This year’s RI Food Truck & Drink Awards managed to dodge the rain clouds and have a beautiful night by the Pedestrian Bridge, in lovely, view-encrusted District Park in the Guild Garden.
We detailed the victorious brewers last issue – below, you’ll find all the truck winners: Good Vibes, the new mobile beverage truck, received the most votes overall, neatly crossing genres. The most food truck votes went to Friskie Fries. Over 1,000 of you, dear readers, weighed in online.
Although there was an epic downpour just an hour before start time, the weather was lovely throughout the event, and a spirited good time followed, including many funny presenters, inspired MCing by Ginnie Dunleavey, Chef Rivoli, and Julie Rhodes, and musical highlights by The Unlikely Strummers ukulele band, DJ It’s Casual, and the Providence Drum Troupe.
La Guaguita del Sabor
Favorite Empanada
La Guaguita del Sabor, a beloved Puerto Rican food truck based in Portsmouth, RI, has earned top honors for its irresistible empanadas! Since launching in Fall 2020, owner Edwin Miranda has brought authentic island flavor to New England with a delicious variety of empanadas — from classic beef and chicken to creative favorites like ham & cheese and pizza. The truck’s menu also features crispy wings, golden tostones, and even full pig roasts for private events. La Guaguita del Sabor continues to win hearts (and awards) one perfectly fried bite at a time. @la_guaguita_del_sabor_
– Heather Earl
Blount Clam Shack
Favorite Seafood
I became familiar with Blount last year during RIFC games at Beirne Stadium. I spent a good amount of time patiently waiting in that line to get my half dozen clam cakes and a side of fries. I’d check out the other trucks but always found myself back in line in front of that navy blue chassy with lobsters and shells.
My tastes are simple and I don’t often try new things. I could eat the clam cakes and fries all day, but I’d hear people rave about the rest of the menu options. Lobster roll, fish nuggets, (gluten-free) chowder, clam strip platter and lobster street corn nachos will get a lot of mouths watering. blountretail.com
– Bobby Forand
A & K’s Food Truck
Favorite Vegan/Vegetarian
A & K’s Food Truck (founded by Adam and Kelly, the A and K, respectively) is known for their chef-inspired sandwiches, this recently launched Rhode Island favorite has won over plant-based diners with inventive dishes like squash tacos, mushroom sandwiches and hearty chili and chips. Their flexible, seasonal menu puts veggies front and center — all served with a welcoming vibe. They were a regular presence at the dearly departed Smug Brewery in Pawtucket, and can be relied on to find plant-based fare that will still offset serious brew consumption – quite a trick in the vegetarian world! Cheers to A & K’s for raising the bar in vegan and vegetarian street-food, and for making plant-powered eats exciting and accessible.
– Heather Earl
BBQ y Mas
Favorite Winter Warrior
Known for bold, inspired BBQ and street-food flair, they’ve earned recognition for showing up strong even in the chilliest months. From brisket plates and St Louis ribs to birria tacos and loaded brisket fries, their menu delivers comfort and crave-worthy flavor. Be sure not to skip their house-made pickles to add that extra little something to your meal. Based in Portsmouth, RI and available for events across RI and MA, BBQ y Mas (BBQ and More) proves that great food doesn’t hibernate when the snow (or ambiguous RI slush) flies. Thanks for keeping the meals hot and the wheels rolling, and transforming a little bit of winter into BBQ season. bbqymas.godaddysites.com
– Heather Earl
Jaswell Farms
Favorite Farm
At Jaswell Farms, apple picking has been a family tradition since 1899. Given their Autumn special, it’s no wonder these guys won the favorite farm award, with their “iced cider topped with a cider donut, caramel sauce, whipped cream and seasonal sprinkles.” They’ve also got a patch of pumpkins, a farmers’ market, a bakery, and a cider mill.
“It always feels good to get recognized,” says Chris Jaswell, who is a 4th generation owner that hopes to keep the family tradition going with his children becoming the 5th generation. “We all work hard.”
