Courtesy Mo Birkey

When food sold from a car was first approached as an idea, nobody believed it would be successful. However, food trucks are quickly becoming the latest craze in the culinary world. From the congested streets in New York City to small towns in Alabama, food trucks are a hot commodity nationwide.

Salt Lake City has joined the craze. Red Butte Garden currently hosts six different food trucks — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Next time you’re in a hurry to grab a meal, stop by the food trucks for an inexpensive and scrumptious quick fix.

“People are always hungry around lunchtime, and the food truck is a great way to grab some good food on the go,” said Mo Burki, owner of Waki Paki Food Truck.

Burki got into the food truck business after he was laid off from his mechanical engineering job. He built Waki Paki from the ground up, investing everything he had left.

“[Managing] a food truck was something I’d always wanted to do, so I did it,” Burki said.

Waki Paki is stationed at Red Butte Garden some Thursdays and Saturdays. But lately, Burki has been showcasing his unique food truck at the Gallivan Center every week for Food Truck Thursday, during which seven to 10 food trucks sell their gourmet food in a display of several cultures and tastes.

Red Butte first instated food trucks as a way for employees to grab a quick lunch, Burki said. Now other patrons can enjoy the mobile cuisine as well.

Food trucks are perfect for a picnic, solo lunch or a quick snack while studying. While enjoying the Red Butte Garden’s beautiful outdoor setting, seminars, concerts or lectures, grab some lunch from the series of food trucks Red Butte hosts outside its facility.

Food trucks might not seem like the preferred choice for any meal, but they are becoming increasingly popular as people experience their convenience and quality. Not only are the trucks close by, but they are an inexpensive option for a great meal.