by Nicholas Zotos | staff writer
March 24, 2022
Spring has officially sprung once again here on the Bluff. Last week, students from all across campus journeyed out of their dorms to enjoy the warm weather. To compliment this shift in weather, food trucks have returned to campus.
Students took advantage of the food trucks last Thursday positioned on A-Walk. Many of them were excited at the prospect of the returning variation of food which offered an alternative to daily dining options. Additionally the trucks provided a dining venue in the warm sun.
“It is such a nice day outside and we are sick of all the other food options. We wanted something different, and we both love Italian food,” Haley Dilullo, a freshman pharmacy major, said. “We are extremely eager to have food from the food trucks, and generally every week they do not disappoint.”
Many shared Dilullo’s sentiments, as outside seating for lunch on Thursday was scarce. Many students were outside enjoying the warm weather, and the presence of the food trucks provided a reason for many to stay and socialize on A-Walk
“We will most likely find a place to eat our food outside. We have some friends who will meet us and it’s nice to finally have the food trucks back. I know many people who like having them on campus and when it’s nice outside it’s an added bonus,” said Courtney McDonnell, a freshmen pharmacy major, said.
Even the food truck owners were just as excited as the students to return to campus. Forlini’s Kitchen, an Italian cuisine food truck, appealed to many students.
“We are elated to be back on campus. I have been in the restaurant business for over 35 years and I recently started my own food truck business. It is easier and I have the freedom to go where I want,” said Lou Forlini, owner of Forlini’s Kitchen food truck.
“Scott Richards reached out and many of the food vendors are here because of him. We are glad that he invited us back to campus. In my opinion, college students love the food truck culture and I am glad I can bring my business to campus,” Forlini said.
Scott Richards, the Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services at Duquesne, was excited to have food trucks back on campus as well.
“We had such a great success with the food trucks last semester–it just made sense to bring them back again,” Richards said in an emailed statement.
Food trucks will be back on campus weekly for the remainder of March and April, with the exception of Easter week, according to Richards. Trucks will return Thursdays March 24 through April 7, and Fridays on April 22 and 29.
Specific food trucks lined up for the coming weeks include PGH EATZ, Auntie Anne’s, Sinkers and Suds, Nakama and Secretos, Richards said.
Forlini’s kitchen will be back on campus in three weeks and students can expect to see a variety of food truck options return to campus for the remainder of the spring semester, weather permitting.
