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Long lines were a problem at last year's Haute Wheels event.: Paul Galvani photo
Last year’s Haute Wheels, a celebration of the food truck culture, was the first of its kind in Houston. Unfortunately the party was spoiled for many.
Perhaps it was the novelty of the event, or maybe it was the perfect spring weather day or it could have been the excitement of the chance to visit 20 food trucks in one location. No matter the reason, within hours of opening day, 3,000 people descended on the festival. The result: long lines and plenty of unhappy people. Adding to the frustration, many of the trucks ran out of food.
Last year many trucks offered their full menu, which slowed serving times. This year, trucks will offer scaled down menus.: Paul Galvani photo
“We learned a lot from that experience,” said Debra Ford of Food and Vine Productions, who organized the event. “This year, we’ve made some significant changes -- all designed to make the event more enjoyable for visitors and food truck owners alike.”
Perhaps the most important change is that organizers are limiting the number of visitors to 2,500 each day and they've bumped up the number of trucks participating to 34. There will be a lot more shade, organizers promise, as well as tables and chairs in the Beer and Wine Garden. In addition, the food trucks will be paring down their menus to be able to serve more people more quickly.
“Above all, people need to remember that this is not fast food, it’s all made from scratch,” Ford said.
This year’s festival will be noon-5 p.m. May 12-13 in the parking lot of Houston Community College Southwest West Loop Campus, 5601 West Loop South. Tickets are $16, which includes $5 worth of concession tickets. Free admission for ages 12 and younger.
For a list of participating trucks, a schedule of live music and to purchase of tickets, visit: hautewheelshouston.com.
Looks really good
The event was oversubscribed & the weather was not "spring-like". It was fun, but it just wasn't that much fun. The food we had was very good, but the hassle just wasn't worth it. It's a worthwhile event in this community and all the food trucks we have in Houston need to be commended for their perseverance.
We have a roach coach festival???
Poor David, you really have an obsession with roaches don't you?
Save your money. It was about as bad as that beer festival last year. What a waste of time. If I want food truck food, I'll go to a food truck. Not pay $16 to eat at the trucks I can eat at anyway.
I am kind of interested however paying $16 to get in only to have to pay more for the food is a bit much. I can remember when the Houston Food Festival used to be held on the grounds of the Summit/Compaq Center/Lakewood Church. Initially it was free to get in. Then it was $5 and each year the entry price increased. Like this event, you had to purchase concession tickets which I don't mind doing.
This isn't something I would go to by myself which means for 2 we've shelled out $32 and haven't eaten a thing! How much is the food at the trucks? How far will the $5 in concession tickets get you?
I understand the need to pay for overhead however $16 is a bit much.
Yeah, the covercharge is what's keeping me at home next weekend. Good luck tho.
Agree with Sherry. $16 so I can wait in line in the sun to get food from a truck I can find any other day? How many trucks can you actually visit in one day anyway? Two, three maybe and I'd be full. If I could stomach waiting in queue three times.
A little bit of maths: Assume there's 2,500 customers there at peak time (lunch) and there's 34 trucks. How long is the queue for each truck going to be on average?
And a little bit more:
$16 x 2500 customers x 2 days = $80,000. Seems like a lot of money for overhead - it's basically a parking lot with picnic tables.
I'd love to support it but the price is unreasonable.
Well put..... Never see me waiting in or paying $16 to buy food at full price. Its not good luck, its good riddence.
For those of you complaining about the pricey cover charge, I agree. But there should be a respect for what they do - what they offer to you - and an enthusiasm about supporting local food vendors. If you are lacking that support, why even look at the event and leave a comment complaining? Just simply go any other day and stand on the street, and get your food "free of cover charge." The point of this function is to bring foodies together, support and showcase what Houston has to offer.
I went today and was not disappointed. Short lines, great variety, and am proud to support a local cause. Either support them or please keep the tasteless comments to yourself.