Exciting News: White Cottage Snack Bar Launches Food Truck in Woodstock for Tasty Treats on the Go!

For nearly 40 years, John Hurley has been the owner of the White Cottage Snack Bar in West Woodstock, Vermont. This summer, he’s taking a big step forward by launching a food truck next to Woodstock Green.

“Many downtown restaurants have closed, and I saw a need for more options,” Hurley explained in a recent chat. He aims to get the food truck rolling by the end of next week and keep it open through mid-October.

The food truck will be staffed by two or three team members and will operate from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Hurley has invested over $50,000 into the truck, which will be painted black and adorned with the snack bar’s logo.

Inside, it will feature a charbroiler for burgers, a flat top for cooking, fryolators, and a fridge for drinks. Like the original eatery, the truck will offer burgers, fried food, and soft drinks, but Hurley has decided to leave ice cream out of the menu to avoid competition with a nearby ice cream shop.

Interestingly, there aren’t any local laws about food trucks, so Hurley just needs to pay for two parking spots across from the courthouse. To reserve these spaces, he will set up orange cones before opening each day. This move is likely to attract summer visitors who prefer dining in the town center rather than making the trip to West Woodstock.

“I don’t see it as competing with myself,” Hurley said. However, he’s keenly aware of the dining scene, noting that Woodstock’s lunch options are limited. Aside from high-end markets and a quaint cafe, choices are sparse, especially on Mondays when some popular spots are closed.

Local business owner Kim Smith has expressed concerns that while the food truck may help, it is only a temporary solution to the lack of midday dining options. “I’d prefer someone to fill a permanent space year-round,” she said. Yet, she appreciates that it’s a local vendor stepping up to meet demand.

Public opinion about the food truck varies. Some residents worry that multiple food trucks might clutter public spaces and detract from the village’s charm. Recent opinions have even been expressed in local meetings, with some residents wishing for a different location to minimize visual disruption.

As food trucks become more popular across the country, many communities are adapting or introducing regulations to manage them. According to a recent study by the Food Truck Nation, the industry is growing rapidly, with over 35% of people reporting that they regularly choose food trucks when dining out. Such trends highlight the evolving culinary landscape many towns are experiencing.

Hurley’s initiative could spark broader discussions about diverse food offerings in Woodstock. After all, the more options, the better for both locals and tourists looking to savor what the town has to offer.

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