Morgan Street Food Hall ready to open in downtown Raleigh (malls, hydrant)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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...it sounds like the Food Truck Rodeos, with a bit more seating and indoors. ... always shaking our heads at the high prices they charge.)
exactly and exactly
Where I lived before here there were the occasional FTs outside a bar on a Saturday night, which could be a real blessing, and usually Gyros. After moving here we checked out the rodeos as it was a New Thing to us, and we liked the whole DT / closed street event vibe of it.
After a few times, finding the prices not worth it and the hassle of finding a place to sit, getting stuff from different trucks, etc. the novelty wore off. The kicker was our experience with that Lobster vendor, who had the longest queue, the lowest value for money, and least satisfaction. I don't think we've got anything from a FT since. I don't care for certain FTs but do like the Korean rice bowl ones. although they too are pricey for what they are.
FHs in Asia are really a different experience as they are not a novelty so it's just more of something you do once in a while, and, are usually well-established. The good and reasonably-priced vendors are well known and draw return customers, and for tourists or first-timers, serve as a destination.
So RonboNC - is your response to say that you work there or manage it?
Last edited by Repatriot; 09-24-2018 at 06:32 PM..
If you look at the popular food truck's around here, some of them have converted into successful brick & mortar shops (PhoNomenal Dumpling -> MOFU Shoppe, Bo's Kitchen -> Namu, Only Burger, Pie Pushers, the locations at the food hall etc...). Food truck's aren't just a novelty, they're a stepping stone for people starting their own business to convert an idea into something more permanent.
If you look at the popular food truck's around here, some of them have converted into successful brick & mortar shops (PhoNomenal Dumpling -> MOFU Shoppe, Bo's Kitchen -> Namu, Only Burger, Pie Pushers, the locations at the food hall etc...). Food truck's aren't just a novelty, they're a stepping stone for people starting their own business to convert an idea into something more permanent.
I agree with you. A food truck, whether intended or unintended, is a good way to test the local market without making a huge investment upfront in a brick and mortar location. If the business flops, it is much easier to sell assets like a truck than to deal with leases and other fixed assets.
Once the food offerings have gained a loyal following and the food truck become established in the local community, it becomes much easier to expand and acquire that fixed location if desired.
That said, I am glad this place exists, and if it spawns more like it, the hype and hipness will die off and it will become what is it elsewhere - a once in a while kind of place that is not too crowded for its own good. Keen to try it during off hours or for lunch. Until then we consider BarTaco, as loud as it is there, a better environment.
Just hoping it doesn't eventually morph into a typical mall food court with the usual fast food chains.
I could not imagine paying $16.50 for what I saw coming out of Cousins. I think it's more of a fad, or a trendy thing. Does not seem like something I'd buy. I'll wait till I get back up to Maine and get the real thing.
I've always been torn about Cousins. As you say it's quite pricey and the portions are small, but their long lines are very telling. They make tasty food! They have made quite a shrewd business decision, by providing a food option that seems extremely limited in this region. I am guessing your plan to try a lobster roll in Maine, is because there aren't other options close by. If there were a bunch of restaurants selling lobster rolls in the area, I'd agree with you that it was a fad.
If you ever change your mind and decide to give Cousins a shot, I'd recommend following them on Twitter and arriving shortly after they begin service. Bring a bucket of cash!
pierretong1991 - I don't think the 'success' of Pho Nomenal Dumpling Truck had anything to do with food they were selling, at least their Pho. They won the Food Truck race, which I think enabled them to open a brick and mortar store. Your point that Food Trucks can be a good stepping is still valid though. Have you eaten at MOFU Shoppe yet? Curious about your opinion if you have?
PhoNomenal had excellent food and was one of the best food trucks in the area. I’ve eaten at MOFU Shoppe and it’s excellent.
If you haven’t yet, definitely go eat at Namu. It’s one of the best restaurants in the area now and the best of the food truck to brick and mortar restaurants in the Triangle.
PhoNomenal had excellent food and was one of the best food trucks in the area. I’ve eaten at MOFU Shoppe and it’s excellent.
If you haven’t yet, definitely go eat at Namu. It’s one of the best restaurants in the area now and the best of the food truck to brick and mortar restaurants in the Triangle.
Bo's Kitchen is my favorite food truck, so I've had an eye on Namu. I am so happy to hear of their success.
Bo's Kitchen is my favorite food truck, so I've had an eye on Namu. I am so happy to hear of their success.
I'll give MOFU a shot.
Unlike Namu, the food at MOFU is definitely different than the food that PhoNomenal Dumplings used to serve. Probably just because they actually have a permanent kitchen they can use vs. working out of a truck. The dumplings are still great, I like the green curry mussels and it's no longer on the menu (they rotate items around) but I liked the crispy beef noodles.
Unlike Namu, the food at MOFU is definitely different than the food that PhoNomenal Dumplings used to serve. Probably just because they actually have a permanent kitchen they can use vs. working out of a truck. The dumplings are still great, I like the green curry mussels and it's no longer on the menu (they rotate items around) but I liked the crispy beef noodles.
Sounds good. I'll have to check these places out.
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