Should Food Trucks Be Allowed Statewide?
Chicago just issued its first license allowing people to cook and sell items on food trucks. Patch wants to know if a similar law should be approved statewide? Tell us in the comment section below.
The Chicago City Council recently issued its first “on-board” cooking license to Dan Salls, owner of the Salsa Truck, the Chicago Tribune reported.
While mobile dining has been around in the U.S. since the 1600s, the idea has gained in popularity in recent years, with shows like The Great Food Truck Race, and the prestigious Zagat guide starting to review food trucks in 2011, according to Mobile-Cusine.com.
Food trucks are allowed in some Chicago suburbs, such as Evanston, but not in all communities.
Patch wants to know: Should food trucks be allowed statewide? Tell us in the comment section below.
The City of Evanston passed a food truck ordinance in 2010, which allows businesses with a physical restaurant within city limits to apply for a food vehicle vendors’ license. A judge recently sided with the City of Evanston in a dispute with Chicago-based food truck Beavers Coffee and Donuts, which argued the city’s policy is unconstitutional because it discriminated against businesses that were not Evanston-based, the Daily Northwestern reported.
Along the North Shore, the City of Highland Park is also considering allowing food trucks after receiving more than 25 permit requests in 2012. By comparison, the Village of Deerfield reports getting only two inquiries last year, so it's not a big issue yet.
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TAKH
8:41 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
I think each community should decide for itself, but I disagree with the ruling that said it is ok to say no to vendors that don't have a brick and mortar shop in the city.
Patch Reader
8:59 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
As long as they are inspected/licensed and have permission from property owners to park on their property, I think they should absolutely be allowed. They provide a fun alternative to takeout.
E. Moran
11:58 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
I have frequented food trucks in other cities in the US and LOVE them. As long as they are licensed and inspected, I don't see the need to require a physical building. Bring them on!
Silvia
2:17 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
They should, legally of course. I love food trucks, many have inventive cooks and it is fun to eat outside!
Ross F. Firestone
2:55 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Licensed and inspected food trucks statewide are a great idea. They should be allowed to park in any place parking, and not just food truck parking, is legal. They should be encouraged.
Ross, Glencoe
Merrill M
7:53 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Talented and entrepreneurial cooks can use food trucks as a feasibility test before taking the big risk of opening an actual restaurant. They can assess markets to determine the ideal one for a location. Economic growth in the US has always started with small businesses. As long as the trucks meet licensing and inspection standards and are positioned for their own safety as well as patrons, we should provide them the opportunity.