Savor the Flavor: Discovering Wisconsin’s Food Trucks at the NFL Draft
As the NFL Draft rolls into Ashwaubenon next month, not only will football fans flock to celebrate their favorite teams, but they’ll also be treated to a culinary adventure featuring Wisconsin’s finest food trucks. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey right inside the heart of the draft campus, where four handpicked food trucks will serve up delicious eats amidst the excitement.
A Culinary Lineup Inside the Draft Campus
Inside the Gates: A Taste of Local Food Culture
Among the culinary delights, The Dough Shoppe and Taqueria Maldonado’s will anchor the food truck scene, bringing their unique flavors to the Titletown District. Fans visiting the NFL Experience, a hub of interactive games, displays, and player meet-and-greets, will have the chance to indulge in these local favorites.
"The nerve-wracking part is figuring out how much product to prepare—we don’t want to run out, but we also don’t want excessive leftovers," shares Shannon Heupel, owner of The Dough Shoppe and head of The Green Bay Food Truck Coalition.
Also contributing to the culinary fest are Frybread Shack from Ashland and Purple Basil from Wisconsin Rapids, both ready to offer festival-goers a taste of their specialized menus.
A Feast Beyond the Gates
Food Trucks Making Their Mark Outside the Event
While the atmosphere inside promises to be electric, many food trucks will be circling the draft festivities just outside the gates. Expect a flourishing lineup of food vendors eager to capitalize on the anticipated 240,000 attendees over the three-day extravaganza.
The Green Bay Food Truck Coalition isn’t just confined to the draft zone. Four trucks will set up at The Bar on Holmgren Way, while an additional six to ten trucks plan to establish their presence at the nearby empty lot at the southeast corner of Holmgren Way and Lombardi Avenue.
Confirmed Food Trucks at The Bar on Holmgren Way
- Steel Belly BBQ
- Philly’s & York
- Dough Shoppe (Green Bay)
- Taqueria Maldonado’s (Green Bay)
The Challenges of a One-Time Event
The anticipation of such a massive crowd is thrilling, yet it comes with its own set of complexities. "Not everyone can fit inside the draft camping zone, so it’s essential to provide sufficient options for visitors outside," Heupel explains. The unique, one-time nature of the event adds an unpredictable element to logistics and inventory management, with food truck owners needing to carefully estimate demand.
"This is a gamble for everybody, and it’s daunting for many truck owners," Heupel notes, as planning this culinary adventure requires a fine balance of preparation and flexibility.
A Growing Community of Food Vendors
Exciting Newcomers Joining the Scene
Ashaubenon Village Manager Joel Gregozeski remarks on the surge of interest from food trucks both from within Wisconsin and out-of-state, including vendors from Madison, Milwaukee, and even Texas. The incoming wave has led to an estimated 25% to 50% increase in food truck licenses issued in the village over the past year—a promising sign of the culinary potential awaiting hungry fans during the draft.
Navigating Licenses and Logistics
As the excitement builds, officials from Ashwaubenon and Green Bay emphasize the importance of obtaining the necessary permits for any vendors looking to capitalize on the draft festivities. With increased interest from food vendors, it’s vital for all participants to adhere to licensing requirements to ensure a smooth operation.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Experience Awaits
With the promise of mouthwatering delights from the likes of The Dough Shoppe, Taqueria Maldonado’s, and many more, the NFL Draft is set not just to be a victory for football fans, but also for food lovers! Whether you’re nestled inside the draft campus or enjoying the ambiance at nearby food truck hotspots, the culinary experience is guaranteed to be as thrilling as the live sports action.
Are you ready to indulge in the diverse flavors of Wisconsin while cheering on your favorite team? Don’t miss the chance to taste the passion that these incredible food trucks bring to the table!