Jaswell notes that there are three generations currently working on the farm, led by his (months away from being) 90 year-old father and 80 year-old mother. He said that his father has slowed down to only working six hours a day, but he loves the opportunity to still be working side by side with his parents and family.
“The best thing is that Nana and Papa are out there working every day,” Jaswell says. “Sometimes the grandkids try not to make eye contact because they know they will get put to work if their grandparents see them.”
Congratulations to Allison and Chris, the brother/sister duo who’ve successfully cultivated their great-grandfather’s farm into one of the oldest operating apple orchards in Rhode Island.
“”We have heavy community support,” Jaswell says in appreciation. “We’ve been here since 1899, so we’re doing something right!” jaswellsfarm.com
– Kiara Nieves and Bobby Forand
Ligia’s Pops
Favorite New RI Food Product, Favorite Portable Not-Quite-Truck
Meet Ligia’s Pops, the fresh-face artisanal frozen treat venture making waves in Warren. What makes this new gem truly awesome? Their artisanal popsicles are handcrafted with time and care, offering inventive flavor twists that go way beyond the usual. Whether you’re craving fruity, creamy, or boldly experimental, they’ve got a pop for your mood. Birthed in local culinary incubator Hope & Main, Ligia’s Pops brings local charm, thoughtful ingredients, and an aesthetic that’s both Instagram-worthy and irresistibly delicious. Come for the cool treat, stay for the warm vibes.
“It has been an amazing adventure with the amount of support we have been getting from everybody!” says founder Ligia Cordon, “We didn’t know how this business would work as there is no other local paletas (popsicles) producer here in Rhode Island. This [award] is giving us motivation to keep striving forward. Thank you so much!”@ligiaspops
– Heather Earl with reporting by Mae Keating
Griddle Me This
Favorite Burger / Slider, Favorite Hot Dog, and Favorite Sausage
Griddle Me This has a lot on their grill — and a lot to offer for those that want to mix the joy of cookout options with the greasy goodness of fast food. This is their first year in business, but they have already built a strong reputation in the community, netting them multiple awards, including Favorite Hot Dog.
“It’s a great honor. This is our first full year out. We didn’t know what to expect. We wish we started this endeavor much sooner. Thank you for the recognition.”
The mouth-watering menu features jumbo hot dogs, hot weiners, chicken tenders, fries, onion rings and six creative varieties of smash burgers – from a Rodeo Burger, to a Jam On It Burger, to a Spicy Jalapeno Burger. Griddle Me This is available for private events (it’s better than the typical work pizza party), in addition to food truck nights and community events. @griddlemethisri
– Bobby Forand
The Perky Turkey
Most Creative Menu Item (Turkey Toes), Favorite Sandwich, Favorite Graphics
People don’t usually think “turkey” while deciding what kind of Food Truck meal they’ll feast on, but The Perky Turkey is making strides to change that, netting three awards: Favorite Sandwich, Favorite Graphics, and Most Creative Menu Item for Turkey Toes.
“I hadn’t seen any turkey at the hundreds of food truck events I’ve been at through the years,” owner Tom Wright says. “I wanted to do something different and fun.”
After taking a break from the food truck life, Tom put The Perky Turkey on the road less than a year ago, and has been building a reputation and following. Everything is cooked from scratch and the majority of the menu is gluten free (minus the sandwich). They competitively use 12 herbs and spices (take that, KFC) on the roasted 100% real turkey breast, to enhance the flavor.
“I’m having the best time being back on the road,” Tom says. “I’m having a lot of fun seeing new and familiar faces.”
The Perky Turkey thrives on fun and creativity. The “Turkey Toes” name is a play on chicken fingers. “People eat chicken fingers. Why not turkey toes?”
Higher Graphics, a truck and car wrapping shop in Rehoboth, MA, created the layout based on a concept and images Tom came up with.
“We loved it off the bat,” Tom says. “There were no revisions.” Clearly, this turkey had the right amount of perky right from the start!
