CHARLOTTE, NC — Food trucks are more than just a trend.
They are a small business model that’s gaining traction in Charlotte, but proposed city regulations could take your favorite uptown lunch destination off the menu.
“We want to show them what we do. Let them know where our business lies. And then help write the rules from there,” says Herban Legend owner/chef Brian Seeley.
Chef Brian Seeley is part of a new breed of small business owner in Charlotte. There are more than 40 food trucks in the city now. It’s a group banding together to get the city to change the way it looks at food trucks.
“One of the regulations would prevent us from being able to go into residential neighborhoods, which I understand. However, a large part of our business is actually private caterings in those neighborhoods,” says The Tin Truck owner David Stuck.
The city is also considering limiting access to offices and business parks, and restrictions on how close they can be to restaurants and bars.
The lines at food trucks don’t lie. People love the food, the variety, and the convenience.
“I hate walking all the way down to the Epicenter from the Spirit Square to get food,” says Charlotte resident Mileena Ireland. “Yeah, the closer the better.”
This food truck fight is about more than just a lunch rush in Uptown.
The Charlotte Food Truck Association doesn’t feel their input has been used by the Charlotte Planning Committee in outlines that could go before city council.
The city tells WCCB Charlotte that the process is ongoing, and that the planning committee is working with the truck owners.
“I think there’s the misconception, probably just in general, that food trucks drive around raking in the cash and don’t pay taxes,” says Stuck. “Well, I can assure you that’s not true.”
The Food Truck Association started an online petition for people to show support. It already has more than 1,500 signatures.
The next Charlotte Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 29.
