New lunch options make permanent pit stop at WSU

Alex Bullock|July 11, 2016

Ayron+Lewallen%2C+political+science+major%2C+adds+flavoring+to+a+shaved+ice+dessert+from+Kona+Ice+during+the+opening+of+the+WSU+Food+Truck+Plaza.%C2%A0
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Ayron Lewallen, political science major, adds flavoring to a shaved ice dessert from Kona Ice during the opening of the WSU Food Truck Plaza. 

When you find yourself walking through campus these days you might smell something different. 

It’s not the smell of exhaust from the busses, or anything like that. It’s the aroma of fresh gourmet food being served up from the food trucks at the new Food Truck Plaza.

The Food Truck Plaza had its grand opening on the edge of WSU’s new Innovation Campus earlier this month. The plaza location is next to the Airbus Americas engineering office and Experiential Engineering building and GoCreate makerspace at the intersection of Wheatshocker Drive and Perimeter Road. 

The plaza is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“I’ve been so excited about the plaza since I heard it was coming to Wichita State,” junior Breana Ward said. “I always try to go to the food trucks at the fountain downtown, so it’s going to be so nice to have them so close on campus everyday.”

The plaza has four new stalls for trucks to park at daily on campus. In addition to the four stalls, there is a new sidewalk, lighting and tables for students and faculty to enjoy their truck treats at. 

Charlie Cushenberry, owner of a staple Wichita food truck, Charlie’s Pizza Taco, is a member of the Wichita Food Truck Coalition, along with most other food truck owners in Wichita.

“We have meetings once a month, and when this was brought to the table, it was a no brainer,” he said.

Along with Charlie’s Pizza Taco, some of the other names in the food truck community are Brickhouse BBQ, Brown Box Bakery, B.S. Sandwich Press, the Flying Stove, Funky Monkey Munchies, Garden of Eatin’. Others will come, too.  

One of the newest food trucks in Wichita, Uno Mas, is also an addition to the list. Abel Rodriguez, sous chef at Chester’s Chophouse, created this gourmet taco truck. 

“We are known for our gourmet tacos and slow cooked meats,” Rodriguez said.

As far as pricing goes, WSU students, faculty and staff can purchase a full meal for less than $10. Uno Mas offers Ala Carte tacos, fries and other treats. Trucks such as Charlie’s Pizza Tacos offer meal deals that include chips and a drink.