Dozens of downtown workers braved the rain and followed their noses to lunch on Friday.

The first Food Truck Friday of the year experienced dreary weather but drew patrons who walked from nearby workplaces to the Suffolk Executive Offices parking lot prepared to get wet.

“It’s not ideal weather, but we’re hoping it blows over,” said Suffolk Executive Offices owner Richard Chaing. “The people have got their umbrellas, though. They came prepared.”

The event is the result of a partnership between Suffolk Executive Offices and ForKids. A portion of the proceeds collected on Friday was donated to ForKids to help homeless families and children, according to the press release.

Representatives also shared information about the new ForKids Center for Children and Families on West Constance Road that’s expected to open this summer.

“We’re encouraging people to get involved and letting them know that we’re here in Suffolk,” ForKids Community Engagement Coordinator Katie McCarthy said.

Chesapeake Concessions Owner Anna Castine served a hungry line of customers with her delicious selection of sandwiches, including a flavorful, specially-made crab cake with smooth and zesty brown Cajun mustard.

“I don’t use anything other than crab, mayo, eggs, Ritz crackers and some special seasoning,” Castine said. “It’s the crab itself that’s the real secret.”

Vernon Brown said his stomach started growling the moment he saw pizza grilled cheese on the menu. He finished his sandwich by the time the rain let up.

“You can’t beat this,” Brown said. “I can taste the cheese, the pepperoni. I’m about to eat this whole thing right here.”

Shauntae Holloway said she enjoyed the convenience of taking a quick lunch break at Morgan Memorial Library next door to grab lunch outside. Kim Hendricks had the same comfort walking out of City Hall.

“I love it,” Hendricks said. “We don’t have to go anywhere. We can just walk right outside.”

The Salty Gypsea mobile boutique was also in the parking lot selling women’s apparel, jewelry and gifts. Owner Carla Gore said it’s a great opportunity for businesses to offer their wares.

“It’s a great thing for the city,” she said. “It gives people something different to do.”

Amy Thurston of the city’s planning department agreed as she walked away from a rack of clothes to take 10 steps for a crab cake sandwich.

“They should do this regularly,” Thurston said. “You’ve got a hub of city employees downtown, and this gives us something new to try.”

This is the second Food Truck Friday — the first was held back in September — and it seems the event organizers do, in fact, plan to have it regularly. The next Food Truck Friday will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 27 and will feature the J&K Style Grill food truck.

Call Justice Green at 925-4744 for more information.