PONDERAY — Redefining the food truck trend, Panhandle Eats brings eclectic, affordable global flavor to the community.

Panhandle Eats is a cooperative of entrepreneurial and independent mobile eateries located at the Panhandle Animal Shelter. The vision was to create a destination in Ponderay that provides the community a location to gather, eat great food, shop and engage with one another and the animals of the shelter.

Pete Hicks, chef of Curry in a Hurry and owner 7B Bistro, says that their goal was to foster community engagement in Ponderay and the county.

“Affordable good food is good for business, which is good for the community,” Hicks said. “Partnering with the animal shelter and their thrift store adds to the destination’s appeal. Grabbing a bite to eat is now a complete experience.”

The eateries include Taco Tacos operated by Jimmy Lomeli and features true Mexican food. Jimmy has been the anchor food truck at the shelter and has been on-site for several years developing a devoted following. Hicks, launched Sandpoint Curry in a Hurry, as a very successful pop-up enterprise last year satisfying the taste buds of all those curry lovers in North Idaho.

The Curry in a Hurry business model was so successful he wanted to provide others with the same opportunity, so Hicks created 7B Bistro, the first restaurant incubator in the area. By offering his kitchen two to three days a week to fellow entrepreneurs he lowered the barriers to starting a restaurant. Tony Frontado’s Ponderay Aloha Grill jumped at the opportunity and is excited to bring flavorful, saucy Hawaiian delights to the community. Rounding out the eateries is Aaron Seitz. He is instantly recognizable by his dashing kilt and braided beard. Aaron operates the Twisted Kilt Black Iron Grill and offers yummy sweet and savory waffles, and awesome Guinness beef stew.

Panhandle Eats will celebrate its grand opening Friday and Saturday, May 4-5. Friday festivities run from 4-8 p.m. and include menu specials from all the eateries, a beer garden, and live music. The Panhandle Animal Shelter and Thrift Store will remain open, so visitors can enjoy and interact with the adoptable animals and shop for great deals.

Saturday’s activities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, face painting and other child-friendly activities.

Information: facebook.com/panhandleeats/