One Fresno mans love of food to be honored at the Taco Truck Throwdown

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Taco trucks are set to take over the Chuk once again-- this time, the Taco Truck Throwdown will be bigger than ever before.

When the taco trucks rolled in there was always one person who stood out-- Adrian Loza, Noemi Loza's big brother.

"He loved to make food, he loved to make friends."

His food reigned supreme last year when his truck took home the People's Choice Award at Chukchansi Park. It was his fifth throwdown.

"When my brother first started it, it was a really fun thing."

And also, his last-- Adrian was hit and killed by a train while he was out jogging in Fresno. So this year, his family at El Premio Mayor will be carrying on the tradition for him.

"It's more of a be in the moment, a time to remember him," said Noemi.

They will likely serve a sell-out crowd. The record is 38,000 tacos, between 25 trucks to nearly 17,000 fans. On Thursday, the numbers could be even bigger. The park is opening the gates to make room for 35 trucks and to reduce lines.

"Get here early, maximize your time and plan in advance. This is not a regular baseball game," said Mike Osegueda, Taco Truck Organizor.

For Noemi it will not be the same without Adrian. But she finds comfort knowing her brother's name will live on through the People's Choice Award, which he won twice. It has been renamed, in memory of him.

"He liked to go out and feed people."

It was his love for food, that fueled the truck and there are no plans to slow down, any time soon.

"So as long as we continue to do that, I think he'll be happy," said Noemi.