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Knoxville's changing food landscape and the spread of culture

As the number of food trucks in the area grows, culture is being spread through food in Knoxville.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Every day, Juan Luis cooks up traditional Venezuelan food in his food truck, Chama Cheese, in West Knoxville, it's his way of sharing his culture with his community.

"A lot of people try it for the first time and love it because it's something new that they've never tasted before," Luis said.

The food truck scene continues to grow in Knoxville. GJ-2 Indian food truck is one of the latest additions. 

"You can go 300 miles either way and you're not going to find many food trucks until you hit the big cities," GJ-2's owner said. "So we're trying to bring Indian food to the street scene here in Knox."

Since opening 3 months ago, he said there have been some unexpected challenges to the business. 

"Well, it's winter right now so business tends to be a little slower," GJ-2's owner said. "Also it's really hard to advertise because we don't have the same amenities or budgets as a restaurant does."

Luis started his truck back during COVID-19. He said the business landscape has changed since COVID with more food trucks popping up. But, he is happy to see more diversity in the area's food scene.

"I really like how it's growing and people are thinking about where they get their food now in the area," Luis said.

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