BRISBANE’S bayside suburbs are among the biggest beneficiaries of a booming food truck program with parks in Wynnum recording some of the highest bookings across the city.
Since launching on July 1, 2025, Brisbane City Council’s revitalised Food Trucks and Coffee Carts in Parks program has recorded 2,807 bookings and more than 17,000 hours of trade, creating nearly two straight years’ worth of continuous park activation.
Bayside locations are proving especially popular, with Wynnum Wading Pool topping the list with 414 bookings, followed by Elanora Park at Wynnum with 324 bookings.
Among the local operators serving the growing crowds is ToastyGrinds coffee van, a mum-and-daughter business parked at Elanora Dog Park that has become a regular stop for morning walkers, families and dog owners.
“ToastyGrinds was created from a simple love of good coffee, great food and bringing people together,” owners Alicia and Leanne said.
“What started as a little dream has grown into our coffee van parked at the beautiful Elanora Dog Park — where community, sunshine and wagging tails all come together.”
The pair previously worked together as hairdressers for a decade before deciding to build their coffee van from scratch and launch a new venture together.
“After working side by side as hairdressers for 10 years — always with a coffee in hand — we felt ready for a new adventure,” they said.
“Designing and building our coffee van together from the ground up is a dream come true.
“It’s not something we take for granted — the early mornings, the big goals, the teamwork and the laughs in between the busy coffee rush.”
The van serves barista-made coffee, loaded toasties and a signature iced menu, along with a special puppy menu for visiting dogs.
“Our puppy menu means no one misses out, and we love seeing the dogs just as excited as their owners,” they said.
“We’re up early, we remember your regular order, and we genuinely love what we do.
“Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway, pulling up a chair under an umbrella, or catching up with friends as part of your morning ritual — we just want to make that moment a little better.
“It’s not just coffee. It’s connection, comfort and community — served from our little van.”
Councillor Alex Givney said the program was helping bring more life and activity to local foreshore parks.
“There’s nothing better than relaxing by the bay and our food truck program gives people another reason to enjoy the serenity of our foreshore and parks,” Cr Givney said.
“It’s fantastic to see residents and visitors supporting local businesses while enjoying an ice cream at Whale Park, grabbing a morning coffee at our epic dog park, or soaking up the views along the esplanade.”
Under the revamped program, traders can now apply through a single streamlined approval process allowing them to operate across all program sites.
New features include drive-up sites on council-controlled roads, the ability for multiple vendors to trade at high-demand locations on the same day, and a three-tier fee structure designed to support businesses at different stages.
Residents can find out which vendors are trading near them by visiting bnefoodtrucks.com.au or searching “Brisbane Food Trucks and Coffee Carts” on the Brisbane City Council website.
