Business & Tech

Pgh Taco Truck Attracting Loyal Following in North Hills

The truck is parked in the lot of Coffee Buddha, on Perry Highway, usually four to five days a week.

On a very snowy, cold, Thursday afternoon recently, a steady stream of customers waited patiently in line to buy tacos from kitchen on wheels, which was parked in front of Coffee Buddha on Perry Highway in Ross Township.

The owner of the Pgh Taco Truck, James Rich, was too busy to be interviewed at the time, but kindly referred me to his website where, he promised, I would find all the answers.

"We set up shop 4 or 5 days a week in the North Hills, although I live in the city." Rich says on his website. "I had the good fortune to meet and befriend Mike, the owner of Coffee Buddha. "He has one of the friendliest and most capable crews of baristas working with him. We have fit into the mix at the Coffee Buddha, and its customers and the community at large have welcomed us."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Kari Scalercio is a regular customer now.

"I heard about the truck from the sales guys at Baierl Subaru; I work with their customers," she said. "I love that the Pgh Taco Truck always has a vegetarian option. I’ve introduced the Taco Truck to my boyfriend and my co-workers. Everyone loves his imaginative flavor combinations and fresh local ingredients."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

So why the North Hills, instead of closer to his home in Pittsburgh?

"Mobile food trucks aren't really welcomed in the City of Pittsburgh," Rich explained. "You do see a horde of mostly dilapidated food trucks at CMU and Pitt, but they don't go anywhere. They are rusting to the ground, with broken windows and flat tires. The city permits these trucks as 'stationary vendors.' I did not want to be tied to such a location, so I am considered a 'mobile vendor.' While we wait for legislation to change in Pittsburgh, mobile food trucks are mostly relegated to private parking lots whose owners give us permission to bring food to the community."

The Pgh Taco truck was part of a food truck roundup on Feb. 23, and it was such a success that another one is planned for Saturday, March 30 from 12-4 p.m. in the Coffee Buddha parking lot.

Among those committed to attend, according to Rich, are:

Are you a fan of the Pgh Taco truck? What's your favorite taco? Tell us in the comments box below.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

Check out some of today's other top stories here .


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here