Food trucks in Rockford: A pandemic-born dining trend that’s here to stay

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — In a city known for its rich culinary traditions, food trucks, the wave of dining that’s on wheels is still going strong the Rockford area.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry in 2020, Rockford has seen a dramatic rise in food trucks, transforming the way locals eat and support small businesses.

As of 2025, more than 50 food trucks operating in Rockford, offering everything from smoky barbecue and savory pupusas to gourmet baked potatoes and refreshing margaritas. The appeal? Convenience, quality, and community.

“They’re quick and easy,” said Kathleen VanDewoestyne, a frequent food truck customer. “You can come and get your food faster than any of the other restaurants. And it’s fresh—not something that’s been sitting in the back.”

That freshness is no accident. Daisy Silva, of GTO Tamales & More and 815 Snacks, says her team starts prepping before dawn.

“We cut veggies fresh every morning. Sometimes we’re up at 3 or 4 a.m. to make sure everything is ready.”

The food truck movement isn’t just about flavor—it’s about supporting local entrepreneurs. Yoselyn Garcia, owner of Taco’n Madres and Food Park in Loves Park, emphasized the economic impact.

“Money goes directly to the owner and their family. It stays local. It helps the community.”

For many, food trucks became a lifeline during the pandemic. Some owners pivoted from shuttered restaurants to mobile kitchens, finding lower overhead and more flexibility.

“I had a restaurant, but we had to close it down since COVID,” Garcia said. “We had to buy a food truck because they wouldn’t let us sell out of the restaurant.”

That entrepreneurial spirit resonates with customers like Natalia Tovar, a small business owner herself.

“Food trucks are the quickest, and they support our community,” said Tovar, who owns Loves Park Scuba.

From shawarma to street tacos, Rockford’s food trucks are more than a trend—they’re a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of local support. And with new trucks popping up regularly, the city’s mobile food scene shows no signs of slowing down.

Founded in 2019, Food Truck Tuesdays is held every Tuesday from late May through October at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford with more than a dozen trucks taking part. Trucks also operate every day throughout the Stateline.