Something delicious is sizzling at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds as Stocklandia, Stockton's first food truck park, officially reopens its gates to the public. The savory aroma of diverse cuisines fills the air as 16 food trucks, including Bryan Collins's Oozey B's grilled cheese truck, gather to kick off a weekend of culinary delights.
Collins, the mastermind behind Oozey B's, teases Stocklandia visitors with a menu boasting classic cheese selections and mouth-watering options like a meat and cheese sandwich featuring shaved ribeye, roasted peppers, and onions.
Veronica Sicairos, co-owner of Stocklandia, expressed her excitement about the diverse offerings, stating, "We have Italian food. We have hibachi. We have Oozie's grilled cheese and soups. We have Mexican food and barbecue. We have fresh handmade tortillas on-site."
Stocklandia aims to become a hub for food enthusiasts, featuring 15 permanent food trucks and providing opportunities for guest trucks to join the culinary fiesta daily and on weekends.
The grand reopening marks a significant milestone for Stocklandia and its operators, as they overcame challenges in 2021, including hefty fines and permit struggles with the city's code enforcement. In April, Stockton's City Council passed an ordinance regulating food truck parks, paving the way for Stocklandia's triumphant return.
Veronica Sicairos is enthusiastic about the future, leaving past hurdles behind. She encourages food truck owners interested in renting a space to reach out through social media.
After the grand opening weekend, Stocklandia plans to tantalize taste buds every day of the week, providing a safe and well-lit environment for food truck enthusiasts. Sicairos emphasizes the sense of community, stating, "It's just a big community of families that have their passion in these food trucks."
Samir Mohiv, owner of the dessert food truck Bubble Cone, shares the sentiment, expressing his excitement about the park's reopening. "Every human being has to eat, so it's definitely the best way to bring people together," said Mohiv. "The more, the merrier, so everyone, tell your families, make sure everyone's here so we can have a good time together."
Stocklandia's doors are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Foodies and families are invited to indulge in this culinary celebration and experience the vibrant community of Stockton's food truck scene.