Food Truck Rodeo!

The city of Augusta is on the verge of having multiple food trucks. Crums on Central has one. The Rooster’s Beak has one. The Brown Bag is a new truck just getting going. There are many more in the works. As such, the city’s Planning and Development Department added an agenda item on Tuesday’s commission meeting to set forth rules and regulations. Word got out that the commission would be discussing the issue, and some owners made their way to the marble palace to see what was going on. Most, if not all, food truck owners in town are established restaurant owners who see this as an opportunity to expand their brand and reach new customers, creating an additional revenue stream. Thus, they are well versed in the requirements placed upon them by the county to operate. Food safety, proper equipment, handling of waste… the importance of all of these issues is definitely agreed upon by operators. Where it gets a little sticky is when the city limits or restricts them in such a way as to make them difficult to operate. One of the proposed ordinances would place a limit of just one food truck vendor per lot or parcel. That restriction just doesn’t make sense. It’s a part of the food truck culture to have maybe four or six at a time, and it becomes an event that people can come to. Google “Food Truck Rodeo” and you’ll find literally hundreds around the country. You have to be able to have more than one truck at an event. Our suggestion? Sit down with the food truck owners and work with them on ordinances ahead of passing them. Copying ordinances from other cities won’t work. There are no other cities like Augusta. Giddy up!You Might Also Like: