Ridgeland aldermen update food truck ordinance
As a food truck court in the old Bumper’s on U.S. 51 nears completion, the owners say they hope to be serving up tacos, burritos, wings and burgers by the end of April.
Carlos Garcia owns the food truck court in progress at 238 U.S. 51 just north of I-55. Most recently the space was Lee’s Deer Processing and before that a Bumper’s Drive-In.
Garcia will operate two food trucks out of the court and told city officials when site plans and architectural review for the court were approved by the Mayor and Board of Alderman last summer that he hoped to rent spaces to other truck operators as well.
In addition to food truck parking, the development will feature customer parking and covered seating.
He said they expect to serve a variety of “the most popular” foods and cuisines. He said his trucks will serve popular Mexican food such as tacos and burritos, wings and burgers and other selections.
“I think we will have something for everybody, anyone who wants to come,” Garcia said.
He said he hopes to be open in three or four weeks.
City officials approved a food truck ordinance in November 2018 stipulating the registration and permit process of individual food trucks looking to operate in the city. Requirements included Architectural Review Board approval and other stipulations. At the time city officials said the process would allow for trucks looking to park individually at events as well as forming parks or commissaries.
Most recently, Community Development Director Alan Hart presented a proposal to the city board at their last regular meeting that would repeal and replace Chapter 22, Article V of the city’s mobile food vending ordinance.
“These changes will better accommodate the operators of the food trucks and will ensure that we can get sales tax from them,” Hart said.
The amendment was passed on the consent agenda unanimously, 6-0, with Ward 4 Alderman Brian Ramsey absent.
Hart said that the changes had festivals and weekend events in mind and would not affect Garcia’s business.
Ward 2 Alderman Chuck Gautier pointed out that the new language also eases up on previous brick and mortar requirements for food trucks.
Before opening, Garcia will have to receive city Architectural Review Board approval for his two trucks. Any additional trucks will need ARB approval as well.