Athens Food Truck and Art Fest was the perfect transition into summer. Hosted at the vintage-industrial Jittery Joe’s Roaster, small businesses partnered up to provide the community with food, live music, and local mercantile. From 9 am to 7:30 pm, lines kept the vendors busy and the social scene alive.

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo courtesy of Food Truck and Art Fest on Facebook

This past Wednesday was a trial event, but the hosts say that they are looking to do more in future on a regular basis. I’m sure UGA students would love to end a long week of school with Food Truck Fridays and bond over full stomachs.

If you missed out this time, here are some of the highlights:

Taza

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo courtesy of Ryan Bragg

Taza actually started as a college project for an entrepreneur class, but as of 2015, the young students decided to turn their fun falafels into a local business and trendy food truck.

Instead of the more common burgers and BBQ, customers enjoy flavorful fried pickles and, of course, their famous falafel sandwiches. Even better, the food is vegan and gluten-free, which is hard to find in the food truck biz.

Plus, I love that Taza is engaged in community efforts with great philanthropic work, which is really helping them make a name for themselves around town. They even provide some of the stock for some of Athens’ most notable restaurants.

Da Munchiezz

Got a case of da muchies? If you are in the mood for southern comfort food (and you’re definitely not vegan), you won’t want to pass up Da Munchiezz. Their big red truck supplies big appetites with barbecue-grilled ribs, jerk chicken, sausages, and pulled pork. Don’t miss out on a large side of home style mac-n-cheese.

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo courtesy of Ryan Bragg

Trust me, they deliver the grub. The cook let me put some birds on the grill and, I’m warning you, they were way heavier than expected. When the smoke filled the air with the smell of spices, a line of curious bellies immediately flocked.

Holy Crepe

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo by Samantha Fehd

Never underestimate what Holy Crepe can roll in their organic buckwheat crepes. Unique Savory Crepes incorporate grilled cheese, spinach, salami, mushroom, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Sweet Crepes feature Nutella, strawberry, banana, peanut butter, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and whipped cream.

In the mood for fair food? They take beef hot dogs to a new level with their Crepe Dog. All the fun of a summer stadium classic, rolled up in an easy-to-eat, French crepe. It’s a home-run dog for any Dawg.

Local art, music and merchandise

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo courtesy of Ryan Bragg

Local artists and vendors also had a chance to gain awareness. Juniper Jewelry Designs, Capatl Society, Tiny Yellow Bungalow, and Rolling Runway showcased their one-of-a-kind goods. Customers shopped with food in their hands, while the kids played corn hole and danced to the unique sound of Landon Trust, the amazing band of UGA students.

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo by Samantha Fehd

The Kona Ice truck also made an appearance; the perfect, sweet treat for the Georgia heat. And, of course, if you’re hosting any event at the Jittery Joe’s Roaster, there’s always fresh ground coffee (brewed or prepackaged). You may need a cup of Joe to recover from your food coma.

Athens Food Truck and Art Fest

Photo by Samantha Fehd