After two years in business, Asheville Food Park is abandoning its original vision of operating as a food truck destination. Changes are also underway with the park’s brick-and-mortar components.

After two years in business, Asheville Food Park is abandoning its original vision of operating as a food truck destination. Changes are also underway with the park’s brick-and-mortar components.
Skirting the line between farmers market and traditional grocery store, Whispersholler Farms Market is the latest addition to Asheville Food Park. Grand opening celebrations take place during the park’s Equinox Spring Fest, Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20.
Food trucks are a popular part of Asheville’s culinary culture. But considerations including local regulations, increasing competition, a fluctuating customer base and even the weather conspire to cause growing pains for the developing industry.
Multifaceted food and drink venue Asheville Food Park is now open on Amboy Road. The ambitious project brings a bar, coffee shop and farm market along with a rotating schedule of food trucks and pop-up shops to the historic riverside location.
The floods of 2004 brought 8 feet of water into the building — previously a bar built in 1948 — sealing its fate after already being shuttered for five years. Slowly, the space hobbled back into the world of commerce as a small produce stand, but it’s now being primed to return to its former glory as a social hub, family gathering place and food spot.