Souvlaki-truck owner Karen Shard has a beef with the way the District’s food truck program is currently being operated.
The owner of Carte Diem Seize The Souvlaki spoke to councillors at a committee meeting on Feb. 6, suggesting some changes that could be made to help business owners.
“When the opportunity came about last year to purchase this permit, I was told that we could move around to different spots. But I’ve since been informed this year that is not the case,” said Shard.
This year Shard paid $1,000 for her spot in Brennan Park, but she was also interested in the spot outside London Drugs in the Highlands, one at Quest University and one on Cleveland Ave. but they had already been claimed.
For example, Woodfire Pizza has both the Quest and London Drugs locations.
Locations are limited to one food truck. The locations were assigned originally on a first-come, first-serve basis and have stayed the same since, according to District staff.
“My question is, how can a food truck be in two places at one time?” said Shard.
Shard suggested rather than a strict model of paying and owning spots all year, owners should be able to sign up for certain spots on certain days.
Staff were quick to point out that the food trucks spots only began selling in 2016, and the program is still in a pilot phase with room for changes. They are looking into making changes and doing an inventory of available spaces.
Coun. Karen Elliott said possible changes will need to involve consultation with all businesses affected.