Tom and the team are honored and humbled to win multiple awards. He knows that it’s proof that they are delivering a quality product that is making people happy.
“I love seeing the expression in their eyes,” he says. “They’re loving it. That’s what is important.”
@theperkyturkeyri
– Bobby Forand
Ming’s Asian Food Truck
Favorite Asian Influenced Cuisine
If your comfort food is Asian cuisine, then you might want to track down Ming’s Asian Street Food. Their Cambodian dishes, according to one Facebook reviewer, will make you “ride a bike so you can burn some off and then eat it again tomorrow without getting too full.” Their mouthwatering fried chicken sandwiches and Banh Mi were inspired by southeast Asian street food. The menu consists mainly of classic grilled foods, like burgers and fries, with a touch of asian culture. They also serve bite-sized treats such as crab rangoons and jumbo fried wings (with a sauce of your choosing). For vegetarians, you can choose crispy tofu for sandwiches and Banh Mi. And our publisher can’t get enough of their soft Korean Tacos. These variations on Cambodian grilled foods give people a taste of delicious Asian street food. Check them out at mingsri.com.
– Sabrina Ruiz
Bird’s Nest Italian Street Food
Favorite Italian Influenced Cuisine
Known for their famous deep fried manicotti, this family-owned food truck specializes in Italian foods. The truck offers a taste of Italian culture and leaves people to return as the menu rotates. According to their website, “We bring a culinary twist to Italian-American favorites.”
Their most famous dish is the deep fried manicotti, which is pasta stuffed with cheese, breaded, and deep fried. The dish is even topped with cheese (provolone, parmesan) and alfredo sauce. Cheese is the classic ingredient that defines many of these dishes, and there’s a wide variety the business works with, including provolone and mozzarella. Another time-tested ingredient is brioche bread, used for their meatball sliders and chicken parmesan. Both dishes are also served with their good-old marinara sauce, which may be their favorite ingredient: “Sauce! Marinara is made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil and salt,” says manager Michael Leverone. “Keep it simple and fresh. Winning felt great and we were super happy and appreciative. We hope customers take away food that makes them happy.” birdsnestfoodtruck.com
– Sabrina Ruiz
Cultro
Favorite Latin Influenced Cuisine
This award winning truck offers Dominican-inspired cuisine, and they’re well known for their highly praised tacos and arepas. Cultro sets themselves apart by creating everything from scratch, including their tortillas, and by delivering authentic flavors. The humble owners were quite surprised to have won, despite their beloved reputation throughout Providence.
On Instagram, one of their satisfied customers said it best: “When you’re craving a home-cooked meal, you get it from @cultro_pvd because they never disappoint!” cultropvd.com
-Kiara Nieves
South County Barbeque
Favorite BBQ
“Winning a Food Truck Award For Best BBQ was a heartfelt token of love and appreciation from our loyal following that never ceases to amaze me,” says Arthur Evans of South County Barbeque, “They continue to seek us out at RI craft beer breweries and community-driven events. Barbecue itself is hard work, long hours, and immense preparation for a quick turn around of mobile food service, showcasing our wood-fired cuisine to the masses. If not for my dynamic team, shared love of barbecue, and continued support to take this smoky dream into fiery horizons I wouldn’t be where am I today. THANKFUL.”
Not much we can add to that! Traveling state-wide and beyond, but most likely to be found in South County, the truck is veteran-owned by Evans, a former financial analyst for the Navy and Air Force instructor, and now a veteran of many successful BBQ competitions. southcountybarbeque.com
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Meat Sweats RI
Favorite Cheesesteak
“I want to sincerely thank my incredible staff for their hard work and dedication, and of course our amazing customers for your continued support. At Meat Sweats, it’s always our priority to serve the freshest, most consistent food — with a smile every single time. Speed and accuracy are just as important to us, and they’ve been a big part of our success,” says founder Matt Cowell. Containing enough meat to make you sweat, the signature steak-and-cheese contains a mixture of chuck and brisket, with lean meat in a truly enormous sandwich.
