DISH: Trucks, Taps and the Two Couples Running the Show

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Sara Locke

After months of patronizing the resident pod of food trucks parked at 108th and Q, The Reader was finally able to sit down with the innovators behind Trucks and Taps. A year that made outdoor dining the only eating-out option made this food truck park a no-brainer for quick bites, grab and go, and a cocktail on the patio.

With spacious seating and a full bar, Trucks and Taps is a significant step forward in Omaha’s truck food scene, which until recent years has consisted of a handful of brave souls keeping their meals on wheels with little more than grit and good intentions. While the short roster of trucks available to us were well-loved, they were not well-regulated, well-advertised or well-supported. You can’t patronize a truck you can’t find, and you can’t find a truck that didn’t show up to its scheduled stop because of a flat tire.

While these intrepid chefs kept trucking along, Metropolitan Community College culinary grad Isaiah Renner was paying his dues on the Omaha restaurant circuit. Stints at Nosh, The Grey Plume and Kitchen Table built the foundation that helped him launch Daily Grind, a homestyle cafe at 7171 Mercy Rd.

“It was my bread and butter, but it wasn’t my cup of tea,” Renner said. “But it was a step in the process that made a lot of things possible.”

creaTive cockTails are made from fresh-pressed juices and local liquors. roTaTing local brews on Tap ensure a fresh experience wiTh every visiT.

Fish and Chips and a Chance Encounter

One of those things was the Dire Lion Grille and Chippy. Renner’s food truck got off the ground through the use of the commissary kitchen at Daily Grind. All food trucks are required to prep in a health-department-approved kitchen, which the commissary kitchen provided. Most food truck proprietors will tell you that a proper prep area can be hard to come by. Renner pulled double duty, spreading himself thin between Daily Grind and Dire Lion, while looking for someone to take the reins on the former.

Renner’s odd hours and creative energy resulted in a fortunate encounter with Omaha musician, engineer and energy activist Jessica Errett. The pair exchanged vows in August 2019, and the union has proven just as fortuitous to Omaha as it was for the Renners. Soon, the truly dynamic duo were ready to do more than pledge their undying love for one another, they vowed to tackle construction headaches, health inspections, sweaty summer days and the paperwork involved in starting a business together. A Lean, Green BBQ Machine

Kevin Wyatt had his sights set on a food truck, as well, but there was no manual, organization or support to show him the steps needed to make it happen. Even when opportunity didn’t knock, Wyatt found the door.

“There was a food truck that was parked in a driveway nearby and finally I walked up and knocked on the door,” Wyatt said. “I wanted to know everything — what are the regulations, where can I park a food truck, how or where do I register it? At the time, there wasn’t a better way to get that information.”

Through trial and error, and the courage to ask a lot of questions along the way, Wyatt and his wife, Gail, launched Big Green Q food truck in 2016.

The well-considered angle of The awning aT Trucks and Taps ensures

ThaT no Truck spends The summer wiTh The sun beaTing Through The window, and no cusTomer cooks in line while waiTing for Their order.

Joining Forces While the Omaha Food Truck Association has worked hard to create regulations and support for food trucks, one thing has been missing for the fleet of food factories: a community. The Omaha restaurant industry has become the living, breathing, thriving machine it is because of the chefs working together and building it into what it’s become. Food truck proprietors have been islands unto themselves – until now. The Renners and Wyatts pooled their knowledge, resources and networks to create Trucks and Taps. The spot features four anchor trucks: Dire Lion, Big Green Q, Modern Waffle and newcomer Burning Bridges. In addition to its anchors, the spot has a rotating roster of trucks guest starring Tuesdays through Sundays. “We wanted to have a place where people had everything they needed, an energy source, a kitchen, a bar and a great seating area,” Renner said. “But we also wanted to offer other people what we didn’t have. We wanted to give them our experiences so they weren’t starting from scratch. They were starting with

A neArby green spAce mAy soon host AdditionAl seAting As summer crowds fill the spAcious pAtio.

LOCaLLy OWNed deLIVeRy CO-OP

USE CODE GoLoCo

everything we knew, and they were building from there.”

Trucks and Taps opened in July 2020, a hard time for any new venture, but Renner is the first to spot the silver lining.

“We knew we were lucky to have this means to continue serving,” he said. “Things were changing day to day, but we knew what we wanted, and we were kind of uniquely equipped to make this work.”

The outdoor food truck hall has capacity for up to 10 trucks, and the team has plans to host events in the adjoining green space as COVID-19 cases continue to drop. The bar features fresh-squeezed juices and local booze and beer on tap, as well as canned cocktails for those who want to dash and dine.

A Growing Community

Access to the resources provided by the two couples does more than create space for more food trucks to thrive; it creates an environment where each chef has the tools to flourish creatively.

