The Citrus Heights Food Plaza at the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Twin Oaks Drive celebrated its grand opening on Saturday morning, Aug. 8 as 10 different food trucks welcomed customers to try flavors representative from all over the world. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Food Plaza at the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Twin Oaks Drive celebrated its grand opening on Saturday morning, Aug. 8 as 10 different food trucks welcomed customers to try flavors representative from all over the world.

The main parking lot filled up quickly as some arriving customers used side streets nearby.

Picnic tables also filled quickly as many customers under the shade of umbrellas shared luncheon meal portions from their favorite food trucks with one another.

Water misters throughout the plaza and an ample supply of free bottled water helped to ease the nearly triple-digit midday temperatures.

Jagtar Singh, owner of the new Citrus Heights Food Truck Plaza, welcomed customers to the Citrus Heights Food Plaza in a brief 11 a.m. opening ceremony.

Service was quick at all 10 vendors, including Monarcas Birrieria y Botanas, Bingsu Bliss, Bacon Mania, 5 River Pizza & Tandoori Grill, one of the first vendors; Kado’s Asian Grill, Sweets Drinks & Treats, Tipsy Cheese, Hefty Gyros, Bubble Hive and Luna Café.

Although the food court had been open for little over a month since the food trucks rolled in, morning business at the Luna Café, serving up hot coffee to morning Auburn Boulevard commuters has generally been good.

The Citrus Heights Food Plaza is open daily, except for Thursday, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Several individual families interviewed said they enjoyed the diverse lineup of different food vendors representing Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as pizza, available now all in one place and which appeals to all ages and tastes.

Convenience and choice were two top reasons they said for returning for another lunch or dinner visit. Refreshing iced specialty drinks, desserts, coffee and sweet treats are also available.

The Citrus Heights Food Plaza is gated, allowing families to feel safe, Singh said, adding that there are clean restrooms and 32 parking spots, including handicapped parking and four Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The site is also ADA disability compliant, pet friendly and has security camera signage clearly posted on walk-in gates.

Picnic tables also filled quickly as many customers under the shade of umbrellas shared luncheon meal portions from their favorite food trucks with one another. Photo by Thomas. J Sullivan

Customers are welcome to take their food to go or simply enjoy their evening meal at covered tables under the lights. Singh said alcoholic beverages will not be available from any food trucks on site.

Electrical and water hookups, and applicable garbage and food waste disposal locations for each of the participating food trucks in the plaza are provided. The parking lot also has an electric gate which closes at night, securing the plaza.

In all, the new food truck plaza can provide permanent facilities for up to 16 food trucks to operate on the premises daily.

In an earlier interview, Singh said the project experienced several delays due to necessary environmental reviews, regulatory requirements and permitting, as well as utility company requirements before setting a final opening date.

The Citrus Heights Food Plaza is located at 7509 Twin Oaks Ave. on the corner of Auburn Drive.

For more information, call 209-518-1038 or email [email protected]