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:

New residential construction home framing against a blue sky.

Ask The Home Experts

Building a new house, tackling a renovation, or just looking to keep your current home in tip-top shape? Local experts answer common questions and share practical advice to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
The Vegabonds

The Vagabonds

Heads turned in August 1918 when Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone arrived unexpectedly for lunch at Hotel Roanoke.
It’s Soup Season!

It’s Soup Season!

Time to cuddle up and enjoy some comforting soup.
Cindy Petersen

Do You Know…Cindy Petersen?

Cindy Petersen is the longest tenured executive director of Roanoke’s flagship museum, the Taubman Museum of Art.
The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir

The Sound of a Legacy

The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir celebrates 40 years.
southern comfort food at The Homeplace

The Homeplace

Before I ever made the scenic drive from Roanoke to Catawba, I had heard of The Homeplace.
Elbit Systems of America

Elbit Systems of America

A former telephone-era manufacturing site now supports night vision technology.
VBR Restaurant Week Returns

VBR Restaurant Week Returns

A region-wide event returns to cheerlead your favorite restaurants with special menus and pricing.
Roanoke College alum and popular muralist Jon Murrill painted a red tail hawk (the school’s mascot) on the outside walls of the Maroon Village common space.

Ship Shape

Roanoke College retrofitted containers into dorms. The students are here for it.
10001126762663566___IMG_5928_CMYK

One Person’s Trash is Another’s Art Supplies

‘Creative reuse centers’ open across Roanoke.