In Hawaii lunch wagons have been around for years, but recently they have become a huge hit on the mainland as well, where they are known as food trucks.

Sophomore Jackie Medrano said, “I love food trucks because they cook your food right there, instead of warming it up and serving it.”

Locations are convenient for most people since today’s food trucks also use social networking, including Twitter and Facebook, to keep customers connected about new locations each day.

Local food trucks, such as Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, are such a hit that they even attract tourists from other parts of the world.

Counselor Donna Eisen said, “Lots of tourists visit shrimp trucks because it’s very authentic, and it doesn’t feel commercial.”

Lower school Physical Education teacher, Elizabeth Loo said, “My father and I used to go to Tsukenjo’s lunch wagon. In those days no one worried about the after effects of the food.”

Food trucks have become such a hit on the mainland that the Food Network has created a show, the “Great Food Truck Race.” Host Tyler Florence, a well known chef, travels to various stops where each competition involves a difficult challenge which may be a limited time period, use of a specific process or making the greatest number of sales. At the end of the season a winner is declared.

The show has brought the national public eye to food trucks.