“This award belongs to all of you — our team and our community. I look forward to serving you again soon and keeping those steak-and-cheeses coming!” @meatsweatsri
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Hook N Ladder Pizza
Favorite Pizza
“We are proud that Hook N Ladder Pizza Co. has won this award for the fourth year in a row! Our journey started during the height of COVID, when the world felt uncertain and people were looking for a little joy and something different to do. With the help of my wife, a few close friends, and my fellow firefighters, we turned an idea into a community-driven, wood-fired pizza truck.” says founder Shawn Finnigan. Hook N Ladder always makes a big impression, serving out of a full-sized fire engine that’s been retrofitted to cook pizzas. Without burning them, of course. Kids love to climb on the truck, which is a well-known staple at many charity and fund-raising ventures.
“What began as a way to bring people together during a difficult time has grown into a passion that continues to fuel us today. Every pizza we serve is a tribute to the support of our community, our firefighting family, and the teamwork that made it all possible.
“We’re excited to announce that Hook N Ladder Pizza Co. is now in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar location right here in Warwick. We can’t wait to bring the same firehouse spirit, wood-fired flavors, and community connection to a permanent home,” they tell us. All we can say is the place better have a fire pole!
To their loyal customers, they say, “Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way — this award belongs to all of you as much as it does to us!”
– Bobby Forand
Antojitos y Delicias Kamila’s
Favorite Tacos
“Winning the Best Tacos award means the world to us,” says Xenia of Kamila’s snacks and delights. “We started this food truck with a dream to share authentic, flavorful food with our community, and receiving this recognition shows that our hard work is paying off. My team and I have poured our hearts into every dish we have served and it motivates us to keep creating and serving with love everyday.”
This award goes to the deserving and authentic Antonjitas y Delicias, serving home-made recipes from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. They’re especially proud of their popular pupusas. With every bite you can taste the dedication and love this team has poured into their craft. There is nothing like a multi-region food truck to truly bring people together in culture and heart. Find this truck most nights on Pocasset Ave in PVD. @antojitosydelicias_kamilas
– Mae Keating
Championship Melt
Favorite Grilled Cheese
This wrestling-themed grilled-cheese-mobile is a veteran award-winner that will have you wrestling with your need for cheese. And it’s not just a theme – the same crew organizes live wrestling exhibitions throughout the region. They award massive championship belts – if the wrestlers can still get them on after this hearty food.
Their menu not only includes cheese classics, but “crazy combos,” and, somehow, they are able to offer options for vegans, gluten-free diners, and even cheese-like goodness for the lactose intolerant.
“Our entire team is super grateful for the award! We work tirelessly to give our customers the best experience possible,” says owner Drew Cordeiro. “As the season winds down, catch us every Monday night at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston for Wrestling Open RI to try our award-winning gourmet grilled cheese!” @champmelt
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Incred-A-Bowl
Favorite Bowl
“We were excited to learn that we won Best Bowl. We didn’t even have a chance to ask our followers to vote for us. That’s what lets us know the love is real,” said founders Sterling and Russel Spellman to Motif through Facebook.
Incred-a-bowl’s truck still makes many local appearances, but the family behind the truck focuses on their brick-and-mortar in East Providence (1075 S. Broadway), which has fostered a strong community bond, hosting events and fundraisers, high school art projects, and Motif’s ongoing Spoken Word and Poetry series. Incred-A-Bowl works to be more than a local restaurant, mixing the ingredients in their local community as if it were an exotic bowl of food.
