Regarding food trucks in Asheville

Please let me point out that food trucks have been a staple in parts of Boston and Cambridge, Mass., and New York City for years. They add to the rich ambiance of these vibrant cities, all of which have always been major tourist destinations.

Food trucks can easily be licensed and monitored for health and safety just like other eateries.

In many cities and towns across America, the diverse flavors of foods prepared by local people who have a specialty to offer — often wonderful ethnic foods not otherwise available — are a great treat and a real attraction. In a number of cases their food is better, healthier and more fun (and less expensive) than restaurant food.

Have you ever had real Halaal or real kosher made by a person who is Muslim or Jewish and for whom their dietary laws are very real, made with local ingredients, and made to order just for you? Or real authentic Scottish, Portuguese, Moroccan, Greek, Brazilian, African, Albanian, Mongolian, Russian, even British food? Try it, you might like it!

For existing restauranteurs opposed to food trucks, it seems to be about the money; they don't want any more competition. One answer to that is not to put food trucks right out front of existing restaurants. Asheville is a big city. There is room enough for both in this town.

Besides, we need more entrepreneurship in Asheville! Imagine if this were an opportunity for some of the fabulous new chefs training at the award-winning A-B Tech culinary program.

Please approve food trucks in Asheville.

— Christopher Pratt
Asheville

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8 thoughts on “Regarding food trucks in Asheville

  1. Cosmic Ballroom

    I’m all for the food trucks but not for the reasons of making Asheville into Boston or Cambridge.

    Small business capitalism should be encouraged and supported, especially in this economy.

  2. City council is prepared to approve food trucks downtown. The problem is getting this matter out of committee. That committee is the Asheville Downtown Commission chaired by restaurant owner Dwight Butner.

    Also, remember that mobile foods trucks are already allowed in Asheville; just not downtown. They are already licensed, regulated, inspected and are operating successfully. They are, however, banned by the city from operating in the downtown historic district.

    City council needs to demand an interim report and move this matter forward. Time is of the essence.

    You can listen to my comments on this issue on 880AM Local Edge Radio at this podcast from yesterday:

    At 34:15 http://is.gd/hKcbRK / RT @timothypeck: mobile food trucks downtown on 880am radio show… #avlfoodtruck
    ………………………..

  3. Blake Butler of Local Edge Radio tells me that this issue will be the subject of an upcoming program sometime next week. Stay tuned.
    …………………………..

  4. Ashevegasjoe

    I’m all for the food trucks, but the letter writer can’t convince me that people will really want to try British or Scottish food (Blood sausage,yum!)

  5. cwaster

    Interesting that Butner is chair of that committee. Conflict of interest, anyone? This needs to proceed forward to Council, IMHO.

  6. Scott Anderson

    My wife and I are itching to start our own business and having just moved from Austin a food truck is our #1 goal. We want to bring fresh, local, vegetarian food and herbal elixers/drinks to the streets of Asheville. I feel the regulations are beginning to be relaxed, and with Suzy’s opening of her Lebanese food truck the way is already being paved. We want food trucks downtown!!!

  7. bill smith

    Food should likely only be sold to us by the federal goverment. They know what is best

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