The Mecca Brings Food and Community to Downtown

“Downtown is back” is the message that Joshua Robinson, the owner of The Mecca on Douglas wants to share.

The Mecca on Douglas is a new business aiming to create an enjoyable social space and community store in downtown Rocky Mount by hosting a variety of local merchants and food trucks. It is located at 150 E Thomas St. in a newly renovated facility.

The Mecca on Douglas hosts food trucks outside and items from local merchants inside.

While they host the food trucks outside, the indoor space provides seating in a café style atmosphere. Located around the corner from the Rocky Mount Event Center and next door to the Booker T. Theater, the Mecca on Douglas is in a prime location to further facilitate revitalization downtown.

Robinson, who also owns and operates Bruno’s Burger Bar, opened the Mecca on Douglas because he saw that downtown Rocky Mount was supporting small businesses and encouraging people to join in the rejuvenation process. He wanted to create a space that could help unite the community and support other food trucks and small businesses.

The unique business model generates excitement and encourages visitors to return regularly to see what’s new. The indoor vendors give customers a chance to browse local goods and enjoy the community while they wait for their food, and it gives them a place to sit down to enjoy their food, which is typically an obstacle when eating at food trucks.

Over the last few weeks, they have hosted numerous food trucks, including Bruno’s Burger Bar, Natural High Smoothies, Batts Family Food Truck, Cp3 Catering & Food Trailer, Boogie’s Turkey BBQ, and more. Their lineup changes weekly, so you’ll want to check their Facebook page regularly to stay informed about new options and returning favorites.

The Mecca currently offers a unique date-night opportunity with the Igloo Experience. They have three plans currently including an hourly rate as well as a movie night three-hour package.

They plan to feature well over 20 vendors by the summer between the indoor merchants and food trucks, all from local businesses. They’ll carry items that the community can use each day including local dietary supplements, skincare products, and fashion items.

They have long-term plans to expand to increase their offerings and to improve the sense of community. They hope to feature wraps and pre-made salads from local vendors that customers can grab and go. They also plan to add a bar and outdoor spaces in the future.

The Mecca plans to have their Grand Opening on Saturday, January 21. They’ll have products on the shelves inside and Bruno’s Burger Bar will be out front. They’ll also have cookies and brownies from local vendors to enjoy.

It will be a great chance to get out and support local businesses. While you wait for the grand opening, you can enjoy food trucks each day out front until then.