Their serve-it-all-together philosophy results in a number of exciting combinations you may not have encountered anywhere else, like a Cuban Chili Mango Bowl, a burrito in a bowl, jerked chicken over fried plantains, a Dan Dan bowl, and bowls with full fried eggs on top, to name just a few. Their decadent home-made chocolate chip cookies and rum punch are also fan faves. incredabowlfood.com
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Friskie Fries
Favorite French Fries / Potatoes
Years ago, I used to travel a lot for my job to conduct home visits. I had a visit in Providence that had me pass by the Friskie Fries Johnston location. I have always been a fan of french fries and one day decided to stop in to give them a try. There were a lot of options for “Dressed Fries,” but I initially ordered them naked (shocking, I know). They were some of the best french fries I’ve ever tasted, so I made it a point to stop in every time I visited that home. Every now and then I’d test out a dressed fry, but the taste of the potato is what draws me in and has my mouth watering as I type this.
“Winning these awards is more than just a badge on our wall,” they say. “It’s a reflection of the trust and affection the Rhode Island community has placed in us. Our mission at Friskie Fries has always been to bring joy through crispy, craveable fries made with care. This recognition tells us we’re succeeding: that people see our menu not just as food, but as part of something they love.”
Friskie Fries has two storefronts in addition to the food truck. Their lines are often the deepest at food truck events. The menu items are all cleverly named and worth the read.
“Being honored by our neighbors in Rhode Island makes it all the more special. From our food trucks to our storefronts, we’ve never forgotten that we’re part of this place — its tastes, its people, its spirit. To be counted among the favorites here is humbling and energizing. It pushes us to keep innovating, to keep serving those classic fries and bold flavor combinations with heart. We’re proud to be part of this community, and even prouder that Rhode Islanders have made Friskie Fries a part of theirs!”friskiefries.com
– Bobby Forand
Bomb Bites
Favorite Ice Cream, Favorite Chicken Wings
Did you hear something? Oh, nevermind! That was just a flavor bomb! At Bomb Smoothies and Bomb Bites you can be guaranteed a flavor explosion.
“We’re beyond excited to win BOTH Best Chicken Wings and Best Ice Cream! At Bomb Smoothies & Bomb Bites, our goal is always to bring explosive flavor and fun to Rhode Island, and this recognition is the cherry on top. Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to rock with us!”
Known for love-bombing many less traditional events in the PVD area, Bomb Bites is dessert-forward with everything from Churros to Caramel Apples; but they also offer dogs, wings, loaded fries, smash burgers, and other street food, along with bowls, waffles and liquid meals .
From their award-winning chicken wings and ice cream to their customer service, this food truck is blowing up. You can also visit them in Johnston, at 118 Greenville Ave. bombsmoothiesri.com
– Mae Keating
Dr Doughboys
Favorite Dessert
Fried dough. A staple in Rhode Island; a constant at carnivals, festivals, and amusement parks. During one of my festival visits in Providence, I had the good fortune to come across Dr. Doughboys food truck. My mother has always been a huge connoisseur of doughboys, so you can imagine the excitement when we were able to try one. The menu was filled with a variety of options ranging from savory to sweet, and after a bit of a debate my mother and I landed on the classic powdered sugar doughboy.
The first bite was everything someone could ask of a dessert, a perfect amount of sweetness combined with the fluffiness of the fried dough. There was an unmistakable taste of love mixed into every part of this plate. Taking another look at the menu, some treats had a whimsical touch “Our food truck features a doctor character. We wanted to play into that theme in a fun and interactive way. The idea of ‘injecting’ our beignets with syringes filled with creams and jellies was the perfect fit” – a comedic connection between the name of this food truck and the food they serve. Yes, you can place a beignet order that will come with a syringe of sauce.
