Food trucks may get a break in Raleigh

RALEIGH -- When Raleigh leaders gather Tuesday to debate easing the city's food truck restrictions, Mike Stenke would like to give them something to snack on.

Stenke plans to park his four-wheeled Klausie's Pizza truck outside City Hall and hand out free slices with cheese and pepperoni.

It's his way of showcasing the tasty goodness of food trucks - and rallying support for proposed changes to help them succeed in Raleigh.

After months of talks, a new proposal would allow food trucks to operate on private property, but not within 50 feet of a restaurant unless they get permission from the restaurant owner.

Stenke persuaded the city last fall to take a look at its policies. There will be a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday.

Previously, food truck operators had to get special permits for a limited time, a policy geared mainly toward street festivals such as Raleigh Wide Open.

"I think it's a great start," Stenke said. "I wanted to make sure the rules were fair, and I think this goes a long way toward making that happen."

Young people in love with food truck culture rallied behind Stenke's cause.

"I have probably received hundreds of emails from people who are in favor of food trucks," said City Council member Mary-Ann Baldwin, who heads the committee studying the issue. "It's low cost, and some of the food is really good."

Restaurants' side

But the city also heard from restaurant owners who point out they pay high-dollar rent and property taxes - and shouldn't have to compete with low-overhead operations parked outside.

The policy sounds like a good compromise, said Brad Hurley, co-owner of 42nd Street Oyster Bar.

"We can't pick up our stuff and go over to Durham," he said. "As long as they're on private property, I don't have an issue with it. It kind of levels the playing field."

Stenke, 40, started Klausie's Pizza truck last year with a small loan and a credit card. He spends much of his time in Durham, where food merchants are free to park on most city streets, and on Duke University's campus.

Students at Duke can even use their meal cards to buy food from the trucks.

Meeting standards

Raleigh would require food trucks to meet cleanliness standards, maintain business and health permits and properly dispose of grease and trash. Failure to comply could get them kicked out.

The city may one day allow food trucks on public streets, Baldwin said. But the current proposal deserves a chance.

"If we try this, and this works out, eventually we might look at something like that," she said. "There would have to be demand. Right now, we don't think it's appropriate to go there."