What are Rutherford County’s favorite food trucks? Find out here

Food trucks have been gaining popularity over the last five years, with creative menus featuring gourmet options, from ethnic foods to sweet treats. In the wake of COVID-19, food trucks became a good way to enjoy takeout.

Find out where your favorite food trucks are and some even allow you to order ahead through the Street Food Finder app and website. You can also check out their websites and Facebook pages, too.

Here’s a look at some of the most in-demand mobile food vendors in Rutherford County. Some of them you may know well, while others are new on the street food scene.

Cousins Maine Lobster

Fresh, top-grade Maine lobster is served on the Cousins truck. You won’t find anything fresher unless you pull it out of a trap yourself. The lobster roll remains the flagship menu item. Shrimp or fish tacos are also favorites at Cousins. There’s also a brick-and-mortar location at 1932 Almaville Road in Smyrna. Follow on Facebook. You can order ahead online or by calling 615-930-1881.

My Roots Curbside Culinary

You’ll find a fusion of Asian and Italian cuisine with a creative twist at My Roots, which began rolling in 2014. Currently you’ll find My Roots parked each Friday and Saturday at Panther Creek Brews, 714 W. Main St. But this versatile truck also offers custom catering for any event. Keep up with what’s on the menu and where the truck will be on Facebook, call 251-509-6562 or email [email protected].

Franklin’s Fruit Tea

Maybe it’s a Southern thing. But fruit tea is a sought-after drink that is a thirst-quenching step up from sodas. Enjoy the original “liquid gold,” as well as mango-peach, half-and-half, strawberry and lemonade. Franklin’s Tea became so popular, the company has expanded and now sells locally at Black’s Apothecary, Bubba Gandy Seafood and Jr.’s Foodland. You can also buy make-at-home kits at franklinsfruittea.com and follow on Facebook.

Chicken Shack Express

Since 2006 — long before hot chicken restaurants began popping up all over Middle Tennessee — the family owned Chicken Shack Express started rolling. Hot chicken fans know this truck for its authenticity and “Smack Ya Mama” seasoning, a mild Cajun, not hot, but ​full of flavor dry-rub. There are nearly a dozen sauces, from sweet honey gold to spicy “Death Row” that you can pair with wings, shrimp, fish and fries. Check them out at chickenshackex.weebly.com, follow on Facebook or call 615-804-8224.

Smokin’ Buttz BBQ

For nearly seven years, Smokin’ Buttz BBQ owners have wowed fans with smoked barbecue and the fixin’s like beans, coleslaw and pulled pork sandwiches, and more. Catering is offered in addition to the food truck. Visit smokinbuttzbbq.com, call 615-713-2888 and follow on Facebook.

Whisk and the Whimsy

Navy veteran Kelley Barnes never imagined she’d trade a wrench for a whisk and become a full-time baker one day. Popular flavors include pancakes ‘n; bacon, Boozy Elvis, banana pudding, pina colada and cotton candy, just to name a few. Find at facebook.com/whiskandthewhimsy and whiskandthewhimsy.com.

The Empanada Sonata

For the past few months, The Empanada Sonata has focused on the new brick-and-mortar location at 211 W. Main St. in Murfreesboro. But starting in March, this beloved Cuban- and Puerto Rican-inspired food truck will be rolling. Enjoy a wide array of empanadas, fried tostones, the Cuban sandwich and more. Visit theempanadasonata.com, follow on Facebook, email [email protected] or call 615-617-3781.

Big Billy’s Dogs and More

All-beef hot dogs piled with your favorite toppings, giant cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken tenders, fried catfish, fried okra are just a few items on the menu. To learn more about Big Billy’s, call 901-900-7954 and follow on Facebook.

Trinidaddy Island Grill

Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with Trinidaddy Island Grill. You’ll find items like jerk chicken, fried rice, flatbreads, fried plantains, made-from-scratch sauces, and Trinidaddy’s take on some American favorites. You’ll even find two vegan options. Follow on Facebook, call 615-556-1627 or email [email protected].

More:Want to support Black-owned eateries in Rutherford County? Here are 26 to try

Fatty Matty’s Mobile Pizza & Catering

After working in restaurants for over a decade, Matt Napier developed his own recipes to make personal-sized pizzas he could take on the road on his food truck. The 9-inch pies are created with made-from-scratch dough and sauces, cooked with a crispy, thin crust. Follow on Facebook, call 760-216-1749 or email [email protected].

Mrs. Grissom’s Panini Grill

Mrs. Grissom’s pimento cheese is famous around these parts, along with other products from this Southern favorite. This food truck serves up gourmet versions of pimento cheese and chicken salad paninis, along with buffalo nachos, ramped-up dogs and more. Call 615-673-5461 or visit facebook.com/mrsgrissomspaninigrill.

Ellie Mae’s Cafe

The former owner of the beloved Mike’s Catfish Cafe has taken food on the road with Ellie Mae’s Cafe. Enjoy hand-breaded catfish, made-from-scratch hushpuppies and more. Follow on Facebook, call 615-478-9154 or email [email protected] for details.

Southern Thyme

Enjoy breakfast, brunch and smart lunch with the cheesesteak melt, club sandwich, Reuben, and salads, along with French toast, omelets and fried potatoes. Even vegan options are available. Find on Facebook, call 615-653-7601 or email [email protected].