By Sheba Clarke | Rochester YNN
“We’re really a different kind of food truck, I think. Previously, food trucks were thought of as festivals you crank it out, that’s it,” said Veronica McClive.
It’s a growing business McClive takes pride in being a part of.
“We want to be on the street. We want be doing lunches dinners and breakfast, just like a restaurant but on wheels.”
She owns Le Petit Poutine. It’s one of about 25 food truck owners in Rochester and she is happy that city council is opening up its downtown to their business.
“We are happy that the city is opening a conversation with us so we are excited that progress is being made. It sounds like councilmembers are generally favorable and excited about trucks.”
Tuesday night, council members approved a pilot program for the food trucks to set up shop in three different locations downtown. They include include State Street and Morrie Silver Way, Andrews and Front Street, and Broad Street and South Avenue.
“I suppose in some respects, we are a little behind the game, because most major cities have already developed a policy and regulations for food truck vending, particularly in their center cities,” said councilmember Carolee Conklin.
Food truck owners say the downside is there’s only room for six food trucks: two at each location, first come first serve.
“This is not a fair system for us to work with. So I ask that we revisit the situation and try to find another way to assign spots in some way,” said Paul Vroman, Brick-N-Motor food truck owner.
Not to mention a $750 fee. Food truck owner Arthur Rothfuss questions if it’s worth it.
“The city is collecting $750 which is the same price that a cart pays for an entire year. They get six months, they get a guaranteed spot. We get 25 trucks fighting for six spots,” said Rothfuss.
The pilot program starts June 1st and goes for seven months. Then, it’s up for evaluation.
“We do hope we can be a big part of the discussion afterwards,” said McClive.
City Council says the pilot program ends next year. Council will then meet with fire, police and the Clerk’s Office to review and evaluate the program, then it will make recommendations for a full year of licensing.
http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/664558/city-council-approves-food-truck-plan/
