More than 80 local food trucks and restaurants will unite to offer a diverse culinary experience to satisfy the lunch crowd in the heart of Downtown Detroit
DETROIT – Springtime means lunchtime just got a whole lot better, especially when food trucks line the streets. The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s popular Downtown Street Eats is back, rolling into Downtown Detroit Monday, April 7, to kick off the 2025 season. The beloved food truck rally, offering a wide variety of cuisine —from Asian to Greek to Mexican—will feature both returning favorites and several new food trucks. Cadillac Square and the Woodward Esplanade will once again play host to the region’s best food trucks, offering lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday through Oct. 10, and during special events such as the Detroit Grand Prix, Detroit Tree Lighting, tailgates and more.
Created, programmed and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and curated by Ask Jennyfer, Downtown Street Eats is Michigan’s largest weekly food truck experience, attracting more than 2,500 people each day. The program continues to bring together a diverse array of food trucks, carts and local restaurant pop-ups, providing convenient, quick lunchtime options to satisfy the cravings of Detroiters, Downtown employees and curious visitors alike. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of an array of surrounding seating areas to enjoy their meals in an urban, open-air setting.
“Each year, our Downtown Detroit Street Eats program brings something new and exciting to the table,” said Laura Dean, director of parks and public spaces for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “With a fantastic mix of returning favorites and fresh food trucks joining the lineup, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. We’re proud to support local food entrepreneurs and create a vibrant lunchtime destination where Detroiters and visitors can gather, discover new flavors and enjoy the city’s energy.”
WHO’S NEW
This year, Twisted Street BBQ has joined the vibrant Downtown Street Eats lineup, bringing a bold and flavorful BBQ to the scene. Founded in April 2021 by Nicholas Lodato, a seasoned chef who worked his way up in the food industry from dishwasher to food service director, Twisted Street BBQ is the culmination of his lifelong passion for BBQ. After years of perfecting his craft in his own backyard, Lodato took the leap and launched his own BBQ venture, offering a mouthwatering menu featuring brisket, pork, chicken, ghost pepper sausage and ribs.
Whether you’re craving meat by the pound, a hearty sandwich, or a flavorful platter, Twisted Street BBQ has something for every BBQ lover. Sides like mac and cheese bowls, coleslaw, BBQ street corn, cornbread and beans round out the experience. Its signature dish, Twisted Mac, is a decadent mac and cheese loaded with meat, breadcrumbs and sauce. All meats are sourced from Ernst Meats and Seafood at Eastern Market, and the sauces—ranging from Sweet Whiskey to Island Heat, Asian and a new Carolina Gold—bring a unique kick to every bite.
“BBQ has always been my passion, and it all started in my backyard,” said Lodato. “I love experimenting with my own rubs and sauces, and the flexibility of running my own business has been a game-changer. said Lodato. “Joining Downtown Street Eats this year was a no-brainer. It’s an amazing opportunity to reach more people at lunchtime, grow my visibility and connect with customers for catering and private events. Plus, the atmosphere in the area is fantastic—it’s a great chance to contribute to the community and feed the masses.”
LONGTIME FAVORITE
Big Bo’s Grill, a staple in the Downtown Street Eats lineup, has been delighting customers for eight years with its unique menu of egg rolls, burgers and wings. As a valued vendor of Downtown Street Eats for five years, owner and chef Justin Anderson credits much of the business success to the program.
“The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Downtown Street Eats is a unique program and has done a lot for our business,” said Anderson. “It’s been a great way to meet new customers, network with other businesses and promote us. The exposure is invaluable—it helps drive business to our business.”
A culinary enthusiast from a young age, Anderson learned to cook from his grandfather and honed his skills through culinary school and years of restaurant experience. What sets Big Bo’s Grill apart are the signature spice rub and marinade for its wings, and the half-pound juicy burgers that are anything but ordinary. The egg rolls, developed by Anderson with as many as 31 different flavor combinations, are a standout item, with 2-3 flavors rotating regularly. According to Anderson, egg rolls were the first item he put on the menu because they’re a perfect small, fun, walking food—quick, filling and just the right size for a satisfying bite on the go.
“Offer something unique, fast casual and stay true to your brand,” Anderson advises newcomers to the food truck scene. “Focus is key—sometimes, we start off offering too many items on the menu.”
Big Bo’s Grill is a family-run business, with the name “Big Bo’s” inspired by Anderson’s childhood nickname, “Bo Bo.” The name reflects the business’s mission to be both “Big and Outstanding”—a dedication to delivering top-quality food and service.
KICKOFF WEEK LINEUP
Now in its 13th season in Downtown Detroit, this year’s Downtown Street Eats lineup will feature more than 80 food trucks and carts rotating Monday through Friday and during special events. Downtown Street Eats’ season-opening week lineup includes the following offerings:
Monday, April 7
Gambino’s Catering, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
Tuesday, April 8
Big Bo’s Grill, Cynt-Sational Eats, Impasto, The Rolling Stone Pizza, This & That Café, Twisted Street BBQ
Wednesday, April 9
Hero or Villain Food Truck, Smoke Ring, The Rolling Stoves, Wing Snob
Thursday, April 10
Fun Food Express, Grand Traverse Pie Co., Los Dos Amigos Taco Truck, Sonny’s Hamburgers,
The Lobster Food Truck
Friday, May 11
Clara’s Place, Hero or Villain Food Truck
Additional food trucks featured in the coming weeks include favorites like Cousins Maine Lobster, Egg Roll Diva and Smoke Ring BBQ, as well as newcomers Old Shillelagh and La Amapola.
SUPPORT OF DOWNTOWN SMALL BUSINESSES
In addition to the Downtown Street Eats program, visitors are encouraged to support the local restaurants and small businesses in and around Downtown Detroit Parks. From casual eateries to fine dining, there’s something for every taste. Visitors can enjoy meals on beautiful outdoor patio seating at restaurants like Parc and Lumen, or grab carry-out to eat in the parks while they enjoy the views. Rolling green lawns at Campus Martius Park, Capitol Park, Beacon Park and Grand Circus Park make the perfect picnic spots.
In collaboration with over 250+ community partners, the Downtown Detroit Partnership has established itself as a leader in creating an array of more than 1,200 engaging initiatives, cultural events and programs, while managing and operating Downtown Detroit’s historic and world-class public spaces and urban parks.
For a full schedule of food trucks and other fun events happening in Detroit parks, visit DowntownDetroit.org/events.
About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. The DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. The DDP is responsible for programming, managing and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.
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