Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025

Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. Union Commonwealth University has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.


“We think students, faculty, staff, and the local community will love the variety and energy these trucks bring,” says Special Advisor to the President Meghann Chesnut. “It’s a great chance to hang out, try something new, and connect with others outside of class or the office, making the campus feel more lively and community-oriented.”


Director of Campus Life and Civic Engagement Makynzie Miller says, “My main goal during the days we have food trucks on campus is to get students to the student center, essentially so that they are aware that the food trucks are on campus and might be more inclined to get something from them.”

Promotional Graphic Text: Community Welcome, Union Commonwealth University, UCU Street Eats.

Miller is planning a “Pot Your Own Plant” event and an Easter egg hunt, for instance, and hopes to incorporate opportunities to win 50% off vouchers for food truck offerings, as well.


Mark Moser, owner of The Grub Hut, will be on campus twice during the lineup. He describes The Grub Hut’s menu as comfort food and sees UCU Street Eats as an opportunity to reach a new audience.


“A lot of the community knows me, but I always like to branch out and try to attract a customer that’s never eaten with me or hasn’t heard about me yet,” Moser says.


The current schedule of confirmed vendors is as follows:


• April 2: The Grub Hut

• April 10: Moody Cows (Ice Cream)

• April 16: The Grub Hut

• April 24: Flying Pig

• April 30: Juniors Hibachi

• May 2: Hibbard’s Concessions


All food trucks will be on campus starting at 11 a.m. and will complement the already wide-ranging menu provided to students through Sodexo, Union’s campus dining services. More vendors may be added to the spring lineup soon. Chesnut notes that UCU plans to schedule another Street Eats series in the fall, as well. 


“Only one food truck will be on campus at a time,” she adds. “We want to be an economic driver for these entrepreneurs.”

Union President Dr. DJ Washington says, “UCU Street Eats is part of our mission to unite for the common good. The series is about uniting community members, local businesses, and our campus community.”


Updates to the schedule of vendors will be shared via Union’s social media channels as they become available.


For more information about UCU Street Eats, contact Meghann Chesnut at (606) 546-1704 or mchesnut@unionky.edu.

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