Freeman Stage partners with food trucks for extra dining options

As a way to enhance patrons' experience and to expand dining options, The Freeman Stage at Bayside has partnered with local food trucks this season. At numerous performances this summer, patrons will be able to choose from a variety of food trucks, which include Kona Ice, Taco Reho, Sea Hogg Street Eats and Catering, Rosenfeld's Roadside Jewish Deli and Grotto Pizza - in addition to the offerings at the Stage Cafe. Shows may have up to three trucks at a performance, depending on the number of patrons.

Molly Williams, manager of sales and patron experience for the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, the fundraising arts nonprofit which runs The Freeman Stage, said the decision to have food trucks this season was to help create a better food and beverage experience for patrons. The Stage Cafe also expanded with the addition of two service windows. "The Stage Cafe sells concession favorites like burgers, popcorn and candy," she said. "We selected and partnered with food trucks who serve something different than we can provide." The trucks' offerings range from pizza and tacos to Reuben sandwiches and shaved ice, and so far, the response from Freeman Stage attendees has been great.

"The response has been wonderful," said Vinnie DiNatale, director of marketing for Grotto Pizza. "Families attending The Freeman Stage shows have been very excited to enjoy Grotto Pizza."

Chris Jacona, co-owner of Sea Hogg with his brother Anthony, echoed DiNatale's sentiments. "It's been fantastic," he said. "We've had a great turnout."

Although the food truck schedule is complete for the 2016 season, Williams said the future of the food trucks at the venue is still to be determined. "We are hopeful that our patrons are enjoying the additional choices," she said. Freeman Stage patrons Cookie and Rich Humphreys were happy to try the different offerings at a recent show. While they have always liked the Stage Cafe options, they said the food trucks added to the experience. "It just enhances the selections they already offer," Cookie Humphreys said. "It's kind of nice to have a lot of different variety."

For more information and to see what trucks will be at upcoming performances, go to www.Facebook.com and like The Freeman Stage at Bayside.