News Summary
Grand Rapids’ Food Truck Fridays at Riverside Park attract thousands with over 20 food trucks, including the standout Dune Buggy. Owned by chefs Grant and Stephanie Francisco, The Dune Buggy showcases beach-themed comfort food that has quickly gained popularity. Launched amidst the pandemic, it offers creative dishes like the Dune Burger and No Big Dill fries. The event highlights the vibrant mobile food community and features additional support from the nonprofit Heart of Food. Anticipation for more culinary experiences continues as the summer progresses.
Grand Rapids is currently buzzing with excitement as the city’s Food Truck Fridays event continues to take place at Riverside Park, attracting thousands of attendees each week. This summer, over 20 food trucks are competing for the attention of food lovers, creating long lines under the rising heat.
Among the various mobile kitchens, The Dune Buggy stands out with its unique beach-themed menu. Owned by chef Grant Francisco, The Dune Buggy offers a range of crafted burgers, fries, and appetizer-style items that encapsulate a seaside vibe. Grant, who originally started his culinary career at the age of 14, has an impressive background in the culinary world that includes stints in upscale kitchens, a yacht in the Caribbean, and private chef work for families. This extensive experience led him to co-establish The Dune Buggy with his wife, Stephanie, bringing a fresh perspective to comfort food.
The couple launched The Dune Buggy in 2022 after being inspired by the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, which prompted them to reconsider their career paths after being let go from their jobs. They have quickly built a loyal fan base, with repeat customers frequently returning for popular items such as the Dune Burger and No Big Dill fries. The Dune Burger, priced at $10, boasts a smashed patty and a signature sauce reminiscent of classic fast food, while the No Big Dill fries, available for $15, are a savory mix of crispy chicken tenders, pickles, dill, and a homemade lemon dill aioli.
The Dune Buggy operates at Riverside Park during Food Truck Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer season and will also participate in the Rollin’ Out Food Truck Festival happening at the GVSU Watson Lot. These events promise a vibrant atmosphere complete with live music and various vendor merchants, making them popular weekend outings for both locals and visitors alike.
Food Truck Fridays has been a staple in Grand Rapids for nine years, founded by Alan Tomlinson of the Underground Cookie Club. This community-based event is expected to attract between 3,000 to 5,000 attendees each week, showcasing the growing mobile food community in the city. This growth is evidenced by the addition of an estimated 40 new food trucks just this year.
A new nonprofit, Heart of Food, is also contributing to the food truck ecosystem by providing resources and support to strengthen the mobile food community in Grand Rapids. The Heart of Food app offers users information on partner events and food truck lineups, and enables them to vote for their favorite trucks through a punch card rewards system.
The increasing popularity of food trucks in Grand Rapids not only reflects changing dining preferences but also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of local chefs like Grant Francisco. The Dune Buggy’s success, rooted in comfort food and the couple’s partnership, exemplifies the creativity and resilience within the local food truck scene. As summer progresses, the community looks forward to more exciting flavors and culinary experiences brought by The Dune Buggy and other food trucks at Riverside Park.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17 News: Food Truck Fridays Set to Return
- Wikipedia: Food Trucks
- Wood TV: Food Truck Fridays Returns
- Google Search: Food Truck Fridays Grand Rapids
- MLive: 40 Food Trucks at West Michigan Foodie Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Street Food
- Mix 95.7: West Michigan Food Truck App
- Google News: Food Trucks Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
