Meals on Wheels hits the Hub

A proposal by Councilors Michael Ross and Sal LaMattina at a meeting at City Hall, will require a public hearing and approval by the mayor and a majority of the city council. The ordinance draws on lessons learned by other cities that have experienced a proliferation of gourmet food trucks. (Think San Fran)

The bill would require a fixed brick-and-mortar commissary for water, supplies, and cleaning; a ban on parking within 100' of an established restaurant selling similar food; and other requirements of running a mobile kitchen, such as having a bathroom plan so employees can use the toilet.



Ross and LaMattina  made a pilgrimage to the food truck Mecca of Los Angeles. The pair studied other city's food truck laws on the cross-country flight, crashed at LaMattina's brother's home, and spent a day at a food-truck on Friday in Venice Beach, devouring Korean barbecue tacos and grilled cheese stuffed with mac-and-cheese noodles.

"These guys are making money in a down economy and the citizens of LA love it," Ross said, who said he paid for the flight from his campaign fund and not taxpayer money.  "Every restaurant had lines out the door in addition to the food trucks."

The two councilors compiled their findings in a five-page report, which distinguishes between lunch wagons that deliver sandwiches and other pre-made food to work sites and high-end food trucks, which are literally full kitchens on wheels.