A food truck park on University Parkway across from Governors State University is set to host a grand opening weekend planned for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 18, 19, and 20, from noon to 7 p.m.

Donzell Franklin has deep roots in the local community. His strong ties to the area have led him to bring the Uptown Eats food truck park to his hometown to give back to the place that shaped him. The parking lot at the site, accessible from the driveway to the University Park Metra Station, is nearly ready to welcome food trucks and customers.

The Uptown Eats food truck park is designed to be a new culinary hub that will bring a range of food options to GovState students and the University Park community. Franklin hopes that the park will enhance the local dining scene.

Franklin shared a glimpse of the diverse offerings that will open the park. From the Jerk Taco Man Truck serving a variety of jerk chicken entrees to the Harold’s Chicken truck dishing out local favorites and the Kravens Kitchen truck offering Chicago-style Italian beef and Italian sausage combos and burgers, there’s something for everyone. The WrapNGrill truck will serve delicious wraps and grilled entrees, while the Uptown Eats truck will have catfish, loaded fries, Philly cheese steak, buffalo chicken eggrolls and more. A Chicken on the Run Truck will serve fresh chicken tenders and other appetizers. The Gorilla Gurt Frozen Yogurt truck and other dessert trucks also will be on-site.

Franklin said the items listed above are just some of what the trucks will serve, and the options are subject to change as they come and go.