By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights Food Truck Plaza has finally discarded construction fencing materials revealing new landscaping, tables, umbrellas, and a newly paved parking lot on the corner of Twin Oaks Avenue and Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights.
The long-awaited food truck plaza opened Monday with one truck and will be adding at least five more trucks next week, marketing manager Jeet Singh said Wednesday.
Singh said eight food trucks are currently going through the approval process and will be arriving soon.
Customers arrived immediately from apartment complexes close by once the first truck arrived. Singh, whose brother owns the parcel, said customers were excited.
Wednesday, two employees from an office complex located across the street eating lunch midday said they were excited and had been waiting a long time.
One woman said she has worked in the office complex for 20 years and the lot has been vacant for over a decade.
Jessy Bhandal who runs 5 River Pizza and Tandoori Grill, was the first food truck vendor to apply and be approved. Bhandal said he had been waiting since October and added that business in the first two days has been great.
The plaza is gated, allowing families to feel safe, Singh said, adding that there are clean restrooms and 32 parking spots, including handicapped parking and four Electric Vehicle charging stations. The site also is ADA compliant, pet friendly, and has security camera signage clearly posted on walk-in gates.
The parking lot also has an electric gate that will close at night, securing the plaza.
At the moment, hours of operation depend on the availability of food from the vendors, and the operating hours for the plaza will become more established once multiple food trucks arrive.
More additions to the site will be added in the coming days, including more tables and shade structures.
Owner Jagtar Singh said lighting is also planned for the plaza and that lights will face inward, in order to minimize disturbances to the adjacent neighborhood.
The Food Truck Plaza is in close proximity to at least two apartment complexes, three office complexes, residential homes, and a shopping center, all off Auburn Boulevard.
The owner had anticipated opening sometime in 2025, however, the project experienced several delays due to environmental reviews, regulatory requirements, and permitting, as well as utility company requirements.
The Citrus Heights Food Truck Plaza is located on the northeastern corner of Twin Oaks Avenue and Auburn Boulevard.
