I normally tend not to rant, but I can’t help it on this one. I work for a mom-and-pop-type restaurant, locally owned for almost two decades now, and have been seeing the struggles firsthand.
“Food Truck Invasions” are exactly that — an invasive species. Now, before you dismiss me as just being a nut, or a woman scared for her (and an entire industry’s) livelihoods, please take a second to hear what I have to say.
Here’s Webster’s take on it. And I agree: in·va·sion – n. 1. The act of invading, especially the entrance of an armed force into a territory to conquer. 2. A large-scale onset of something injurious or harmful, such as a disease. 3. An intrusion or encroachment.
So many small businesses are struggling in this economy. Our village council, and many other municipal planners (who tax us for their services) are bringing in these food trucks. Sounds like fun, right? I’m sure it is.
Know what’s not fun? When every local person rushes over to spend their dollars at these trucks, who, quite literally drive it from our community at the end of the evening.
Food trucks do not have any local commissaries in this area. They are brought in from distances like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jupiter, etc. They are not spending their money locally. They are not sponsoring your child’s little league.
Invasive species enter a new territory and take from it the natural resources, leaving behind empty fields when they go. Well, in most cases, empty parking lots. Food trucks are not supporting local business. Food trucks are not hiring local people to man their tils.
Everyone whines about outsourcing on a national level. Welcome to the local hypocrisy.
Erin Townsend-Peel, Royal Palm Beach
I completely agree with mojo – it’s an event, something fun and different for the night. Over the course of time, it shouldn’t have that much of an effect on your bottom line. Even if your food was out-of-this-world AMAZING, I wouldn’t go to your restaurant every night – I want to try new foods and new places. Food trucks are only as much your competition as any other restaurant in the area. And while they might not employ YOUR neighbor, they DO employ someone’s neighbor.
Good points i’d never thought of before. I don’t think its a passing fad. Its cheaper and viable to get the food out and hit a market that seems to be always on the go. which is how the world is trending. Don’t stay put for too long.
I don’t find them to be your competition though. I want to sit and enjoy a meal at a restaurant with a chef i enjoy. OR i go to these FT events and get a bit from each one. to whet the whistle, try out more then just one thing. Like a tapas experience.
If your product is superior, then you should not worry. If your business is going down, look at what you are offering. Or better yet, get your own food truck.
This is a passing fad. Stop the Whining.