There is also a more serious connection. “The name Dr. Doughboys is a tribute to the lifesaving doctors at Rhode Island Hospital, particularly Dr. Charles Adams,” they said through social media. “Ten years ago, they saved my life, and I’ve held a deep gratitude since. After my recovery, that became the inspiration for starting this food truck.” A heartwarming backstory to a fun food truck that many have come to love. drdoughboys.com
– Leo Brown
Boba Wave
Favorite Specialty Drink
Boba Wave is this year’s winner for favorite Specialty Drink! Owner Janine Anthony says “Boba Wave has grown immensely since we opened! Our social media continues to climb as we get better at content creating, and our products continue to pique people’s interests as we create new captivating specials that drive people to want to come find us! We almost never disappoint, our drinks are hand shaken with quality ingredients and with love that you can taste in the very first sip! We currently run the single food truck as well as an indoor-friendly pop up, for which we have a new and improved cart coming very soon!” The Rhody Milk Tea is Boba Wave’s signature beverage, and come on, you can’t go wrong with Autocrat coffee milk! Janine has big plans for this small but mighty truck’s future: “I hopefully would like to see Boba Wave grow to have more trucks and carts! Maybe a brick-and-mortar shop one day but we love to keep things portable!” With their “Catch A Wave” slogan coined by Studio 10’s Mario Hilario, nothing could be more iconic. @bobawave.ri
– Morgan Capodilupo
Presto Strange O
Favorite Coffee
Presto Strange O clinches the nod for Best Coffee. From humble beginnings as a single coffee truck in 2010, owners Jay and Jessica Case have expanded the Strange O family to include three trucks and a brick-and-mortar hub in Warwick Neck. Kick back with their signature Strange Brew Shaken Espresso, combining rich brown sugar, bold espresso, and creamy espresso foam for the perfect fall treat. Other fantastic options include the Instagram-perfect Dubai Chocolate Latte with pistachio, and everyone’s Little Rhody fave, the Coffee Milk Latte. Jay shares that his future dreams for the brewing co include “another cafe (maybe Providence) to keep the RI spirit strong.” Here’s to brewing smiles and good vibes! prestostrangeo.com
– Morgan Capodilupo
Good Vibes Beverages
Favorite Mobile Bar or Alcohol Truck, Favorite New Truck
Good Vibes are easier to conjure when you’re serving alcohol. This truck emerged as Trinity Brewhouse entered its owner transition / closing phase. The treasured Trinity Beer Garden at PVD Food Truck Event’s Food Truck Fridays went away, and Good Vibes filled in the gap, with leadership from some of the former Trinity team members. They now serve liquid delights, including local beer, wine, mocktails and cold brews, at events across the state.
“Winning Best New Truck is a huge honor,” says founder Tommy Tainsh through social media “We were involved in the food truck community for over a decade before setting off on our own, and it’s always scary to start a new endeavor like that but having our customers support us like this means the world to us.” @goodvibesbevs
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Sam’s New York System
Favorite Truck with a Storefront
“It made us feel very proud and thankful to be recognized for serving the best weiners since 1968. Even though we are known for weiners, we serve more than just weiners. We have a pretty extensive menu of seafood, burgers, steak and cheese, and appetizers.”
Hot, steamy and flavorful. Exactly how wieners should be…
After decades of serving the community with fast and friendly service, this family-owned business has secured their title as one of Rhode Island’s best food joints. They offer all-you-can-eat wiener specials, takeout, and private catering too.
This truck also has storefront locations in Warwick and North Providence, in case you’d like to sit down and try a bite. Get yourself a weenie that hits the spot, courtesy of Sam’s. samsnys.com
– Kiara Nieves with reporting by Mae Keating
Haven Brothers
Favorite Late Night Truck
If you’ve only heard of one food truck in the state of Rhode Island, it’s probably Haven Brothers. There’s a feature-length documentary about them () and their status as the oldest food truck in the country, and one of the original female-owned businesses. And beyond this esteemed history, including a territorial throwdown with with the mayor of Providence in the ’80s, their long-standing late hours make them the place to nurse your bad-date-broken heart or need-to-sober-up addled head at 2am with some always-there, compassionately greasy comfort food.
