Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee members reviewed the possibility of adding a taco truck as a potential late-night dining option for students during their weekly meeting Monday.
Ryan Kennedy, Trinity '05, presented the concept of Taco Diablo to members of DUSDAC. The eatery would operate from a truck that would be open during the late night as well as during the day.
"One of the things I noticed that wasn't here when I was an undergrad is there are some delightful taco trucks that line Hillsborough road," Kennedy said. "It got me thinking about the dining options-specifically the late night dining option-here at Duke and there seemed like there could be an idea to bring the taco trucks here on campus."
Only McDonald's and a few Merchants on Points are currently open after 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursdays. Those vendors, along with Armadillo Grill, close later on weekends.
Kennedy proposed that the truck be located in front of the Chapel for late night hours and in another accessible locations during the day and evening. He also suggested making the truck available during special events such as the Last Day of Classes celebration, Krzyzewskiville personal checks and Tailgate.
Some DUSDAC members expressed concern that the truck would compete with Armadillo Grill. Others noted, however, that Taco Diablo would be open much later than Armadillo Grill, until 3 or 4 a.m.
"I don't know how much you guys would actually compete," said DUSDAC Co-chair Jason Taylor, a junior. "[But] Dillo would not be happy if we said, 'Yes, we want a mobile taco truck that could hit people before they get to the Dillo.'"
Despite the potential conflict, committee members remained open to the concept.
The menu for Taco Diablo would consist of tacos and burritos as well as empanadas and tamales-quick service items with a good holding time, which is ideal for a late-night snack, Kennedy said.
"It's different than some of the traditional kind of things you can get from the Dillo right now," he said.
Kennedy wants to pilot the idea this semester to test market demand, locations, times of operation and menus. The truck would be operated by an existing taco truck vendor.
He also noted that the venture would be a low risk for Duke because it does not take any investment as far as space is concerned.
If approved, Taco Diablo would be the second food truck to stop by Duke. When on campus, the Only Burger truck is usually stationed behind Kilgo Quadrangle, below the West Campus Plaza. Currently the truck is not in operation because it is undergoing repairs for damages from an accident.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.