“Support will always be the way to strengthen a community,” Jessica Errett Renner said, “and we’ve definitely seen it here. This space serves as a kind of incubator, where people are sharing and growing their ideas.”

Rather than a competitive air, the truck owners see one another as helpful, luring in customers they may not have had contact with otherwise.

“People are visiting one truck for their appetizers and then another for barbeque or sides,” said Wyatt. “Nobody has to fight about where to go, you’ve got options and you can pick and choose between menus.”

“We’ve seen a very different crowd since landing here,” he added. “We’re seeing parents with their kids, just happy to be out of the house but still outside. We’re seeing grandparents out enjoying the day and getting lunch together. A lot of young people.”

And with COVID-19 restrictions lifting and warm nights heading our way, 2021 is promising to be the summer of the food truck.

The ceaselessly smiling owners of Trucks and Taps took turns interrupting our conversation to ogle the furry companions their diners had brought onto the patio, answer questions from the staff at the bar or greet regulars as they settled in with their food truck finds. The smiles aren’t pride, but gratitude that their efforts to create a safe, reliable space for these vendors have proven to be successful.

For a schedule of food trucks, information about hours or to access online menus, visit trucksandtapsomaha. com.

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June 4-6 Taste of Omaha

Elmwood Park

June 4 Heart of the Beast

Petshop Gallery

Petshop Gallery continues the current political, social and cultural conversation about gender identity issues this June/July. The gallery, located in the historic Benson commercial district, presents Heart of the Beast, featuring new work by contemporary, queer, Midwestern artists.

Heart of the Beast includes work from regional, intergenerational artists working within the spectrum of queerness. From sculpture to video to performance, this diverse media exhibition, in the words of BFF Omaha co-founder and executive director Alex Jochim, “explores what queerness looks like in the 21st century urban Midwest.”

The interdisciplinary exhibition is curated by show contributor Kim Darling. An Omaha native, Darling is known for curating provocative exhibitions and performances at the area’s former Sweatshop Gallery.

The opening reception for Heart of the Beast is Friday, June 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show runs through July 30. Due to the pandemic, gallery hours are Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., but viewing appointments can be made by contacting petshop@bffomaha.org. For more visit bffomaha.org/petshop.html. Taste of Omaha is back! From Friday, June 4, to Sunday, June 6, be ready to bring your out-of-town friends to Elmwood Park and embark on a journey through Omaha’s top restaurants. For its 24th year, Taste of Omaha is ready to showcase the city’s culinary delights and give Omaha food the reputation it deserves.

Taste of Omaha includes other attractions besides food, such as the Nebraska Lottery stage featuring Goddess of Rock, Rhythm Collective, Teacherz Petz and more throughout the weekend.

There will also be a World Dance Stage with performers from a variety of cultures, along with balloons, magic and face-painting to entertain the kids, making this event fun for the whole family. All of the entertainment, including the nationally recognized talent and top local bands, is free to attend. For more information about vendors and entertainment, visit tasteofomaha.info.

—Alex Preston

June 4-6 Omaha Summer Arts Festival

Various locations and online

The Omaha Summer Arts Festival returns this year with a mix of virtual and outdoor events. While the festival won’t be taking over downtown streets (look for that in 2022), it includes a monthlong celebration of artistry that culminates June 4-6. A virtual artist booth and gallery offers opportunities to connect with local artists and support their work, and the festival’s Booth Central Market will be held online June 5 and June 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-person events will also take place at several locations downtown where commissioned artists have created giant mural cubes now on display. Pop-up concerts

are scheduled at these spots, so look out for performances from Mr. E & The Stringless Kite, SAND and DJ Crabrangucci over the festival weekend. Later in June, Kethro & Werdisbond, Elaina Christina Clement and Hector Anchondo will also perform. A sixhour live stream of musical performances from artists including Sebastian Lane Band, and Last of the Mojitos takes place June 5. Visit summerarts.org for more.

—Reader staff

June 4-26 Our Picks for Best Shows

Various

Music fans rejoice! Thanks to decreasing cases of COVID-19 and increasing vaccination rates, live music is coming back in full force this summer. In addition to a variety of outdoor shows happening in and around Omaha, some venues are opening their doors for concerts once again. Some shows you won’t want to miss are Samantha Fish at The Waiting Room Lounge on June 15 and Digital Leather at The Sydney on June 26. For country music fans looking for an outdoor concert experience, Little Big Town takes the stage at Stir Cove on June 18, and Darius Rucker, legendary frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, plays the same stage the following night, June 19. Fans of blues and jazz should keep an eye on shows at The Jewell, including Kelley Hunt on June 10, the Bruce Katz Band on June 17 and Ananias Montegue and The Fellowship Band on June 26. If you enjoy classical music, the Omaha Symphony is playing outdoors at the Holland Center with Billy McGuigan on June 4 and 5. If you’re looking for a music festival experience, you might consider attending the Blues & Balloons Festival at Soaring Wings Vineyard on June 5 or celebrating Juneteenth at the Omaha Freedom Festival on June 19.

