Reeling in Success: Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos and Juneau’s Food Truck Phenomenon
In the heart of downtown Juneau where streets once framed empty, blighted lots, a bold new chapter began in 2016—penned not by marketing planners or national developers, but by a 25-year-old fisherman with a vision of the future and $27,000 to his name. That fisherman was Dave McCasland—better known today as Deckhand Dave. What started as a humble food truck slinging fresh fish tacos quickly evolved into something far more impactful: Juneau’s – and Alaska’s – first dedicated food truck park at the corner of Franklin and Front in Downtown Juneau. Deckhand Dave didn’t just open a business—he rewrote the script for urban revitalization in Alaska’s capital city.
Where others saw liability and decay, Deckhand Dave saw possibility. He cleaned up three derelict properties long considered nuisances, an entire city block… and transformed them into a thriving community anchor. With a string of small investments and an unwavering commitment to local sourcing, Deckhand Dave carved out a gathering space where cruise passengers, office professionals, and locals alike now line up for wild-caught Alaskan seafood fare – halibut, rockfish, sockeye salmon, and oysters—served fresh, fast, and with a side of story.
But this isn’t just a story about good seafood. It’s a story about economic reinvention. Deckhand Dave’s business model has been centered on reinvesting in the community since Day 1. He buys fish from Juneau and Haines and oysters from Southeast Alaska growers while pouring local and statewide spirits and brews. He also poured over $100,000 into architectural and engineering studies to preserve historic buildings. And by renting spaces to other food entrepreneurs, he’s cultivated a thriving platform where others can prosper and grow.
Dave’s food truck park not only helps revitalize a part of downtown Juneau, but it is also lifting other entrepreneurs by providing a vibrant space where locals and visitors can gather. The park includes plenty of seating, fire pits, a custom-made boat bar inspired by Deckhand Dave’s days at sea, restroom facilities, and a 1500-square-foot tented seating area perfect for Juneau’s cool and rainy summer days and evenings. Not only does this food truck park offer a unique and enjoyable dining experience in the heart of downtown Juneau, it combines local flavors and flair with a sense of community atmosphere.
While Deckhand Dave’s rise was built on endless grit and solid determination, it was amplified through early support from loans by the Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC). While his finance needs are now met by the formal banking sector, Dave acknowledges that the early support from JEDC played a vital role in growing his business into a local favorite and remarks “I feel fortunate that JEDC provided resources and had confidence in me to make those early loans.” JEDC’s Executive Director, Brian Holst, adds “Entrepreneurs are responsible for their success. Nonetheless, it is hugely rewarding to see the committed work of the entrepreneur pay-off and know that our team and resources at JEDC had a positive role in their success.”
These positive ripple effects are still growing with Deckhand Dave envisioning new community spaces to anchor even more creative energy downtown. Deckhand Dave’s story shows how – with a strong vision, local know-how, and a commitment to place – even the smallest investments can yield outsized returns—for individuals, for neighborhoods, and for the economic health of a city built on resilience.
About JEDC:
JEDC is a 501(c)4 public-private partnership based in Juneau, Alaska and established via a city ordinance in 1987. With funding from corporate partners, local/state/federal grants, philanthropies, and private investors, JEDC plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthy and sustainable economic climate in Juneau and throughout Southeast Alaska. To invest in Juneau, contact the JEDC Investor Support Team at invest@jedc.org or (907) 523-2326.