A crowd gathered at the Sunrise Grill truck in the Oak Street Mill parking lot Wednesday. (David Boraks photo)

Ron Pope (left) and Kevin Sheil of the Sunrise Grill, a Cornelius based food truck. (David Boraks photo)

By DAVID BORAKS

A crowd gathered around the Sunrise Grill & Sandwich Co. food truck Wednesday in the parking lot at the Oak Street Mill, helping to kick off a new weekly offering in Cornelius: Food Truck Wednesdays: Lunch in the Lot.”

Cornelius native Matt Sorensen was among the diners. “In all my years, Cornelius sure has changed a lot. I think it’s good,” he said, as he waited for an order of Asian zucchini.

Cornelius Cultural Art Group, which is trying to stir up activity in downtown Conrelius, plans to host Food Truck Wednesdays weekly, with a different food truck (or two) from 11am – 2pm

The first one was at Oak Street Mill Wednesday. Future sites may include the parking lot behind Town Hall or the gravel lot at Memories Pawn shop, according to organizer Case Warnemunde with the Cornelius Cultural Art Group.

“There’s been a lot of talk that we could use another restaurant in downtown Cornelius,” Warnemunde said as he waited to order. “This is the first step in providing some more lunch options.”

As demand increases, the organizers hope to add more trucks, he said. The event also is part of the group’s goal of fostering an arts scene downtown.

“Food trucks are one of the staples of an arts district,” Warnemunde said. The group has previously incorporated food trucks into its occasional art crawls (the next ‘Tawba Walk is scheduled May 31) and twice-monthly open mic nights at Kadi Fit, in the Oak Street Mill.

Ron Pope and truck co-owner Kevin Sheil were serving up everything from burgers to salads to chicken sandwiches. They’re becoming regulars at venues around the Lake Norman area, and they’re eager to add another spot, Schiel said Wednesday.

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DINING NUGGETS

• A Giving Spirit Foundation of Davidson is continuing its month of fundraisers, to support research into ALS and for mothers in the region who are suffering from debilitating diseases or other unforeseen health challenges. A portion of proceeds will be donated by participating businesses. They include Restaurant X, 408 S. Main St., in South Main Square, Davidson, on Thursday, May 16, and on Saturday night, May 18, at Davidson Beverage Co., in South Main Square. See more in our April 30, 2013, report, “Businesses support A Giving Spirit Foundation with May events.”
• Speaking of Davidson Beverage Co., they’re in the midst of a move into new quarters, just next door to their old location in South Main Square. Owner John Baker is taking over the former Legacy Supply Co. space. He said this week he’s got his permit for the new location and was spending Wednesday moving. ‘Still have fingers crossed for a soft open at 4 o’clock (Thursday, May 16). If not, definitely open by 1 o’clock Friday, May 17. Cheers!” he said in a message on his Facebook page. See more in our May 3 update, “Davidson Beverage Co. moving next door at S. Main Sq.”
• Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse continues its live music on Wednesday nights this week with Jeff Brown, from 8-10pm. Flatiron is at 215 S. Main St.
• Carrburritos in Davidson is continuing is live music series this Monday at 9pm, with the Indie folk band You Me & Apollo. Tickets are $8 tickets at the door, Margarita and Beer Specials
  Where: 445 South Main Street, Davidson, NC Phone: 704-237-3040
  When: Monday, May 20th 9pm

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Dining News runs occasionally on the DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net Food & Dining page. Send announcements to editor@davidsonnews.net.