Hungry people in the Capital City may soon be able to grab a bite to eat from a truck on the street. After months of consideration, Raleigh City Council is expected to vote Tuesday to allow vendors to sell in more areas, more often, but it would come with restrictions.
“I think food trucks would bring a lot of life to areas the city wants life,” said Mike Stenke, a pizza truck vendor.
At times, things got heated.
“Some of these guys have invested a lot of money in getting their businesses open and running. A food truck parked across the street selling the same items, it’s not fair to them,” said Alex Amra with Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, a restaurant on Glenwood South in Raleigh.
For nearly a year, food truck vendors and Raleigh restaurant owners have argued over who has the right to serve up food and where they can dish it out.
“The council is trying to find a balance where the food trucks do have a role, but don’t directly compete across the street from the restaurants,” said Mayor Charles Meeker.
For months, the Law and Public Safety Committee has heard from both sides. They’ve worked on an ordinance that would force food trucks to stay at least 100 feet from all restaurants and only allow one food truck per half-acre.
“Most food trucks aren’t really a big threat to restaurants. They aren’t the same thing. A food truck doesn’t have table and chairs, doesn’t have A/C, doesn’t have roof over its head, doesn’t have a nice wine list and tablecloths and a bathroom. They’re different things,” said Brian Bottger, owner of a burger food truck.
Restaurant owners say they pay more in taxes, have more overhead, and their permanent business has helped give Raleigh a boost.
“If Glenwood South or downtown goes under, these guys roll away. They set up somewhere else. We’re out our investment,” Amra said.
Now both sides are counting on council members to keep them cooking. Last week, the Law and Public Safety Committee couldn’t agree on how late trucks could operate. The Council could decide that before their vote Tuesday.
Currently, only hot dog vendors are allowed to set up on Raleigh streets. Other food trucks have to wait for festivals or events.
The council will take up the issue at their meeting at 1 p.m.
