This Fresno food truck exploded. Now it’s coming back — and it’s opening a restaurant

Last summer, the popular Planet Vegan food truck exploded in Fresno and burned two people, the flames that swallowed the truck and trailer caught on camera.

The owners have been laying low since, but posted on social media Monday that they plan to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

The business posted a picture of an empty building on Instagram, saying “Park Place Here We Come!!”

The location is in the Park Place shopping center at Palm and Nees avenues, between Popolo’s Pizza and the newly opened location of Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar.

The owners were not immediately available to comment.

It did not say when exactly it would open, but the post said: “Thank you Everyone once again for EVERYTHING and see you this SUMMER, WE absolutely can’t WAIT!!”

Planet Vegan

The food made a splash about three and a half years ago, the menu featuring vegan hamburgers, sandwiches and loaded french fries at events such as Gazebo Gardens food truck nights.

The truck and trailer were at a regular stop at the Chevron at the northeast corner of Shaw Avenue and First Street when “some sort of explosion” happened and it caught fire, according to the Fresno Fire Department.

A propane tank exploded, although it wasn’t clear if that was the initial cause of the fire. Photos showed extreme damage to the trailer, the blast sending debris 200 feet away and breaking the window of a car across the street.

Co-owner Joe Ellis had second-degree burns to about one-third of his body, according to the department. A 14-year-old boy was also injured in the blaze.

No update was available Monday on their injuries.

But the community was already welcoming Planet Vegan back. More than 2,200 people had liked the post and 167 comments were full of well wishes for the business.

“Dreams really do come true,” said one commenter.

Said another: “soo exciting!! and so happy for you! miss those planet vegan fries.”