Juicy J Wings, a Tyler area food truck, specializes in wings. It is one of four food trucks that will be parked at a new food truck court at 705 W. Front St. in Tyler on Saturday.

Food trucks are on the rise, including in East Texas where there are a variety of mobile food options. Anything from authentic tacos to innovative macaroni and cheese bowls and delectable cupcakes, foodies can find something they like at one of the many food trucks servicing East Texas.

With a goal to make a space where a variety of those options can be offered in one designated place, a local woman is working to open a food truck court in Tyler.

“It’s good to know what your options are,” said Alexis Morales-Williams, owner of Pe’s Court. “There’s always a variety of different flavors and you can look around and know that any of the options will be good.”

Morales-Williams is launching a soft opening for her food truck court from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday at 706 W. Front Street in Tyler.

With four food trucks to choose from and picnic tables set up on the lot, the soft opening will provide an opportunity for those looking to grab a quick bite or have a few different options to choose from in one spot. It also helps patrons who want to not only support local businesses but also enjoy homemade food and a family atmosphere.

“It’s giving me like Austin (and) Dallas, the bigger city vibes, where food trucks, parks and courts are so popular and people have different cravings at that moment,” Morales-Williams said. “We’re not just gonna just accommodate one type of vendor; there are going to be multiple types of food trucks.”

Morales-Williams said she is still awaiting some permits and special permissions from various entities like the city, fire marshal, and NET Health. She hopes to secure everything she needs to fully operate in mid-December.

Saturday’s soft opening will feature four food trucks in order to test the waters of how much parking is available for patrons and how much room is available for trucks. After securing permission, Morales-Williams hopes to allow six to eight trucks to park at her lot during lunch and dinner hours every day of the week.

“Monday through Sunday, rain or shine,” Morales-Williams said. “And I’m going to rotate the trucks out so that there’s enough options each day.”

Morales-Williams has been working on this project for a while and is excited to see things coming to fruition. The soft opening is just the beginning of what she said will be a great asset for Tylerites, people passing through town, and food truck owners. “It has been a strenuous task but the reward to sit back and finally see it coming… is like a full circle moment because I had thought about it and dreamed about it and it’s finally happening,” she said.

The soft opening will feature four trucks, including Juicy J’s Wings, which specializes in wings and fries but also offers nachos and more; Big Mouf Catering, which offers turkey legs, ribs, wings, burgers, catfish, salads, fajita fries and more; Tacos Fortachón, which offers quesadillas, tortas and tacos; and Titis Hot Dogs, which offers hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, loaded baked potatoes, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chili cheese fries, churros, and more.

To get involved or for more information about the food truck court, reach out to Morales-Williams by phone at 903-426-1206 or email lexmm76@gmail.com.