Coming Soon: Exciting New Food Truck Park Set to Break Ground

Lake Havasu City anticipates the opening of a new food truck park, Hava Bite Bar & Food Truck Park, within six to eight months, as ground-breaking is expected imminently. The project, strategically located at 2894 Jamaica Blvd and 2895 Chemehuevi Blvd near a Texaco gas station, had its major conditional use permit approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission last October.

A major use permit allows for the operation of food trucks in common parking areas separate from restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or resort properties. The newly approved plans feature a building, 41 parking spaces, landscaping, an outdoor seating area, and stringent conditions, such as noise and lighting compliance, a seven-truck limit, and no outdoor entertainment.

The project was spearheaded by Stefan Pena from Bend, Oregon, a region known for its numerous food truck lots. Pena expressed his surprise and pleasure at the variance of the existing food truck areas in his hometown, noting the unique charm each of them holds.

Breaking ground is expected any day now, with final clearances from the city pending. The park will blend indoor and outdoor spaces, including a commissary kitchen, a bar serving various beverages, six roll-up glass doors, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and outdoor misters. An astroturf area and potentially a splash pad are also in the plans.

Already, several food trucks, such as Stubby’s Red Wagon BBQ, Kirbside Pizza Co., and Hava Sushi, have shown interest. Pena’s uncle, Troy Bybee, purchased the trailer for Hava Sushi, which will be operated by the Leal family, former sushi chefs at Shogun.

Pena, a food truck owner himself, emphasized the logistical convenience and customer reliability of a designated food truck park. He pointed out the operational challenges of running a mobile food truck, such as water dumping and power sourcing, which are mitigated in a fixed location.

The park aims to be a convenient and fun destination for both food truck owners and customers, offering a diverse culinary experience. Pena and Bybee both highlighted the neighborhood’s need for such a gathering place, enhancing local food options and providing a communal space where families can enjoy various dining choices.