Shrewsbury Shifts Food Truck Thursdays To Boost Summer Events Attendance

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury Recreation officials announced a major change to their popular summer programming, replacing weekly Food Truck Thursdays with a revamped lineup that integrates food vendors into larger community events.

The move comes after a noticeable decline in attendance at the standalone Thursday events, which began in 2020 and eventually expanded into a weekly summer tradition.

According to the announcement, while the increased frequency gave residents more opportunities to attend, it ultimately reduced foot traffic at individual events, a key factor for food truck vendors facing high operating costs. In recent weeks, some vendors had begun canceling appearances in favor of better-attended events elsewhere.

“While the weekly Food Truck Thursdays provided residents with a wealth of options, it also decreased the per-event foot traffic that is essential to food vendor success,” officials said.

Food Trucks Still Part of Summer Plans

Despite the shift, food trucks will remain a central part of Shrewsbury’s summer programming, just in a different format.

The town’s Summer Concert Series will now feature:

• Four food trucks at every concert (two entrée vendors and two dessert vendors)
• Alcohol vendors on select dates, including June 18 and July 2

Officials say concentrating vendors at larger events will help ensure stronger turnout and better support for local businesses while enhancing the overall experience for residents.

More Events Featuring Food Vendors

In addition to the concert series, food trucks will also be included in other upcoming events, such as:

• The 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival on Friday, June 5
• “Movie in the Park” nights

Recreation officials acknowledged that the decision to end Food Truck Thursdays may disappoint some residents but emphasized the goal of creating more sustainable and successful events moving forward.

“We remain strong supporters of food trucks and local businesses,” the statement said. “We are excited to continue sustainably growing our programs and events.”

Residents are encouraged to attend the revamped events throughout the summer to support local vendors and enjoy expanded entertainment offerings.

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