Alright, alright. Food trucks are not a new thing here in Mississippi. But they are probably one of the state’s fastest-growing avenues of business ownership.
Looking at national statistics since 2017, America’s relatively new food truck market saw an increase of over a billion dollars from 2023-2024. But despite inflation, business is still booming this year for most food truck owners.
That makes my heart happy – especially since I just found my new favorite food truck in North Mississippi. Well, actually, it’s not a food truck. It’s a beverage truck.
Yep, I am head over heels in love with The Local Lemon, based out of Saltillo, Mississippi.
Now, I am fully aware that there are other new-fangled drink options, but nothing says “summertime” quite like a big ol’ glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. And I got my first taste of “summertime” this past week when The Local Lemon pulled into the Cadence Bank Arena to offer participants at the AFA Activate Summit some afternoon refreshments.
With a lemon in every single glass, literally, there was no way I could have gone wrong in making a choice on which lemonade to order. But still, I am an old-fashioned Mississippi girl, so I went with a huge (and I do mean huge; wait till you see for yourself) container of traditional lemonade – no flavors added.
It was awesome, seriously. I sipped on my lemony treat for a couple of hours.
And of course, when The Local Lemon pulled back into the arena for the second day of the conference, I wasted no time getting in line.
On Day Two, I decided to be brave and try something new. Man, that was a great decision! My blood-orange/peach-flavored lemonade was the perfect fruity break for that rainy afternoon. But if blood oranges don’t really float your boat, have no fear! There are lots of choices for flavor add-ins to the delicious lemonade made as you watch right there on this food/beverage truck.
Also, if that much sugar might throw you for a loop, there are also options for less sugar or artificial sweeteners. There are even some sugar-free beverage add-ins to sweeten your lemonade. The Local Lemon graciously worked with a couple of my friends to adjust their lemonade and make it “just right” for their dietary preferences.
Honestly, I have nothing tangy to say about my new, favorite food truck – other than, where is it parked today?
So, visit The Local Lemon Facebook page, check out their menu, and find a time and place for some lemonade soon: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094085133378&sk=about.