For our full summer concert guide, see page 18. Before any concert, be sure to check the venue’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

June 11-13 ¡Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Historic 24th Street

South 24th Street is going to be full of colors, music and food this month as the100th anniversary of the Omaha Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place June 11-13. For three days everybody is invited to enjoy the festival that will take place on Plaza de la Raza at 24th and N streets.

Get out and enjoy live music and entertainment, carnival rides, food, exhibitors, a health fair, the Miss Cinco de Mayo coronation and plenty of games along historic South 24th Street, which was recognized as one of the Great Places in America by the American Planning Association.

South Omaha restaurants will be offering delicious food and special promotions.

The festival will also host a banquet to recognize Latino families who have contributed to the Omaha fabric of life.

—Alex Preston

Friday, June 11

Miss Cinco de Mayo will be crowned at 7 p.m. on the Plaza stage. At 8 p.m. enjoy the band Los Horoscopos de Durango. A carnival will run from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Get $5 off the purchase of an all-day carnival ride pass at any Supermercado Nuestra Familia.

Saturday, June 12

A parade celebrating South Omaha’s heritage will march down South 24th beginning at 10 a.m. It will feature floats, marching bands and other entertainers. At 11 a.m. the fiesta and exhibitions begin. There will also be a health fair with professionals available to provide health information and free screenings.

At 2 p.m., the band “Oye Como Va” pays tribute to Carlos Santana.

Also Saturday, attendees can pick up a pair of wireless headphones and join the Silent Disco Fiesta “Cinco de Disco” featuring three of Omaha’s premier DJs playing the hottest music in Spanish and English.

Sunday, June 13

Sunday’s festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with morning Mass featuring liturgical music led by a traditional mariachi and performers from Assumption-Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The carnival then continues from noon until 7:30 pm. Don’t miss the Vaqueros exhibiting their dancing horses at 1:30 p.m. on the Plaza stage. Los Angeles-based singer Graciela Beltrán performs at 4 p.m. Beltrán is considered one of Mexico’s most influential female voices.

— Karlha Rivas

June 14

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June 12 - 20 Omaha Juneteenth Events

Various locations

Post-pandemic Omaha will celebrate the African American holiday commemorating June 19th, 1865, considered the true end of slavery with several days of events. (More Juneteenth information at thereader.com.)

June 12

11:30 a.m. Washington Branch Library 2868 Ames Ave.

Annual Juneteenth Nebraska flag-raising ceremony and veterans’ luncheon. Noon Douglas County Courthouse, 1701 Farnam Street.

Citywide prayer, march and Maafa (Kiswahili for “great disaster”). In the context of Juneteenth, Maafa refers to the atrocities of slavery and the deaths of Africans bound for slavery in America. Willie Williams will lead the Maafa.

June 18

11:30 a.m. Douglas County Courthouse 1701 Farnam St.

A historical marker commemorating Will Brown will be unveiled, and representatives from the Omaha Community Council For Racial Justice and Reconciliation and the Equal Justice Initiative will deliver remarks and recognize racial justice essay contest finalists.

June 19

5 p.m. Adams Park, 3230 John Creighton Blvd.

Juneteenth Prayer and Unity March

Noon to midnight Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, 3448 Evans St.

Omaha Freedom Festival

Socially distanced outdoor event will feature activities and refreshments. Concert at 7 p.m. with rap artists Juvenile headlining, along with artists Michel’Le, Enjoli & Timeless, and Keeshea Pratt.

— Paul B. Allen IV

June 17-19 Trevor Wallace

Funny Bone

Funny Bone will host Trevor Wallace, a Los Angeles comedian who found online fame with short skits taking jabs at millennial culture. Wallace first provided digital laughs on Vine before going viral in 2019 with videos satirizing fans of White Claw Seltzers and men named Kyle who drink Monster Energy. He has also been featured on Buzzfeed, Funny or Die, Super Deluxe, World Star Hip Hop and MTV2. With a 2020 Shorty Awards nomination for comedy to his name, Wallace is ready to perform stand-up for the Cornhusker state. Wallace will perform five shows during his stay.

With downtown Omaha expected to be swarmed for the College World Series, which is returning from a one-year absence due to the pandemic, events like Wallace’s shows in West Omaha will be less crowded and available in mid-June. Tickets are $25; 21 or older. — Efren Cortez

The biggest tournament of the Korn Ferry

Tour regular season will happen right here in Omaha as the top 25 players secure their PGA TOUR cards for the 2021–2022 season. Don’t miss it!

Learn more at thepinnaclebankchampionship.com

AUGUST 9–15, 2021 | THE CLUB AT INDIAN CREEK |