Well, this is news...
Yesterday the City of Miami shut down the popular food truck event at the American Legion post, 6445 Northeast 7th Avenue Miam. The event was well-attended, and had the support of the home owners association, but was not up to code.
The Legion post and the principle organizer of the event, Jack Garabedian, the owner of the Jefe’s Original truck, are working to get the permits in order so the event can continue next week.
"We're doing everything we can to comply," Garabedian said. "But we're not lawyers, we're food truck operators. We don't know how long it's going to take."
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Update | 10:12 p.m: The were at least four City of Miami police cars at the Legion, one of which was telling people to leave with a loud speaker. Seems like the city is starting to take food trucks more seriously. This has been developing for awhile - but we'll keep our eye on the commission to see if there are any regulations in the pipeline.
Update | 6:30 p.m: The event at Biscayne Plaza was also canncelled. Kelliann McDonald, the PR rep for Teranova, set us this quote:
""Ours was postponed. No trucks showed up. That's what happens when drama's involved. I'm extremely disappointed. Let's see what happens for next week. we're still open to working with which ever trucks and organizers are willing."
Update | 3:30 p.m: The food truck event at the American Legion has been canceled. Let us know what you think in the comment section, we'll be there to get reactions.
This story was published in the Herald sometime yesterday so I'm thinking that all this happened on Wednesday although the article really doesn't say and the "update" times are reversed and undated.
But the bottom line is that it appears as though the City of Miami is starting to realize that there's money for them in the food truck craze and they're doing what they can to cash in on it. You have to wonder if the trucks are also going to garner more attention from county and state regulators as this meals-on-wheels fad doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
It's interesting to note, however, that when I review a few of the food truck Twitterfeeds, only passing reference is made to all this drama. And when you check out Burger Beast, which is South Florida Food Truck HQ, there is nothing.
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12 comments:
Burger Beast is probably recovering from a food coma after yesterday's Burger Bash at South Beach Wine and Food Fest.
We track the food trucks and event on Twitter (@EdibleSouthFlorida and @MiamiCheapEats) and there was quite a bit of back and forth on whether yesterday's event was on or off because of code and permitting issues that went right up to the last minute. Tweeting all the details might have been confusing for food aficionados who just want to know where to go to get their dinner. So we chose to report just the latest updates, not the underlying causes of the "drama" the story referred to.
Seems likely, though, that the code enforcement issue will continue to cause disruptions as municipalities deal with these caravans, which draw plenty of traffic. This can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. We'll just have to stay tuned to see how this gets resolved as Miami accommodates this popular new addition to the food culture.
overheard on police bullhorn: "everyone leave... except the donut truck.
Interesting timing, since just last weekend I was speaking with a foodie friend and wondered how the trucks handled the permitting for these "rallies." (I'm assuming that each truck has the appropriate operating licenses, so that isn't the issue.)
New Times broke this yesterday.
Oliver, ftw.
It's unfortunate that the City of Miami can't just let the people have what they want. Food truck gatherings are apparently a problem but guys selling BBQ in a gas station parking lot, or guys with oranges/lemons/churros at intersections, or even the woman by my office selling tube socks at a red light, apparently that is totally OK. Bottom line is the City doesnt bother those small-time folks because they can't make money that way. Food trucks are popular, therefore must be exploited for City gain.
Sure, BM, it's all fun til somebody pokes an eye out. Then it's "where was the city?"
Either they're up to code, like any other food establishment, or they're not. Food trucks are not special that way. As a matter of fact, they're much closer to the motor oil than many of us are accustomed to. Hell, add a couple more deep-friers and a tilt-a-whirl, and its starts looking suspiciously like a carnival. Except no elephant ears.
And leave tube-sock lady alone. She's getting crushed by Wal-Mart.
It's funny they spoke to Teranova because you can't cancel an event that wasn't going to happen in the first place. The Harley Davidson event in Cutler Bay replaced the 81st and Biscayne Blvd (Teranova's property)due to a lack of interest from the trucks.
on a similar note, now that wynwood is starting to become popular and a cool place to check out art and dine...there seems to be some city sponsored nazi fun force harassing all the clubs and restaurants! same thing, when the city smells money they send in the SS!
Nonee - all trucks were recently inspected at an event by the board of health. All passed.
We have no problems here in the Tampa/St. Pete area, so sad to hear the issues closed this event down.
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