For the first time since 2014, students will now see food trucks as a dining option on campus. The introduction of food trucks comes alongside an almost complete overhaul of the dining options in the LSU Student Union.
Originally, food trucks were brought to campus out of legislation written by former LSU Student Government senator Kat Latham and former SG vice president Hannah Knight in 2013.
“We learned a lot from the 2014 food truck vendors which helped us prepare for the introduction of the 2017 food truck vendors,” said Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services Margot Carroll. “While the 2014 vendors did not return this year, we are excited about the offerings, locations and possibilities with our current vendors.”
The food truck trend dates back to the 1800s, out of a need to feed working men on the road like cattlemen in the West, but the food trucks as known today did not come about until the 1950s, with the introduction of ice cream trucks, the first businesses to traverse the streets in modified vehicles, according to History.com.
While street food vendors sold in this style for a few decades, gourmet food trucks were not seen until late 2008 with the introduction of Kogi BBQ in Los Angeles.
“In addition to quality of food and affordable price point, the food truck owners also need to meet a stringent set of requirements for liability, [Louisiana Department of Health] and financial controls,” Carroll said. “That narrowed down the eligible food trucks quite a bit.”
The current food trucks are Fete Au Fete and Roly Poly, located at the northeast corner of Patrick F. Taylor Hall. They operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Fete Au Fete is described as “serving up delicious Louisiana inspired cuisine,” according to its website, while Roly Poly’s menu includes an assortment of cold-rolled and hot-pressed sandwiches.
“Food trucks are popular,” Carroll said. “Both faculty and staff have expressed interest in adding food trucks to the many food options on campus.”
Like all food vendors on campus, the food trucks not only accept cash and credit, but also TigerCASH and Paw Points.
LSU is not the only university in Louisiana to feature food truck dining options. Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans have permanent food trucks stationed on their campus throughout the week as a part of their dining program. University of Louisiana at Lafayette has occasional food trucks set up around campus.
As of now, Carroll said there are no plans to expand the food truck dining options on campus.
“This is very much a pilot,” Carroll said. “Please show your support and come out and try some of the great options provided by our current food truck operations.”

Gallery • 4 Photos

Dilyn Stewart

(from left to right) Executive chef and proprietor Micah Martello stands along side his sister Miranda Whattey and mother Kay Neal in their family run business Fete au Fete Food Truck and Catering parked at the northeast corner of Patrick F. Taylor Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.