“Haven Brothers is thrilled and humbled to receive this award. As the oldest diner on wheels in America, serving the Providence community since 1893, this recognition means a lot to our family and the Haven team,” they told us through Instagram. “Winning this award feels like a heartfelt nod to our legacy of providing comfort food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to late-night folks — whether they’re night owls, workers, or just craving a burger, milkshake, or fries.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and the loyalty of our customers who have made Haven Brothers a Rhode Island institution for over a century. At Haven Brothers Diner, we are more than just a food truck, we are a piece of Providence’s history. Winning Motif’s Best Late Night Truck award is an honor that celebrates our commitment to keeping the late-night spirit alive!” havenbrosdiner.com
– Mike Ryan with reporting by Mae Keating
Chick’d Out Nuggs
Favorite Gluten Free / Allergy Safe Options
A food allergy or sensitivity can make eating out incredibly difficult. You have to carefully look at ingredients or risk nagging illness for a few days or even worse. Foods that are so accessible to some can be poison to others. It’s good to know that some food trucks understand this and develop a menu that is allergy-safe. All nominees deserve tremendous credit for giving people food truck options that they don’t need to worry about, and a special congratulations goes out to Chick’d Out Nuggs for taking home the award.
The entire menu is gluten-free and the online menu is incredibly transparent, letting people know exactly what they would be consuming. Everything is fried in canola oil. The chicken breading contains legumes, which isn’t a major allergen. Brine, buffalo sauce, honey-mustard sauce, blue cheese, ranch and thousand island all contain milk, soy and/or eggs.
The white tenderloin chicken is brined in a buttermilk mixture for 24 hours. They offer five loaded options or naked. They also sell fries.
“It’s an absolute luxury to be able to order anything I want from a food truck and know it’s safe to eat,” says customer Lisa Valatka, who has a gluten allergy. “The food is high quality, made fresh and delicious. I am thankful.” chickedoutnuggz.com
– Bobby Forand
After an event like the Food Truck Awards, there are so many people to thank: apologies in advance if we left anyone out. First, the fantastic trucks that served hungry patrons – Friskie Fries, Ja Patty, Haven Brothers, Food Vibes, Little B’s BBQ, Juice Junkie, and Bo’s Wings -N- Rings.
We are also grateful to the brewers who took time – and in many cases made long drives – to bring samples to our thirsty samplers. Grey Sail, South County Distillers, Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery, Origin Beer Project, Trágmar Ale Works, Crafted Hope Brewing Co., Crook Point Brewing Company, and O’Brien & Brough.
We want to thank the team at 195 District Park for their patient guidance through the complex process of using that delightful public space, The Guild for all their help, the City of Providence, and the Providence Tourism Council. We want to thank PVD Food Truck Events for consulting on nominations, and Mike McAteer of Ocean State Food Truck Events for consultation, help lining up trucks, literally lining up trucks at the event, and helping throughout.
Thanks go out to our intrepid presenters, MCs Ginnie Dunleavey, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services (which includes student dining) at RISD, and influencer Chef David Rivoli. Patty J, founder of award-winning food blog PattyJ.com, influencer Lindsey Lopez from FoodiezRI, Pizza Envy’s award-winning chef Ryan Miller, Origin Beer Project’s tastemaster Cheyne Tessier, Luca Carnevale from Hope & Main in Warren, Leah Paladino, event liaison for 195 District Park, award-winning and 2025 James Beard finalist Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway, and Morgan Capodilupo of Fora Travel Newport
Thank you to writer John Picinich and our video interview team, Eric Barao and Sonya Priest for garnering so much information! And thanks to the volunteers, whose help was essential to making the evening flow, including Alisa Marr, Alyssa Strickland, Miles Clairborne, Kiara Nieves, Olivia Lunger, Jeff Walker, and to event manager Julie Rhodes.
The many exciting and truly enjoyable performers that make the Unlikely Strummers and PVD Drum Troupe a couple of musical powerhouses, and the flexible, all-vinyl groovy DJ It’s Casual, and Tommy’s team from Myrtle, who took care of the sound.
Finally, a big shout-out to our sponsors, 195 District Park, Solar Cannabis, the Providence Tourism Council, and Myrtle in East Providence.