Will Boston Become A Food Truck City?

JOIN FOOD TRUCK NATION TODAY AT BOSTON CITY HALL HEARING TO VOICE YOUR OPINION AND SUPPORT THE FOOD TRUCK MOVEMENT: TUESDAY, 2:30PM | BOSTON CITY HALL, 5th Floor

Boston lags behind every major city in concept food trucks. Rather than draw business away from brick and mortar stores and restaurants, studies have repeatedly found that food trucks actually increase business to the stores in neighborhoods where they operate. Portland, Oregon is an example of a city that has embraced food truck culture by removing restrictions on where they can operate and allowing them to operate as small businesses. As a result, Portland has become a food destination for many tourists, and was recently voted by CNN as the world’s best street food city.

Food Truck Nation Compiled A List Benefits That Boston Will See, IF Ready:

Food Trucks Drive Sustainability by Using Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Food Trucks Provide Young Entrepreneurs Low-Cost Entry For Showcasing Culinary Talent and Attract the Creative Class
Food Trucks Provide Jobs and Build Entrepreneurial Spirit in an Downturn Economy
Food Trucks Draw Tourism to the City
Area Merchants Can Reap an Economic Benefit From the Creation of a Commercial and Cultural Destination that Food Trucks Provide
Food Trucks Help Reinvigorate Fledgling Restaurants
Concept Food Trucks Elevate Boston’s National Profile as a “Foodie City” by Contributing to the Culinary Character of the City
Food Trucks are covered by National Food Media - Food Network just launched “The Great Food Truck Race”
Street Food Culture is Thriving all Over the World, from Mexico, to Morocco — 2.5 Billion Eat Street Food Annually
Food Trucks Allow Restaurateurs to Test New Food Items & Flavor Trends
Food Trucks Provide Livelihood for the City, i.e. Food Trucks give The Rose Kennedy Greenway Purpose and Pedestrians A Reason To Utilize and Enjoy The Parks
Food Trucks Have The Power To Extend Restaurant/Chef Brands Beyond Their Local Address
Food Trucks Offer Quick, Diverse, Delicious and Affordable Food for Students and Working People
Food Trucks Create Festive Atmosphere for Tourists
Food Trucks are Safe, Clean and Health Code Compliant
Supporting Food Trucks Helps to Keep More Money in Massachusetts, Rather Than Sending Corporate Profits Out of State
A 2008 Study* Has Shown that Food Trucks Have Positive Impact on Street Vitality and Neighborhood Life

* SOURCE: Urban Vitality Group, 2008.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! IS BOSTON READY TO BECOME A FOOD TRUCK CITY?

Growing Support for Street Food in Boston

Mike Ross’ Dream Food Trucks

City Council Hearing On Food Truck Tuesday

Food Truck Nation Appearance at Boston City Hall Food Truck Hearing

[PHOTO CREDIT]: Evan Saunders, @EvanSaun on Twitter

Food Truck Nation’s state-of-the-art mobile food truck rolled onto City Hall Plaza, while its founders Todd Saunders and Ron Sarni testified at the first ever food truck hearing held at Boston City Hall. Most of the people in attendance seemed to be in support of bringing the national food truck movement to Boston by way of loosening legislation and supporting food trucks as viable business entities and vibrant members of Boston’s business community.

Saunders and Sarni articulated why they were eager to support and invest in Boston’s emerging mobile food truck industry, acknowledging that Boston is uniquely positioned to become a top Mobile Food Truck city.

After the hearing, Saunders and Sarni had a chance to showcase their truck to City Council President, Mike Ross, and District City Councilor, Sal LaMattina along with some other members of the committee. Hearing attendees, food truck owners, and entrepreneurs were also invited to hop on board and take a look at the truck. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to speak directly to committee members and attendees in a less formal atmosphere.

Food Truck Nation sees food trucks as the new frontier in Boston’s future culinary infrastructure. FTN believes Boston is well poised to examine “best practices” of other U.S. cities that have embraced food truck culture and start fresh with an approach that not only benefits its stakeholders - the citizenry, the merchants, the suppliers – but also contributes to the character of the city.

Thanks for your support!

Food trucks are rolling into the mainstream (latimes story)

Starwood of Boston rolled out the “Ice Carpet” for visiting execs in town for their annual conference. Guests were treated to a private ice skating party at the new rink in the heart of the Pru on Boylston Street. Grilled Cheese Nation food truck pulled up to the party to warm hearts and tummies with its melty creations and velvety hot chocolate.

The Ice Skating Rink, co-sponsored by Starwood and Boston Properties, will be open to the public all month long. Click link below for more information.

Starwood Sponsors First Skating Rink at Boston’s Prudential Center

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