r / May 11, 2010 12:20 AM

I'd be more jazzed by food carts sim. to NYC--hot dogs, bagels, coffee.

gate / May 11, 2010 9:29 AM

I'd like to see more of them. I got food poisoning from one in NYC, so I would like to see a healthy dose of inspections on those food trucks also. Jobs are scarce, why not create more opportunity?

Pat / May 11, 2010 10:37 AM

If they're licensed and inspected it seems like a good idea to me. I do miss the food carts that used to be on the "State Street Pedestrian Mall" in the mid to late 80s. Churro, hot chocolate, and a hot dog? Yes please.

Dennis Fritz / May 11, 2010 12:08 PM

Food trucks are a great idea. Not only do they provide cheap eats, but can serve as a bridge to upward mobility for a lot people. Bring 'em on, I say.

anne / May 11, 2010 12:47 PM

As someone who just purchased a cupcake in a previously cupcake-free block near work, I'm pretty enthusiastic about the possibilities!

A. Lewellen / May 11, 2010 2:52 PM

I guess I'm all for it but how many elotes carts does one town need.

Carrie / May 11, 2010 4:19 PM

Hm, I was just talking about the lack of food carts in Chicago last week. I definitely think we need some!

Also, not to hijack, but I've never been to LA, haven't been to NYC in years... blah blah- do any other major cities have a tamale guy, or someone similar? Just wondering.

Clint / May 11, 2010 4:37 PM

would love to see food trucks around chicago. you can't go wrong with easy to access & mobile foods.

+1 for the coffee and bagel carts.

@Carrie - not sure about LA, but SF has their own tamale lady and there used to be a tamale lady in brooklyn, but im not sure if she is still around.

Zoup / May 11, 2010 10:32 PM

Food carts are great, especially for downtown workers. When I lived in Portland, I had a favorite food cart on 5th just south of SW Morrison, I can still remember the woman that served me her fare. It was always fun to get food at food carts-- even in the rain! They had indian, crepes, burritos, grass-fed and organic beef carts, vegan carts, more... I can't see why Chicago wouldn't want them?

Charlie D. / May 12, 2010 7:06 AM

I am all for it as long as Richie doesn't do some stupid shit,like give all the licenses to existing and "known" restaurant owners.

flange / May 12, 2010 11:21 AM

*shrug* i don't have anything against them, but i don't get the love, either. the one TOC wrote up is going to sell wild boar belly sandwiches on naan? that's pretty precious. and it's going to sell bottles of jarrito soda for $3? that's a ripoff. fuck him.

Eamon / May 12, 2010 1:29 PM

What possible downside is there? Sign me up.

Spook / May 12, 2010 4:03 PM

Oh, Hellzzz no!!! Chicagoans are FAT enough with out them!

But, I do love the Heavenly
savories that can only be had
from those ubiquitous Lucky Dog wagons operated by
NOLA's finest- the Paradise Vendors -in and around the French Quarter!

In the immortal "words"of T.Roosevelt,
"De-lightful!!!

annie / May 13, 2010 10:13 AM

I am mixed. What I would really like to see is a mobile grocery store that will travel to areas w/o decent grocery stores (aka - food desert). I'm actually working on this movement in my place of employment. it's a tricky road b/c Chicago's health codes are very strict and while it can be seen as a negative for those who want to do food business here, it's in place b/c we are very concerned about public safety. I also want to be sure that these food trucks aren't parked near other permanent establishments that pay way more in taxes.
I do think, in these times, it's a great small business for someone to own/operate, so with that said, I want to see this as a job opportunity not an extension of an already popular restaurant out on the street.

Liz / May 13, 2010 11:24 AM

I think they are a great idea. As the other posters have said - as long as the opportunities go to small business operators who do not have an existing business site. Great way for new business start ups!

jj / May 13, 2010 1:13 PM

Licensing carts - okay.

Food truck - I dunno. Has anyone done an environmental/traffic study of their impact?

Mucky Fingers / May 13, 2010 1:55 PM

I'm surprised we don't already have them. This city is a haven for unhealthy food.

I've never seen one before. In my mind, I'd want to buy food from an electric truck that hasn't been coughing fumes into the ingredients all day.