From stateside favorites to global flavors, Fort Stewart’s new mobile food truck plaza is serving up more than convenience. It’s giving Soldiers and families a comfortable place to enjoy meals from a rotating selection of vendors.
A ribbon-cutting ushered in the plaza, which is behind the PX, on Aug. 13.
The plaza, which includes covered seating and TVs, came to life after Fort Stewart command’s desire to provide Soldiers a dedicated place to sit down and eat, supporting the installation’s ongoing focus on Quality of Life.
The Exchange had food trucks before the plaza—but without a dedicated seating area. Customers would have to take food elsewhere to eat or stand outside in the heat during their meal.
“Command wanted Soldiers to have a location to sit down and eat once they’ve made purchases from our food trucks,” said Services Business Manager Angela Crowell. “This project shows the level of support command has for the community, ensuring they’re comfortable and enhancing the Quality of Life on the installation.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and built the plaza, which was constructed primarily from cargo containers. The new space helps the Exchange continue expanding convenient dining choices for the Fort Stewart community.
“The park allows the Fort Stewart Exchange services team to bring in a variety of food for our community,” Crowell said. “Once they make their purchases, they have a nice, clean space to sit down and enjoy their lunch with friends and family.”
The park will operate year-round and can host up to eight food trucks at one time. Four vendor spaces have power and water connections, while four additional spaces can accommodate trucks operating on generators.
With at least 30 food trucks under contract, the Fort Stewart Exchange services team plans to rotate vendors every other week—providing the community with new choices across a broad range of cuisine, including Asian, African and soul food.
The park is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some trucks stay open till 6 p.m. for dinner. Fort Stewart serves 58,000 patrons, including active duty, families, retirees and National Guard members.
Crowell said seeing Soldiers and their families enjoying their time together at the park will be the reward.
“Success with this program would be Soldiers and their families filling the dining area,” Crowell said. “I’m excited about the fact they do not have to eat in their cars and can get hot food right off the grill.”
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