Chartwells announced this week the Warrior Wagon Taco Truck will be closing after nearly a year and a half of service to California State University, Stanislaus.
Parked outside of Demergasso Bava Hall (DBH) on the stretch to Bizzini Hall, the taco truck has been serving tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and tortas to students, faculty and staff.
Originally, the menu was created to provide food choices similar to those offered off campus and in the surrounding area, according to Scott Smith, Director of Dining Services at Chartwells.
Many students expressed their dismay at the Warrior Wagon Taco Truck closing permanently, noting that its proximity to DBH was helpful to those students whose classes are offered on the west side of campus.
“Students will have to walk all the way over [to Main Dining] to get their food instead of just going to the taco truck,” Gaby Farias (senior, Gender Studies) said.
Even students who did not eat at the taco truck themselves were surprised at its closing, and disappointed to see the campus lose a unique food service.
“I never ate there, but I think that’s kind of sad that it’s closing because this school doesn’t have too much. If we’re losing something like a taco truck, knowing that there’s a lot of Hispanics and people who love Mexican food, well that’s horrible,” Anthony Linares (sophomore, Business) said.
“I think this school should keep everything it has and put more things on campus. In general the taco truck had the cool emblem for Warrior pride and it brought a little bit of tradition to campus. If we lose something like that it will makes the school even more boring.”
Chartwells cannot afford to keep the taco truck running at its current turnaround rate.
Director Scott Smith sent an e-mail explanation of the taco truck’s termination.
He stated that even though the idea for the truck was founded in surveys and focus groups, it has proved, “not to be economically viable in supporting its own operations.”
Smith also highlighted in the e-mail that the taco truck staff was “outstanding” and that, “it is important to note that not one job has been lost due to the change.”
“I read the e-mail from them, and it makes sense why they are closing,” Nick Hernandez (senior, Social Sciences) said.
Hernandez went on to say though, that he will miss the food from the taco truck as it differs from Main Dining.
“I’ll just be able to get the tacos from Main Dining even though those aren’t as good. The taco truck ones were definitely better in my opinion, but [Main Dining’s] are still okay.”