Happy Chicago Food Truck Day!

As we are prepping da schnitzel to hit the road later for the King's midday feast, take a moment to check out what this day is all about! We hope to see you at 11am on Dearborn & Monroe, but if you are looking for a food truck near you check out Food Truck Freak or Chicago Food Truck Finder to locate other Chicago Food Trucks. Remember, the first 19 customers receive FREE FOOD tomorrow!! Make sure to get to the jeep early to lock in your FREE JULY HAM from Da King (while supplies last we'll give it away all day!).

Currently, Chicago is the only national city that does not allow cooking on board a mobile food vendor. The new ordinance the city proposed would allow us to cook & operate for 24 hours, however the 200ft distance rule between brick & mortars and food trucks would still apply, leaving little legal spots for the amount of trucks in the city. Additionally, the GPS surveillance and hefty fines ($1000-$2000) unfairly limit our freedom and have nothing to do with protecting the public. Check out the map below to view the current legal spots food trucks can park in the loop- the orange spots are illegal according to current & proposed legislation.

Chicago Vending Release 8-17-11

With a little help from our friend Food Truck Freak, the Chicago Food Trucks helped organized a petition to amend the current legislation and eliminate the food truck distance ban from brick and mortar restaurants. Consumers deserve the right to choose where we buy our food or when we dine out. Interestingly, in Los Angeles County where there is a thriving food truck community, the only restriction on food truck entails getting written permission from a facility with a public washroom if you stay in a certain spot for a particular amount of time. In 2009, LA Country tried to pass a one-hour duration restriction after restaurants complained about taco trucks eating into their business but the law was later struck down in state court (LA food trucks). If LA can have a thriving food truck community (thousands of trucks!) & restaurants harmoniously operating side by side, why can't Chicago?

Are you ready to take action? If you've already signed the petition then you're half way there! Visit the Institute for Justice's website & start emailing, tweeting, & calling your local alderman. Tell the City Council that they should treat all Chicagoans with business dreams equally, and allow Chicago’s creative chefs to start small and grow big!

Remember, we couldn't do this without you, so thanks for all that you do!! Now go n' get your food truck on!

Royally yours,

SK

Let Freedom Roll!

Join us for the first Chicago Food Truck Day this Thursday, July 12th! Starting at 11:30am local food trucks (including yours truly) are giving away FREE FOOD TRUCK FOOD to the first 19 customers! Why just 19, you ask? The number 19 signifies the day that the new food truck ordinance is discussed at a city hall public hearing. Your schnitzel will be waiting at Dearborn & Monroe on the 12th, but you can follow all the Chicago food trucks on Food Truck Freak or Chicago Food Truck Finder  to track em down! We need YOU to call, email, & tweet to local alderman- stop by our truck to help show your support during lunch! Even just one tweet or email can make a huge difference!

Then, on the evening of July 12th from 6-8pm come join Chicago food trucks for dinner as we gather the Food Truck Community together at Fischman Liquors (4780 N Milwaukee Ave). Not only will you get to eat from your favorite Chicago food trucks, but you get the chance to voice your concern regarding the new food truck ordinance as well. We need your help & support to rally together to fight against laws that are protectionist & unconstitutional (see 200ft rule re: parking for mobile food vendors) and give food trucks the freedom they deserve!

So to recap the important dates-

Thursday, July 12th CHICAGO FOOD TRUCK DAY: 11:30am across Chicago (Dearborn & Monroe for Da King); 6pm-9pm Fischman Liquors Food Truck Rally

Thursday, July 19th Public Hearing for Food Truck Ordinance: 11am Chicago City Hall

Want to do something now? Tweet/facebook the following to help spread the word:

"Don’t treat food trucks like second-class businesses. Cut the 200ft rule, and let customers have a choice. Let freedom roll! ‪#myeats‬"

Royally Yours,

SK