Headstash

Festival Food Vendors Talk Shop

Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

Much like the diverse and eclectic lineups they try to book, music festivals also bring in a variety of food vendors for the crowds who are a literal melting pot of tastes and cultures.

For the average festivalgoer, food is likely an afterthought. However, as we grow older and wiser (maybe partake in a little less partying), good food at a festival becomes more of a necessity.

But food vendors at festivals play an important role in the overall vibe. They are there to cater to all festival cravings whether it be an ice-cold fruit smoothie, breakfast burrito, slice of pizza, Chinese food, organic and vegetarian fare – you name it.

While the selection of food vendors varies depending on the size and locale of the festival, there are certain names that can be seen at almost any event you go to. One of those regulars is Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop based out of Burlington, VT.

David Buckwalter and Josh Wolf are both employees of the famed food provider and have worked there at different times in their lives. Collectively, they have traveled to some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Rothbury, Nateva, Wakarusa, Summer Camp, Bonnaroo and Camp Bisco.

Wolf was introduced to Ahli Baba’s and working as a food vendor while attending college at The University of Vermont. After walking into the restaurant and getting to know the owner, Oliver Oats, he was quickly offered a summer job traveling the country and selling pitas at some marquee events.

Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

He worked during summers from 2007 to 2010 with the first year being the most grueling.

“I think we did a total of 16 music festivals that summer, starting in mid-May through the end of September,” he said. “It was probably the hardest I’ve ever worked in my entire life.”

While serving food in the sweltering heat for upwards of 20 hours a day, four days straight was exhausting, Wolf admits it wasn’t all hard labor.

“On the bright side, I was able to enjoy the music that was being played in the background and was in a festival environment,” Wolf explained. “I’ve learned to appreciate tons of different types and styles of music . . . and found many new bands that I listen to every day.”

Along with his increased love for cooking came a respect for the food vending community as a whole. Wolf knows that without people like Ahli Baba’s and other vendors, any given festival could turn into a raucous crowd thousands of starving fans.

“It’s almost impossible for festival participants to bring enough food for a three or four day event,” he said. “There’s always the problem of spoilage due to the summer heat.”

Although he couldn’t see himself working the rigorous hours at this point in his life, Wolf relishes his time spent on the road with Ahli Baba’s.

Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

“I’m so lucky I walked into that little hole in the wall restaurant that day,” he said. “It changed my life forever. Being able to hear and smell chicken cooking on the grill is a really comforting feeling.”

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David Buckwalter has been working all his life in the restaurant industry and has taken his knowledge of food vending in the festival circuit to another level by starting his own business.

“I ran into Oliver Oats at Rothbury 2009 and had been slinging falafel, curry, steak and chicken pitas until last summer,” he said. “I always dreamt of owning my own restaurant, but the expense is more than I can afford. So I decided to start my own stand.”

His blossoming business first came about in the form of a hot dog cart in Newark, Delaware known as “Doggy Style Dogs.” Besides selling regular and vegetarian style hot dogs, Buckwalter boasts that his spicy mac and cheese is a crowd favorite.

His stand was such a hit with the local college students that Buckwalter decided to bring his cart to its first festival last fall, The Magnetic Gathering in New Hampshire.

Hungry attendees flocked to the cart expecting a hot dog or maybe an order of fries, but they came back for Buckwalter’s piping hot pumpkin and mushroom soup – the perfect snack for those chilly fall nights.

Since starting his business in the fall of 2011, Buckwalter also debuted a taco stand known as “Tacos Tacos Tacos” at this year’s inaugural Lift Festival.

Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

Of course, the food vending industry is a fickle mistress. But for someone like Buckwalter who wholeheartedly enjoys feeding people, it comes naturally. You can taste the love in each and every bite of food he serves.

“What I enjoy most about cooking is when someone gives you a compliment like, ‘Oh my god your taco saved my life last night’ or ‘these are the happiest fries I ever ate,’” he said. “But mostly just feeding people brings me joy.”

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Check out some festivalgoers’ favorite munchies below:

“Vegetarian Oasis is the best stand. They are at every festival. I love their Thai coconut curry.” – Lindsay Fiegleman

“The best breakfast burrito I ever had was at Phish’s Super Ball last year.” – Angela Bunt

“The black bean toastie from Vegetarian Oasis is my absolute favorite” – Hannah Schott

“The Thai peanut noodles at Gathering of The Vibes 2008 were the best. And only $3.00.” – Trevor Vargas and Camille Baptiste

“It isn’t a festival without grilled cheese!” – Lauren Davenport

“The triple berry vegan pancakes at All Good were the best things I ever ate at a festival.” – Chantal Vacher

Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

“My favorite is the Asian Sensation place that pops up at festivals around the country. Not only does it fill you up but the combination of rice, chicken, beef and vegetables is representative of an eclectic lineup with so many options.” –Nick Rhodes,

“Smoothies are essential in the morning to refresh, revive and re-energize me for my upcoming day of rage.” – Hannah Schott

“The best is definitely garlic/rosemary grilled cheese – usually not from a legit vendor but from some wook in the woods.” – Catherine Noble

“Iced maple lemonade from a vendor with your own whiskey mixed in is the best drink I ever had at a festival.” – Caroline Eaton

“The first time I had Spicy Pie, I was in heaven. It was the best $5.00 slice I ever had.” – Jordan August

“Anything that comes in a wrap – good to go!” – Madysen Jubrey

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What are some of your favorite foods to eat at festivals? Let us know in the comments below.