By JEANNI RITCHIE

Front Yard Food Trucks at 5233 Hwy. 28 E in Pineville is out to change the landscape of our community one meal at a time. I spoke with founder Joel Koncinsky about his vision.

 

“We saw an opportunity here to provide something unique for the community: a gathering space to enjoy great food together.” The “we” Joel refers to is his father and brother.

 

“We are a family of dreamers.” Joel went on to explain his family’s connection both to the land and its meal-sharing legacy.

 

“What’s wild is the same space that vendors set up is the same place that I picked produce out of my dad’s garden growing up. This is carrying on that legacy and heritage.”

 

Koncinsky is wanting to share this legacy while making a difference in the community. “We listened to the community to see what they wanted. They wanted a market where they could swing by and grab locally sourced products.”

 

A recent visit to what’s normally billed as Third Thursday showed an abundance of offerings. In addition to the food trucks, there were vendor tables set up with jewelry, baked goods, medicinal extracts, non-profit information, and more. There was even an inflatable axe set up for kids young and old to play before the monthly movie started on the giant outdoor screen.

 

“We’re not just a parking lot where trucks can setup. We’re a community of support. We want this to be even more of a gathering space where people come to enjoy the space with each other.”

 

Sisters Adelia, 4, and Aurelia Candilora, 2, were doing just that. After talking about our shared love of grilled cheese sandwiches and twirling, Adelia turned my focus to more serious matters.

 

“I’m getting my own bedroom,” she’d declared. Her parents tried to redirect but I tracked. Laughing, I shared my middle daughter’s lament growing up. The Jan Brady of the girls, she’d always had to share a room with either her older or younger sister. Every time I pulled the shopping list off the refrigerator to go to the grocery store, I’d discover a small handwritten entry.

 

 

I wished her well in her endeavor then headed to the grilled cheese food truck after getting two thumbs up on their food review. Enjoying the delectable creation, I walked around meeting friends, old and new.

 

It was community at its finest.

 

Third Thursday is a week later this month and renamed Pre-Easter Event, bad weather postponing it from its usual spot on the calendar. Their mission in the community is too important to cancel completely. 

 

Tonight’s events include:

 

Guided painting by “For the Love of Alexandria” from 5:30-7 PM. Tell a friend & signup here.

 

Ol Mel’s Farm petting zoo & picture op with the Easter bunny is also available for $5 from 4-7 PM.

 

The food truck lineup includes (4-7 PM):

 

Pretty Baked

Marky D’z Food Bus

The Sugar Shack

Sweet Lemons Lemonade

 

The event lineup includes (4-7 PM):

 

Papillon Savon

Jubilee Justice

Sweet Creations Bakehouse

Rising Moon Apothecary

ALL CAPS Gourmet Mushrooms

Ruby’s Sweets & Treats

Bohemian Jewel Craft

Haille’s Hot Tamales

Thunder Hoof Pottery

Mangia’s Microgreens

Revolution Meat Co.

International Student Exchange

Melissa Leone (Mary Kay)

 

Front Yard Food Trucks has a little something for everyone as they continue to promote their mission of #supportinglocal.

 

Come out and support them!