Will 2016 be the summer of the food truck?

Of all the foodie trends to take off in the last few years, food trucks are perhaps the most ubiquitous.

They are one of the fastest-growing segments in the dining industry, offering creative, gourmet street food usually priced just under $10.

Half a dozen have rolled into the area within the last two years, and with the help of a few local events, the mobile eateries are now more accessible than ever before.

So, will this be the summer of the food truck?

Scott Kammerer hopes so.

"I think people are beginning to see food trucks as a viable option," he said. "Gone are the days of that image of dingy trucks handing out sandwiches. People are beginning to understand that food trucks actually prepare and hand off gourmet meals."

Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, a diverse restaurant group which owns eight coastal Delaware restaurants and Plate Catering, introduced its mobile food service, Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen, three years ago.

"I think it was a little before its time," he said.

Big Thunder barely lined up 20 gigs that first season. But things are different now.

"We already have more than 150 events booked for this coming summer," he said.

Exploding on the scene

Kammerer isn't the only one noticing a shift.

Lisa Sumstine, executive director of the Milton Chamber of Commerce, launched the first local food truck event — Truckin' Tuesday — last June.

Nearly 800 people gathered in downtown Milton for the inaugural event. Each of the six participating trucks completely sold out of food.

"I had to beg trucks to participate," she said. "But I knew it was going to be a good thing. I knew it was going to be successful."

"We were overwhelmed, but in the best possible way," she said.

Sumstine hasn't had any trouble booking trucks for this upcoming summer. Her event has been so successful it even inspired the creation of other similar events, such as Food Truck Friday, held at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach.

First Food Truck Friday a hit in Rehoboth

“Food trucks are 'in' right now," said Susan Selph, Food Truck Friday event co-producer. "They seem to be at every event lately, even farmers markets. I think it's wonderful."

Mike Clampitt was the latest to join the local food truck craze.

The executive chef and owner of Po' Boys in Milton wasn't sure what to expect when he hit the road last December, but the response from the community has been, "unbelievable," he said.

Po' Boys debuts new food truck

Clampitt's calendar has rapidly filled up with dozens of catering gigs, weddings and local events.

"It's crazy," he said. "We're getting calls every single day from folks across Delmarva. It's pretty cool."

More than glitz, glamour and tacos

With the help of popular network shows such as “The Great Food Truck Race” and “Food Truck Face Off,” mobile kitchens have gained unprecedented popularity in America’s culinary world.

Every major city now features dozens of trucks serving a range of flavors from barbecue and southern cuisine to Asian food and organic vegan.

But its not always glitz, glamour and fish tacos.

Food trucks are a risky business, with razor-thin margins and a fickle clientele.

"It's hard," said Warren Rosenfeld, owner of Rosenfeld's Jewish Delicatessen in Ocean City. "People think we are just rolling up somewhere, handing out food and heading home. But there's so much more to it."

For starters, keeping track of the calendar is a full-time job.

"And that's already on top of your other full-time job, running a restaurant," he said, referring to the 63rd street restaurant.

Food truck expands Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen

In addition to making sure he doesn't under or overbook the truck, Rosenfeld needs to make sure the events will actually be profitable.

"You have to take every little thing into account when you say yes," he said. "You need to make sure you'll serve enough to pay your staff, cover the cost of food and gas and that you'll get enough exposure. Sometimes it's a gamble. Some gigs you think you'll kill it and then you actually lose money."

Food truck owners also have to worry about things like crucial food prep, engine maintenance and Mother Nature.

But the biggest obstacle is working around restricted areas.

"You aren't allowed to park and set up wherever you want to," said Billy Lucas, chef and owner of Taco Reho. "At least not around here."

Lucas is used to working in Los Angeles were gourmet, posh trucks are available on nearly every street corner, 24 hours a day.

Despite local restrictions, though, Taco Reho has been lucky, he said.

The truck has a permanent spot in the Big Chill Surf Cantina parking lot.

"We've been able to build up a reputation and a niche for ourselves," he said.

His SoCal-inspired food truck offers options like the Baja fish taco, steak burritos and the Danger Dog: a bacon-wrapped beef weiner loaded with all the fixins.

"I still would like to be able to set up shop somewhere along the beach," he said. "Could you imagine getting our carne fries in Dewey Beach? Man, that'd be insane."

Taco Reho rolled into Coastal Delaware's dining scene more than two years ago. And although several more have followed, Lucas said things are just as challenging.

But he believes this could be the best summer yet.

Taco Reho food truck debuts near Rehoboth

"The community is really embracing the food truck concept," he said. "There are way more opportunities now than two years ago."

So, will be this be the summer of the food truck?

"It's real close," he said.

It's Wednesday evening and Billy Lucas has a lot to do.

His food truck just got another order.

He throws three homemade corn tortillas on the grill before dicing a head of lettuce.

"It's always busy when there's a band playing," he said, referring to the Big Chill.

Lucas flips the tortillas and checks the fryers — three bubbling pieces of cod are almost finished.

He reaches for a jalapeño and begins slicing, moving around with ease despite being confined to a mobile kitchen. He plates up three fish tacos, just as four new customers approach the window.

"What's up guys?" he said. "Welcome to Taco Reho."

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Local food trucks 

The Sea Hogg, Rehoboth Beach
Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen, Rehoboth Beach
Taco Reho, Rehoboth Beach
Po’ Boys Creole, Milton
Rosenfeld’s Roadside Jewish Deli, Ocean City
A Latte’ Soul, Milford
Vinny's Pizza, Millsboro
Sherri's Crabcakes, Rehoboth Beach
Sno Yo, Lewes