The Food Network’s show “The Great Food Truck Race” has kept contestants roaming the country, but UT is gearing up for its own race to feed hungry students on the go.

UT Dining served free lunch to students from their new food truck, La Lola Loca, in front of the G-10 parking garage Wednesday.

Troy Anderson, UT Dining operations director, said the idea for the truck stemmed from the need to keep dining options modern.

“It was just something that was very cutting-edge,” Anderson said. “Food trucks are suddenly becoming very popular across the country right now.”

UT was chosen as one of 10 pilot locations across the country for Aramark to bring food trucks to. Anderson said the dining facility expects the truck to officially launch Friday and serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. He hopes the as the truck gains popularity, they can expand the hours to serve breakfast and dinner.

The truck serves Mexican-inspired cuisine, such as Taco’Dillas, which are quesadillas stuffed with grilled chicken, chipotle aioli, and salsa on a flour tortilla.

A frenzy of students stopped to take advantage of the free meal.

Anthony Stachowiak, second year graduate student in sociology, was walking to his car when he saw the commotion and decided to grab some lunch.

“I am absolutely stoked that there’s a food truck in Knoxville,” Stachowiak said. “This is the third one I’ve seen in Knoxville and I’m very excited about it, because food trucks tend to be locally owned and run, so I think it’s going to be very good for Knoxville in general, because that’s just good for local business.”

Stachowaik ordered the empanadas and the vegetarian burrito bowl, and other patrons tried the loca tacos.

Similar to other UT dining facilities, students can use Dining Dollars and All-Star to purchase food at the truck. Like other mobile trucks, La Lola Loca will use Twitter and Facebook to alert hungry students of its location.

“We’re going to take (the food truck) to where the people are,” Anderson said.

To see where the green truck stops next after its official lauch, follow @lolaloca_UT.