This story has been edited since its original publication.
Little Rock’s first indoor food truck court is opening Jan. 19, with indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, restrooms and lots of parking.
The Food Truck Stop @ Station 801 is located at 801 S. Chester in downtown Little Rock. It will be open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and feature up to six food trucks each day, said Scott Hamilton, co-creator of the court.
Hamilton said the location had previously housed a gas station and mechanics shop, but in between tenants, it allowed food trucks to park there. After the last tenant moved out, Hamilton and business partner Buddy Rawls, who owns the building, decided a new focus was needed.
“We wanted to create something fun and different,” Hamilton said. “There’s a variety and uniqueness of the food trucks and a relaxed environment. There’s a food truck craze across the country.”
Last fall, he said they met with the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and most of central Arkansas’ food trucks to discuss the plan. He said food truck owners were excited about having a consistent location, a place to operate year-round and indoor dining for customers.
Station 801 will feature 1,200 square feet of indoor dining space, which could be expanded to up to 2,000 square feet in the future, Hamilton said. He also said breakfast hours will likely be added to the lineup. Other features include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and ample parking.
Food trucks are charged $40 per day to park at Station 801, Hamilton said.
Justin Wilson, owner of Hot Rod Wieners, said the $40 fee is a little steep, but he sees value in participating. He said the truck would need to operate for about an hour to be profitable after paying the fee.
“For us, it’s not a bad deal, but we’re not used to paying anything,” he said. “I’d love to see it be successful, and I think there’s enough room out there for everybody. We’re all in this together. It makes sense to group together with like-minded entrepreneurs.”
Wilson said the company usually posts its schedule on Facebook each week and also caters events.
Lonoke County-based Hot Rod, which opened in May 2014 and serves gourmet all-beef hot dogs, will be one of the food trucks at Station 801 on opening day. Others available on opening day include:
- Rick’s Beignets
- Stevie’s Fish and Chicken
- Jackie’s Mobile Cafe
- Red River BBQ and Catfish
- Southern Salt Food Company
- Loblolly Creamery
Hamilton said they plan to maintain a food truck schedule on Facebook (click here) and on their website (click here).
Photos courtesy of Hot Rod Wieners.
