New food truck open for business in Eagle River

EAGLE RIVER — There’s a new food truck in Eagle River.

Parker’s Pizza Food Truck AK owner Sydney Smallwood is excited to be open for business. She said that she’s already built up a strong presence on social media with nearly 1,500 followers. She said they officially opened toward the end of May and it’s been a very busy and welcoming experience.

“We already have regulars,” Smallwood said. “People have loved it so far. It’s been well received by many.”

Smallwood’s twin sister Morganne Donoghue established the original Parker’s Pizza Food Truck in New Mexico, where they both grew up. She said they both have business degrees with a background in the restaurant industry, even working at the same pizza parlor together.

Parker’s Pizza is named after Smallwood’s 8-year-old niece, Parker. She said that both food trucks share similar menus and the logos were designed by the same artist. The original New Mexico food truck features a roadrunner and the Alaskan counterpart brandishes an eagle.

Smallwood said that she brings a taste of home in her food truck with New Mexico green chilis as a topping option. She said the chilis have grown to be quite the popular choice since they opened.

Donoghue is flying up from New Mexico to work alongside her sister Friday. Smallwood said that she’s excited to have the opportunity to show her food truck to her sister in person.

“She loves it,” Smallwood said.

Looking long-term, Smallwood said that she plans to potentially add another food truck to serve another community like Fairbanks. She said that she doesn’t want to expand the business too far since this food truck endeavor is a “side-gig” and a labor of love.

“We’ll just see what it brings I suppose,” Smallwood said.

Parker’s Pizza Food Truck AK can be found at numerous sites, events, and marketplaces across the Eagle River area. Smallwood said that she plans to participate in the Eagle River Market on Sunday and other small events in the future. She said they also offer catering services and worked with clients beyond Eagle River, including a wedding contract in the Mat-Su Valley.

“We’re trying to keep it kinda small,” Smallwood said. “People have said we love having another option in Eagle River.”

To follow where Parker’s Pizza Food Truck AK will park next, follow them on social media. For more information, call 907-310-1002 or visit the official Facebook page.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com