Mobile Food Trucks in Downtown Provo

The Council recently discussed possible regulation permitting the use of Mobile Food Trucks in downtown Provo. 

The Council was presented a detailed analysis of possible Mobile Food Truck regulations in downtown Provo, including the results of an informal online survey which solicited input from residents about mobile food vending at a Council Work Meeting.

The Council also heard views of parties which will be directly affected by proposed regulation; the mobile food truck community and brick-and-mortar restaurant owners. Entrepreneur Christian Faulconer offered some thoughts on behalf of mobile food truck vendors, and Dean Judd, the owner of Guru’s restaurant in downtown Provo, also offered the perspective of the Downtown Restaurant Organization.

The Survey 

The informal survey was posted to the Council’s blog , and also shared by Provo Mayor John Curtis. Roughly 800 responses were gathered, with a general consensus of survey respondents indicating their desire to see more food truck vending in downtown Provo. To review the highlights presented at the Council’s work meeting, see here.

The Council also discussed the following issues and questions regarding Mobile Food Trucks: 

• Time/Location Restrictions
• Distance Requirements (Restaurants, other vendors, residential)
• Parking requirements
• City Parks requirements
• Background check requirements

Several policy questions were also presented and discussed by the Council. These included: 

• Do food trucks pose a threat to existing downtown businesses?
• Is Provo downtown vibrant enough to support mobile food vending on top of existing brick and mortar restaurants?
• Should Provo allow some “trial runs” to see if there is interest in food trucks in downtown Provo?
• How does the City remain loyal to those who have invested in the downtown through brick and mortar while also offering a service that residents want?

The Council continued this item to July 15, 2014 Council Work Meeting and regular Council Meeting for further discussion and the presentation of additional findings related to this issue. 

If you’d like to watch the presentation and discussion, you may find the video recording here. 

You can review the text of the proposed ordinance here.

What are your thoughts about mobile food vending in downtown Provo?

You can share your comments with the Council by either commenting on this post, or by directly reaching out to Council Members here.