August 24, 2022 |
In Saratoga, out-of-town food trucks able to operate without permits are leaving local restaurant owners frustrated.
Town ordinances don’t address the operation of food trucks in anyway. No permits or fees are required. Times of operation or even location near existing restaurants aren’t specified, either. Town code is moot on mobile food vendors. This has allowed operators to come in and compete against local brick-and-mortar restaurants at will. Other communities, such as Rawlins, have statutes covering this type of service and associated fees.
Some local restaurant owners are upset. They asked Amanda Knotwell, Executive Director of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, to address last Tuesday’s town council meeting about their frustrations.
The main issue stems from the fact that the food trucks are able to sell their wares to the public without financially contributing to the town. They do not have to follow the same regulations as local businesses. Permitting for food trucks is less stringent than for traditional restaurants.
Knotwell said typically food trucks are either invited into town during a special event or are members of the chamber of commerce. Several local restaurants have food trucks of their own.
Councilman Jon Nelson asked Danny Burau, owner and operator of Firewater Public House, about commissary agreements, which he needs to set up in a business’ parking lot. Burau said his experience has been that a contract is required allowing the vendor to use the business’ facilities.
Councilman Nelson sees a lack of regulation as an invitation for operators to abuse the situation and put local owners at risk of losing business.
While not aimed at any specific food vendor, Councilman Nelson said that something should be done this year to eliminate the loophole.
Mayor Creed James was also unable to point to a specific ordinance on the books that addresses food truck activity at all.
Food trucks have been operating this summer out of the parking lot of the Family Dollar. The manager of the discount store, Patricia Branch, said that she does not have an official agreement with the vendors, just a hand-shake deal allowing their employees get free lunch. Branch added that the food trucks do bring increased business.
The only regulations on food trucks are through the state. All food trucks must be registered and inspected at least once a year by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.
In Rawlins, food trucks owned by people who don’t live in the city must get an additional non-residential business license.
Saratoga Town Council took no action. Mayor James says the governing body will look into the matter.
