It’s not shocking that Tysons Corner circa 11am to 2pm any given weekday becomes a miniature truckapalooza. With over 100,000 corporate employees who have no choice but to drive to brick and mortar restaurants, the arrival of the trucks is about as predictable as the rising of the sun. Unfortunately, unlike DC, Arlington, and even Reston once the commuters head out of town Tysons is all but forgotten for any special events.
As a Tysons resident, I understand, its hard to tell where people actually live around here (yes there are some people who live hear… 10,000 in 2007 and rising closer to 15,000 now and growing). On top of the issue of a disconnected residential network, there is no logical location for a food truck to park for a weekend stop where they are assured to see good foot traffic. Unlike other regions we lack a common park or space, we don’t have a farmers market, and most events are held indoors (away from unfriendly pedestrian spaces like Route 123, 7, and 495). Additionally, unlike Reston, no one in the food and drink industry has reached out to create a symbiotic benefit and forming a “wine and lobster night”, an event that Red Hook Lobster Pound and Tasting Room have made into a weekly occurrence.
I don’t blame the food trucks for avoiding us in off hours, if I were running a business I would go to the sure bets too. However, this city does have a significant population, and while people who drive solely to the mall on the weekends wouldn’t see us (we are tucked away on Westpark away from the traffic), we are here. A business who can create an event feel for those of us that stay around 24/7 could find a hidden gem of untapped and competition free customers.