This weekend marks the return of Dreamville Festival, a cultural phenomenon that is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees. The festival's economic impact on Raleigh was nearly $146 million in 2023, and the city has announced a four-year partnership with Live Nation to continue events akin to Dreamville. Alongside musical performances, festival-goers will enjoy culinary delights from over 70 food vendors. Two notable vendors, Oink N’ Moo and Caribbean Kicker, have already seen significant boosts in their annual sales thanks to the event.

The Culinary Scene at Dreamville

As the festival kicks off, visitors can expect a vibrant culinary experience. Food trucks like Oink N’ Moo and Caribbean Kicker are set to captivate taste buds with innovative dishes. These businesses have leveraged the festival's popularity to expand beyond food trucks into catering and other ventures. Their preparation and creativity reflect the festival's role as a platform for growth.

Jeff Groce of Oink N’ Moo describes his offerings as having "a twist," including smoked brisket quesadillas and brisket grilled cheese sandwiches. Last year, the festival contributed 15% of his business's annual revenue. Similarly, Richard Garner of Caribbean Kicker anticipates high demand for items such as jerk chicken bowls and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. For both vendors, Dreamville isn't just about selling food—it's an opportunity to refine their craft and grow their enterprises.

Preparation and Expansion Through Dreamville

Beyond serving delicious meals, Dreamville provides a unique stage for entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and prepare for larger opportunities. Both Oink N’ Moo and Caribbean Kicker highlight the importance of meticulous planning and adaptability in meeting the demands of large-scale events. This year, they bring special menu items, ensuring festival-goers have fresh and exciting options.

Groce mentions that his team had more preparation time this year, allowing them to enhance their offerings further. Meanwhile, Garner emphasizes the festival's role in teaching quick processing techniques, which have been instrumental in expanding his business. Caribbean Kicker plans to debut funnel cake fries alongside its staple dishes, while Oink N’ Moo introduces combo platters featuring fried fish, shrimp, and fried okra. These innovations underscore how Dreamville fosters not only financial success but also creative expansion for local vendors.