For over 15 years, Bucknell’s treasured food truck, affectionately known as the Flying Bison or simply the “Flyson,” has been fueling late-night cravings and weekend memories. Stationed at the corner of Moore Avenue and 7th Street, the bright blue and orange truck has become a campus icon, serving comfort food favorites long after the dining halls close.
“The Flyson has been a beloved campus tradition for over 15 years and it continues to be one of the highlights of Bucknell’s late-night dining scene,” said Heather Sherwood, Bucknell’s Assistant Director of Retail Operations who oversees all retail dining locations on campus, including the Flying Bison.
The Flyson did not start as the late-night hub students know today. “It started as a breakfast outlet at KLARC U,” Sherwood explained. “It later transitioned to a late-night option at Vedder Circle, then moved to the volleyball courts behind Vedder and eventually to its current location at the corner of Moore Ave and 7th Street.”
That final move turned out to be the right one. The truck’s now-permanent home near downtown Lewisburg has made it easily accessible for students winding down from a night out or wrapping up late study sessions.
The Flying Bison’s distinctive look is also a part of its story. “The design for the Flying Bison was created by the University’s own graphic design team in Publications, Print & Mail (PPM),” Sherwood shared. “Adrienne Beaver, a former Bucknell designer, worked with us to develop the design that has now become iconic with the Flyson.”
Each weekend, the Flyson rolls up for its signature late-night hours: Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 3 a.m. The truck operates when every other dining location on campus has closed, providing students with a unique alternative to venturing off campus.
“It gives students the chance to enjoy their favorite foods late at night after other dining locations close, without having to leave campus,” Sherwood said. “I think it’s something many students look forward to as part of their weekend experience.”
The Flyson’s menu reflects exactly what students crave at that hour, offering warm, filling and flavorful comfort food.
When it comes to fan favorites, two items reign supreme. “The nacho tots and the chicken & waffle sandwich are the most popular items,” Sherwood said. “Students come back every weekend just for these favorites.”
The menu is not static, as student input plays a key role in shaping it. “We regularly take feedback from students and love incorporating their ideas for fun new menu items,” Sherwood explained. “Some of the suggestions, like adding dessert options, have led to seasonal offerings such as brownies, cannoli dip and apple pancakes.”
This openness to feedback has helped the Flyson stay fresh and relevant over the years. The occasional surprises on the menu give students something to look forward to each semester, whether it is a new late-night special or a limited-time treat.
While students line up outside for their orders, a hardworking team keeps things running smoothly inside the truck. “Our Food Truck Supervisor, David Slaugenhaupt, oversees operations,” Sherwood said. “A typical shift runs from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. We also bring in cooks from the Bison to help everything run smoothly.”
The long hours and fast-paced environment mean that working on the Flyson is no small feat, but it is also full of energy and camaraderie. “We’ve had a few student workers over the years who really enjoyed the energy of working late nights on the truck,” Sherwood added.
And, of course, there have been some memorable moments. “One student once rented an Uber to order food, then went to pick up all his friends and came back to order again!” she recalled. Stories like these speak to the Flyson’s unique role in campus life, not just as a food truck but as a shared experience that brings students together.
In recent years, the Flying Bison has expanded beyond its late-night weekend hours. “We’ve been doing occasional pop-ups with Student Affairs and using the truck for catering events,” Sherwood said. “Upcoming pop-ups include Saturday, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at the corner of Moore Ave and 7th Street, in partnership with Student Affairs. The Office of Interpersonal Violence Prevention & Advocacy is also renting the truck for a ticketed event on Oct. 29 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.”
These collaborations have allowed the Flyson to connect with students during the day and support various campus initiatives.
The truck’s popularity even extends beyond the current student body. “Alumni requested we bring the Flyson back for Reunion Weekend this past year for nostalgia, and it didn’t disappoint!” Sherwood said. “We’ve even hosted an event at the West Campus Apartments and remain open to student input on hours and future locations.”
It is clear that the Flying Bison has built a loyal following among generations of Bucknellians, with alumni and current students alike sharing fond memories of late nights spent waiting in line for nacho tots or chicken and waffles. From its humble beginnings as a breakfast spot to its current role as a beloved weekend staple, the Flying Bison has become an integral part of Bucknell’s student experience. Whether it is the buzz of conversation under the streetlights, the comfort of a warm meal after midnight or the nostalgia that keeps alumni coming back, the Flyson represents the simple joy of Bucknell’s community, one order at a time.
