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Food Truck Friday: Kenny's Meatball Wagon

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/17/food-truck-friday-kenny-s-meatball-wagon.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 13:47 GMT by KSTP-TV
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Kenny’s Meatball Wagon Shines at Food Truck Friday

Every Friday night, downtown Minneapolis turns into a culinary playground, and this week’s highlight was the mouth‑watering offerings from Kenny’s Meatball Wagon. The food‑truck event, part of the city’s long‑running “Food Truck Friday” series, drew crowds from all corners of the Twin Cities, eager to sample the newest addition to the weekly lineup.

The article opens with a snapshot of the evening’s atmosphere: a packed sidewalk, the scent of fresh herbs and simmering sauce, and the rhythmic clinking of plastic utensils. Viewers can see the compact, retro‑styled truck—painted in a rustic red with a giant, hand‑drawn meatball on its front—grinning proudly as it welcomes its first customers.

The Story Behind the Wagon

Kenny’s Meatball Wagon is the brainchild of culinary entrepreneur Kenny D’Angelo, a Minneapolis native who grew up in a family that prized handmade Italian cuisine. The article profiles Kenny as a “flavor‑mad scientist,” explaining that his inspiration came from late‑night diners and the desire to bring artisanal comfort food to a younger, foodie‑savvy crowd.

A brief interview quoted Kenny as saying, “I wanted to capture the essence of my grandmother’s kitchen and serve it in a format that’s fast, friendly, and fun.” He also highlighted his commitment to local sourcing, noting that all beef comes from Minnesota‑raised, grain‑fed cattle, while the vegetables are delivered fresh from farmers’ markets each morning.

What the Menu Offers

The feature dives deep into the menu, which was a highlight for the article’s audience. Kenny’s meatballs come in a variety of flavors and styles, each designed to appeal to both purists and adventurous diners:

The article noted that each dish is paired with a complimentary side of garlic knots or seasonal roasted veggies, adding an extra layer of flavor without increasing the price point.

Community and Sustainability

In addition to the food, the article spotlighted the truck’s community engagement. Kenny’s Meatball Wagon is a partner with the Minneapolis Food Bank, donating a portion of its Friday sales to help fight local food insecurity. The article also mentioned a partnership with the Minneapolis Youth Outreach Program, where the truck offers a discounted lunch for students during school holidays.

The sustainability angle was also emphasized: the truck uses biodegradable containers and compostable utensils, and Kenny is experimenting with a “zero‑waste” initiative for future events.

How to Catch Kenny’s on Future Fridays

The piece wrapped up by providing practical details for readers who want to catch the Meatball Wagon on other Fridays. According to the article, the truck will appear each Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 12th & Hennepin, near the Minneapolis Institute of Art. For those who prefer a head‑start, the article encouraged readers to follow the truck’s Instagram and Facebook pages, where real‑time updates and special promotions are posted.

The article also linked to the official Kenny’s Meatball Wagon website for those curious about the menu beyond Friday nights. A quick look at the website (fetched by following the link in the article) shows an expanded menu, including a Meatball Sub (price $9.75) and a Family‑Style Meatball Platter (four servings, $35.00). The site also lists a nutrition fact sheet and a short “behind‑the‑scenes” video of the meatball‑making process.

Another link in the article pointed to the city’s Food Truck Friday schedule page, which lists upcoming trucks and their times. The schedule page confirms that the next Food Truck Friday will feature a Mexican‑inspired food truck, and it offers a downloadable map of all truck locations for the month.

Final Take

The article does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of Kenny’s Meatball Wagon, not just as a food truck, but as a community hub and culinary adventure. With a menu that balances classic Italian flavors with creative twists, a commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, and a clear connection to the Minneapolis community, Kenny’s has already secured a spot in the hearts (and stomachs) of food‑truck enthusiasts.

For anyone looking to spice up their Friday night, a stop at Kenny’s Meatball Wagon is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of Minnesota’s thriving food culture, served from a truck that looks as good as it smells.