The WSJ reports that 32 NYC food trucks have formed a trade group, the New York City Food Truck Association, and hired a lobbyist, Capalino + Co, to help reduce the time it takes to get a vendor's license, and fight for their right to operate out of metered spots. The president of the organization is David Weber, who co-owns the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck.
As we've seen in the past, mobile restaurants have had a tough time dealing with law enforcement. Earlier this year, Paty's Taco Truck on the UWS was subject to what they claim was a "ticketing blitz" from the cops, that eventually led to the arrest of its owner and the shutting down of its operations. After suing the city, a Supreme Court judge ruled against them, saying that just like any other vendor, they couldn't operate from a metered spot. But still, a lot of food trucks rely on these spaces for their day-to-day operations.
Group member Derek Kaye of Eddie's Pizza Truck notes: "The city has pretty much metered the entire city...I don't think the law is up-to-date." And, as it stands, a lot of the law enforcement seems to hinge on whether or not a building or neighbor complains. Hopefully, this group will also help ease the tensions between vendors, and prevent those nasty turf wars that pop up every now and again. Not everybody's on board, though: dessert truck Sweetery did not joint the group.
· Don't Call Them Softees [WSJ]
· All Coverage of Food Trucks on Eater [~ENY~]
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