The Spatial Practices of Food Trucks

Abstract

There is a profusion of food trucks roaming the streets in the United States that cater to a variety of people. In this paper I argue that food truck types can be defined through their mobility practices. To this end, I present an original framework for food studies through the exploration of spatial practices. I then empirically evaluate a mixed ethnic couple that owns and operates a taco truck and the ways in which they navigate the Latino and Anglo landscapes of Columbus, Ohio. Their practices make evident the city’s uneven social terrain and how aspects of social injustice sculpt the city’s cultural contours. I conclude by considering what social justice means for taco truck operators and their Mexican clientele.

Food Trucks Driving Gentrification in Austin, Texas

“…Taco trucks also spur social and cultural change. Not only do the trucks' owners provide Latino's comfort foods from home, they also offer non-Latino consumers cultural diversity through the sale of freshly prepared ethnic street foods, such as tacos and tortas (Lemon, 2016(Lemon, , 2017Park, 2017). For example, an Anglo visitor of a taco truck remarked: "…this [while eating a taco and drinking a coca cola] is like being in Mexico City, same flavor…" (consumers 16).…”