Food Trucks!

     So what’s the big deal about allowing food trucks? I think it’s a great idea. I think it would elevate the food production industry in our fair town. From what I see on the Food Network, today’s food trucks are not the bean wagons they once were. No, these rolling kitchens are dispensing pretty sophisticated cuisine and in my humble opinion would give our existing restaurants a run for their money. Of course, I don’t own a restaurant, so I see this as a good thing, a view not shared by some of those who do. But isn’t this America, home of the competitive? Isn’t good, honest competition one of the mainstays of our capitalist system? I’ve asked several people, (none of them restaurant owners), for their thoughts on this, and without exception they have said “Bring on the food trucks!” It seems there is a certain school of thought that embraces the idea that our restaurants need a good ‘kick in the pants’ to relieve a complacency believed to exist in the local food industry. Personally, I think it’s a good way to get people to come here. Why couldn’t this be a foodie destination? Of course the trucks would have to be regulated, and subject to the same health laws and licensing as any food distributor here in town, and we would need to designate areas where they could operate with appropriate fees for the spaces they occupy, but that’s all just an extension of the regs already in place.  

     Or, if that’s not acceptable, how about allowing them in a designated area only on certain days of the week, the way we do the Farmer’s Market? That might work. In fact, what’s the big difference between the two? I see them as more similar than different.

     I’m sure there are other ways to do this that I haven’t thought of. Why not consider it? Food trucks might be a great addition to our town, and I don’t think we should reject the idea out of hand, just because it’s a change. It could be a good change.