By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper – After recently announcing the closure of its longtime Northeast Heights location, the ABQ Food Park is preparing for a fresh start at a new home on Eubank Boulevard.
Earlier this month, vendors at the food park’s former San Antonio Drive location learned they would need to vacate the property after Grace Church ABQ decided to pursue new development plans for the site. The closure left several food truck owners scrambling to relocate after years of building a community gathering space that hosted everything from lowrider showcases to themed family events.
Now, park managers Alex Chavez and Xavier Quintero are moving forward with a new location at 2113 Eubank Blvd. NE near Eubank and Menaul.
“We’ve had a tremendous outpour from the community in regards to the food truck park closing,” says Chavez. “We didn’t realize that we’ve made such an impact.”
According to Chavez, the new site came together after the owners of the property reached out directly to the ABQ Food Park team about relocating there. The new location offers significantly more room for vendors and future expansion. Chavez says that the two-acre property will eventually include permanent utility hookups for trucks.
“We can hold about up to 20 food trucks more actually, but we’re going to start providing power, water and sewer services to each truck within the coming months to make sure that we have permanent spaces,” says Chavez.
The expanded space will also allow the park to increase its community events and entertainment offerings. Chavez says organizers plan to host movie nights, foam parties, concerts, car shows and vendor markets every weekend.
“These food trucks need a space that’s going to provide events for them to have a higher chance for success,” says Chavez. “Usually these events are free to the public.”
Chavez explains that the broader vision for the park goes beyond food trucks alone.
“This is a place for local businesses to grow,” says Chavez. “We’re building a sense of community. This is going to be a third place that allows families to gather in a spot to spend the weekend together.”The ABQ Food Park’s grand opening at its new Eubank location is scheduled for May 23. For updates on upcoming events, food trucks and vendor information, visit the ABQ Food Park website (abqfoodpark.com).