Truckin'

Mark Coates Smoked the Competition at Saturday’s Vendy Awards

Vendy Award winner Mark Coates inside the Smoke Truck
Vendy Award winner Mark Coates inside the Smoke Truck Photo: Collin Keefe

Congratulations are in order for Mark Coates and his Smoke Truck, which took the top honors at Saturday’s Vendy Awards. Coates’ and partner Chris Martino’s take on traditional Southern barbecue bested the comforts and assorted munchies put forth by fellow competitors, which included Yumtown, Food Truck, Vernalicious, King of Falafel, Delicias, and Lil’ Dan’s Gourmet. The “People’s Choice” award went to Vernalicious, and the “Desserts” prize went to University City newcomer, Lil Pop Shop. The annual awards show for mobile food vendors is organized by The Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center, and benefits The Food Trust. Winners from this past weekend’s show will do a victory lap at Eakins Oval on Thursday (August 2) along with 2011 Vendy Award winners Sweet Box, GiGi & Big R’s, Cucina Zapata.

Mark Coates Smoked the Competition at Saturday’s Vendy Awards