Food Truck Rally Coming To Roosevelt Island Says RIOC, At Least For One Day - Roosevelt Island Food Truck Permitting Policy Discussed At RIOC Operations Committee Meeting
The May 18 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee discussed permitting procedures (full audio web cast of meeting here) including practices and policies for mobile food trucks serving Roosevelt Island.
RIOC Permits Coordinator Donna Masly reported that a new Indian Food Truck, Mausam Curry N Bites, is currently serving Roosevelt Island
Image Of Mausam Curry N Bites Food Truck On Roosevelt Island
and described RIOC's food truck policies:
RIOC Director Margie Smith asked what is the biggest deterrent to getting more food trucks serving Roosevelt Island?
Ms. Masly responded that some food trucks had a poor Roosevelt Island experience several years ago that needs to be overcome for them to feel welcomed back here. Ms. Masly added that the Food Trucks cannot build a reputation in one, two or even 5 days but need to establish a reliable presence.
Ms. Smith suggested a mobile food truck day for Roosevelt Island where residents can try food from multiple vendors. RIOC President Charlene Indelicato said that the current retail store owners (Riverewalk Bar and Main Street Sweets) will object but agreed that a one time food truck day is a great idea and RIOC will give it a try.
Several locations were discussed for the Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally, (Southpoint and Lighthouse Park) but Ms. Masly's suggestion of holding it on Main Street, between the Subway and Blackwell Turnaround, was the agreed upon choice. The Roosevelt Island Food Truck Rally will be held together with the re-opening of the West Pier outdoor tables and chairs for eating, relaxing and enjoying the fantastic East River view.
2012 Outdoor Restaurant At Pier And Main Street Food Trucks
Image Of Roosevelt Island's Summer 2014 Eleanor's Pier
Here's the Food Truck discussion at May 18 RIOC Operations Committee meeting
and full RIOC Permitting Presentation (starting at 58 minute 30 Second mark) .
Will have more on other Roosevelt Island permitting matters soon as well.
6 comments :
"RIOC President Charlene Indelicato said that the current retail store owners (Riverewalk Bar and Main Street Sweets) will object..."
Of course they will but why does it matter? For once, see things from non-business owners!
What are the current prices for the daily and monthly permit? Still $350 per month? If so, they don't have to look far to find why food trucks don't have any interest to server RI.
The objection is odd most food truck serve a specific type of food thai, mexican, vegan, etc. None of which exist on the island but are all available on seamless or other delivery sites. So the competition is already on island.
The pier and a couple of large retail spaces that could accommodate a pop oriented food court. The current lease structure makes it hard for a single small vendors to justify risk related to a large scale kitchen build out but some like Smogasborg who have done this could make it work. From a revenue perspective Ms. Indelicato should focus this as opportunity to display unsatisfied demand for other business on the island rather than a way to extract money from truck vendors.
In addition to the pier a couple of trucks near / out side MP pool this summer would be a great idea maybe put them on Main street behind 40 river road so they get business from soccer fields as well.
Brilliant, KTG! Smorgasburg is a good example - and we do have a lot of the same sort of youngish population that might be inclined to try a different fun cuisine in a food court setting.. We also have the fantastic views...The big difference is that Kramer banned the quirkiness or individuality that made the Island special or un-corporate - he favors the chains (Starbucks, Duane Reade) or his established food biz lessees. He never lets the little guys or non-profits add a touch of individuality to RI. Yes - RI is almost tailor made for a hip food scene - certainly it's bound to happen across the E. Channel of the E. River @ Rainey Park someday, if not today at RI.
The restaurants are not allowed to object. They have full reign over this Island all year long, it is imperative that we are allowed options and that other companies are allowed to service us here. They do not have a monopoly, the RIOC must not take this into consideration. Any restaurant in NYC or even in LIC for that matter has to contend with competition. Perhaps it will do them good and up the quality of their food.
There's a Smorgasbord opening in LIC
Yes - you're right! http://www.smorgasburg.com/2015/05/smorgasburg-queens/
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