Food trucks provide new late-night dining at Binghamton University

Students at Binghamton University can enjoy two new late-night dining options on campus this fall. Global Taco, which opened for business on Monday, Sept. 11, features a rotating diversified taco menu. Caribbean Connection is scheduled to open in October and will serve Caribbean-influenced street food.

“We are constantly looking for ways to enhance and diversify our dining options on campus, and we’re excited to introduce these food trucks as fun, social spaces where students can enjoy each other’s company and great food in the evening,” said Paola Mignone, assistant vice president for residential experiences and auxiliaries.

When looking for ways to expand dining offerings, Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) and University administration turn to the Student Culinary Council for guidance.

The Student Culinary Council (SCC), a team of students who are dedicated to continuously improving the dining experience on campus, knew food trucks would be a welcomed addition to campus dining.

“We are definitely very excited about Global Taco and the upcoming Caribbean food truck as they will diversify the cuisines and cultures that the student body is exposed to,” said Ruby Guallpa, SCC vice president.

The SCC surveyed the student population to see what dining concepts would be preferred.

“We sent out a survey to the student body asking them what kind of food trucks they would like to see on campus,” Guallpa said. “It was important to ask the student body about their opinions and suggestions as they are the ones who will be enjoying the food.”

Tacos and Caribbean cuisine were the top responses. The SCC then worked in partnership with BUDS to develop a menu.

“I developed a sample menu for the SCC at the end of spring semester for them to try,” said Campus Executive Chef Charlie Williams. “They really liked the menu and we continued to develop it from there.”

Global Taco offers something for everyone, including chipotle-rubbed grilled chicken tacos, coconut-dusted jumbo shrimp tacos, roasted eggplant zucchini pastor tacos, Tijuana seasoned fries, elote (commonly called Mexican Street Corn) and fresh fried corn tortilla chips served with house guacamole and a weekly chef-inspired guacamole. All food items are made to order and the menu will rotate bi-weekly.

“Food trucks are great because they offer the ability to change your menu often and do a wide variety of really innovative food,” Williams said.

Global Taco is currently located in parking lot Y2 in Mountainview College. The full list of menu offerings and hours of operation can be found on the BUDS website.

Late night dining options are also available until 1 a.m. at Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) dining hall.