Food truck owners say city rules make it difficult to schedule when and where. Restaurateurs argue that they have more expenses and hire more people.
The Netherlands, Texas — A public hearing was held Monday at Netherlands City Hall on how and where food trucks could operate around the city.
Current rules only allow food trucks to set up special events at businesses, which is unsettling some food truck owners. Food truck owners say city regulations are hard to find when and where to set them.
On the other hand, some restaurant owners believe that food trucks threaten their bottom line when the situation is already dire. Restaurateurs argue they have more expenses, hire more people and pay more taxes.
No decision was made on Monday, but city leaders were able to see what both parties wanted.
“The cost of food is horrible right now. It’s hard to do anything to stay in business, let alone competition from people who don’t pay to do what I do,” said La Suprema restaurant owner Remi Bryan. Netherlands.
Food truck owners say there are limits to when and where they can set up. They have to comply with specific city ordinances, and most can’t afford their own brick-and-mortar store.
Keith Bass, the owner of The Dude’s Foods food truck, is the one calling for a public hearing.
“A business has to invite you. Temporary permits are no more than three days, once a month. So basically, 12 times a year. That’s it,” Bass said.
Kenny Mings owns both a restaurant and a food truck, but he supports restaurants, which he says is a reliable way to support local businesses.
“Once you open it up, people realize, ‘Hey, I can go in anytime,’ and it’s going to bring more food trucks, it’s going to be out of the way of the community,” Mings said.
Despite the differences, business owners can see potential in middle ground, such as food truck parks.
“Of course, I have no problem with a place where they can all go and people can say ‘Oh food truck, I want food trucks today, I’m going here.'”
The Dutch Planning and Zoning Board will hold another public meeting on November 8, 2022 at 5pm at 1903 Atlanta Blvd.
The committee will make recommendations on possible action by the city council at a meeting in December.