Ice cream trucks are set to roll back into Riverside. After a recent village board meeting, new regulations for food trucks are on the way, promising to shape how they operate.
Community Development Director Anne Cyran led discussions about the rules for daily food truck licensing. One hot topic was whether shopping center owners should bypass the 100-foot rule that keeps food trucks away from nearby restaurants. This raised eyebrows, especially regarding places like the Shining Smiles plaza on Harlem Avenue.
Cyran also asked the board if ice cream trucks and food bicycles should be allowed to operate in Riverside. The final decision? Ice cream trucks can run, but only when parked, to keep kids safe from traffic as they dash for treats.
Trustees agreed to set specific hours for food trucks—7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—but allowed exceptions for unique cases, like a coffee truck wanting an early start.
The question of whether shopping center owners need restaurant owners’ approval for new food trucks stirred debate. Some trustees felt existing restaurants should have a say, given they signed leases with specific expectations. They fear competition could impact their businesses. Trustee Jill Mateo emphasized that each case should be considered individually.
Village President Doug Pollock sought legal insight on whether the village should involve restaurant owners in these decisions. Village Attorney Bob Pickrell warned against giving too much power to property owners without balancing it with the residents’ needs.
Milad Nourahmadi, owner of the Shining Smiles plaza, expressed interest in discussing potential food truck leases. However, he made it clear that tenant opinions matter most to him. “Existing tenants come first,” he said.
As Riverside continues to refine its food truck policy, it’s important to note that mobile food markets have gained popularity in recent years. According to a 2022 report, the food truck industry is anticipated to grow by 10.4% annually over the next five years. This highlights a growing trend where communities are adapting to this changing landscape.
In summary, Riverside is navigating the balance between fresh food options and protecting established businesses. As discussions continue, the final regulations will shape the village’s food truck future. For further reads on food truck regulations and community impacts, check out this report from the National Restaurant Association.
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