Serving Up a Decade of Flavor

For nearly a decade, Mountain Grille has brought friends, flavors and fun to local events across Roanoke County, earning Platinum in this year’s Dining Awards.

Photo above: Courtesy of Mountain Grille Food Truck.

Mountain Grille, a favorite in Roanoke County, has earned Platinum for Best Food Truck in this year’s Dining Awards. Owners Terri and David Nichols have been bringing their flavorful creations and friendly service to the community since 2016.

Terri says the idea of a food truck was a long-held dream. “We started planning this in June 2016 and received the first finished trailer in August 2016. We always wanted a food trailer so we could travel to different locations and meet a lot of new people. Our goal is to provide you with GREAT food and we hope to make new friends in the process,” she says. From county fairs to private events, Mountain Grille has become known for its approachable menu and generous portions.

Winning Platinum in the Dining Awards is especially meaningful for the hardworking couple. “It means the world to both of us,” Terri says. “Our goal is to do our best for every event we are part of. We have so many wonderful repeat customers. We are so blessed.”

Mountain Grille is nearing its 10-year anniversary in 2026, a milestone Terri says they are “Blessed! We can’t believe it has been almost 10 years. Having a food trailer takes a whole lot of hard work and commitment behind the scenes, but when you open your window and people are waiting to order, it warms your heart.”

Running a food truck isn’t easy. “It is very hard work. A food truck comes with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but it is very heartwarming when you see customers eating your food and smiling or they come back up to the window to say it was delicious.”

It also helps that the Nichols have formed friendships with other food truck owners, sharing tips and support in the growing local scene along the way.

Popular menu items include the Butter Burger, Angry Mama Burger and Cheesesteak. Terri says her personal favorites are the Butter Burger and Chicken Philly, while David leans toward the Poormans Steak — thick fried bologna on a bun — and the Cheesesteak. The truck also occasionally serves a double Smash Burger at special events.

One memorable night saw Mountain Grille as the only food truck at a large event. “All the customers were standing around the window waiting on their name to be called,” Terri remembers. “They exhibited remarkable patience. When we would call a name out, the customers would yell the name and clap. It was a crazy but fun night. Big shout-out to all of them!”

Looking ahead, Mountain Grille plans to keep serving the community with the same dedication. “We are getting older and slowing down a little, but the commitment to continue working remains steadfast. We love each and every customer and the ones that invite us to their events,” Terri says.

For Roanoke County residents, Mountain Grille is more than a food truck — it’s a place to enjoy great food, friendly service and the warmth of a local business with nearly a decade of community love behind it. Catch the Nichols team serving up tasty sandwiches and more throughout the region at local events and festivals, and be sure to follow them on social media and visit their website at mountaingrille.com.


Mountain Grille Food Truck 2026 Dining Award

Platinum: Best Food Truck


The story above is from our November/December 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you! 

Author

You Might Also Like:

Mama Jean’s Barbecue’s slow-smoked meats and soulful sides make it a dining destination.

Best-in-Class ‘Cue

Mama Jean’s Barbecue slings slow-smoked meats, soulful sides, and sought-after specials.
Local Colors Festival May 16 Elmwood Park

Events Calendar May/June 2026

Top May and June Events Around the Roanoke Area
Bruce and Peggy Todaro on the deck of the Green Goat, with the Wasena Bridge behind them.

Wasena Will Come Full Circle Soon

The new bridge, skate park, and blueway will be welcomed by pedestrians, businesses, and customers. 
Artist Casey Murano discussed her watercolor, Come On, Surprise Me, at an artist talk.

Inspired by Nature

The celebration of a heralded book leads to ongoing community projects.
Artist Brian Counihan, Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator Douglas Jackson, and other artists and community members create people-centered floats for this year’s Daisy Art Parade in the main floor of Art Project Roanoke, located in the heart of downtown.

Where Everyone’s an Artist

Art Project Roanoke hosts community events on the first floor and artist studios above.
Group photo from one of the two national events Tincher Pitching did this winter in Roanoke, the Pitching Summit.

From Buchanan to the Big Leagues of Softball

When his daughter asked him to teach her how to pitch, Denny Tincher began a journey that would produce a national champion, a historic no-hitter, and a softball training empire rooted in the Roanoke Valley.
Dan Smith / Patrick Harrington

Do You Know… Dr. Mary McDonald?

Dr. Mary McDonald takes her message and her care for large animals worldwide.
This is a 1959 aerial view of Victory Stadium along Reserve Avenue SW.

The Game Changer

In 1961, an NFL exhibition game in Roanoke changed the city and professional football.
The Roanoker May June 2026 Best Of Roanoke Editors Note

Pride in Our People

Our annual Best of issue shows what makes Roanoke strong, resilient, and unmistakably local.