The boys – both third-graders at Siouxland Christian School – were at Food Truck Fridays with their respective families.

Jackson’s mother, Maggie Mauch, said going out to lunch with the children was a special occasion to end the summer.

“When you have a lot of picky eaters, it’s definitely good to have a lot of options,” she says with a laugh.

Elizabeth Stewart, event coordinator for Downtown Partners, said diversity is one of the strengths of Food Truck Fridays, which concludes its ninth season Friday at Pearl Street Park at Seventh and Pearl streets.

“Every week you have between 8 and 10 food truck options,” she explained. “You can potentially get a meal, a drink and a dessert from different places. You get Asian food, Mexican food and all-American smash burgers, all in a beautiful outdoor setting.”

All season long, Food Truck Fridays have been a popular gathering place for inner-city workers and starving foodies.

As for the food trucks themselves, some are regulars while others are relative newcomers.

In a way, Heartland Coffee & Nosh fits into both categories.

The Sioux City-based food truck has been a part of Food Truck Fridays since the beginning, but it is now owned and operated by veteran restaurant owner Corey Larkin.

“I bought Coffee & Nosh about a year and a half ago,” he explained. “I made a few changes to the coffee and latte offerings, along with other changes to the menu.”

That included the food truck’s “Nosh Bowls.” One option is the “Throwback Bacon” (three slices of pecan wood-smoked bacon, two fried eggs, heirloom potatoes, feta cheese, and a mango-jalapeno sauce made in the truck), while another is an “Urban Farmer” (diced grilled chicken and bacon, Harvest Rice Blend, heirloom potatoes, salsa, cheddar cheese, and a ranch dressing made in the truck).

There are even nosh bowls for vegans, vegetarians and people on the keto diet.

“We can turn any of the bowls into a burrito, and the portions are huge,” Larkin said. “We want to give people value for their money.”

Stewart said that’s one of the main selling points of Food Truck Fridays.

“People like the variety of trying something new, but they also want something for the price,” she said.

Another thing that Food Truck Fridays guests appreciate is the relaxed atmosphere.

“Pearl Street Park is such a beautiful place in the summer,” Stewart said. “We have new awnings that provide shade and outdoor tables as well.”

Don’t be surprised if there are special offers for visitors to the end of season event on Friday.

“We want to thank everyone who participated in Food Truck Friday this season,” Stewart said. “We also want to get people excited for next year.”