venture too far to enjoy these offerings. This food truck meet has food choices for the most discerning palate.

Everything from locally produced paleo-diet foods to Asian cuisine and American favorites like hot dogs are offered as people from around Saline County come together to enjoy good food. “Food truck meets are as much about the social aspect of a community as they are about the amazing food,” says organizer Dana Poindexter. “Our parents lived in a time of very little technology as compared to today. They gathered at friends’ houses or community events for potlucks to socialize. I believe these meets are our generation’s version of that same wonderful tradition.”

With no additional cost for attending, Third Thursday Throwdown takes place in the CrossFit Legit parking lot at 3309 Winchester in Benton. Jason Miller, CrossFit Legit owner, incorporated a food truck – the Beast Food Truck – during his open house last year. “The support from our members and those just stopping by was tremendous,” he says. “This made us think, ‘Why not do this every month?’” Gwen Jones, owner of the Beast Food Truck, and Dana, CrossFit Legit’s community outreach coordinator, began discussions and made it happen.

So far, the support has been overwhelmingly positive. “This is a new event, and we are kind of tucked away, so there are still a lot of people who are just now hearing about it. Each month, we see a great blend of regulars and new faces in the crowd,” Jason comments. Both he and Dana agree that the best thing about these food truck gatherings is seeing the community together. These types of events are already held in surrounding cities, Dana notes. “Our residents are driving out of town to be a part of them. Having the ability to stay in Saline County and create our own experience is a benefit for everyone.”

While encouraging healthy lifestyles is a goal of this monthly event, it is more about community. “It is important to us that healthy options are given, but offering the community a chance to come together locally for a fun, family-friendly event, was really what gave this our support,” Dana says. Starting this month, Third Thursday Throwdown is featuring an area for some backyard style games. “We hope this will give families a way to spend time together as well as give guests a way to connect and get to know one another,” she says.

As the event takes hold and continues to grow, Dana and Jason say they would like to incorporate additional entertainment. “Maybe some live music using local musicians,” says Dana, who also works as the Bryant mayor’s assistant. “We are open to anything that we can make work in the space we have. Our neighboring businesses have been supportive of the event and we really appreciate them, and the Benton Fire Department has offered their green space for residents to use to set up lawn chairs or bring blankets to sit and visit for a while. Saline County is rich in its history – maybe this is a way for all of us to create a new tradition that our kids will enjoy and talk about for years to come.”