Just Wondering…
Posted by Alfredo Aponte | February 23rd, 2010 | Filed under Carts
Remember Kim’s Katering Truck, which shows up at warehouses and machine shops in the early morning? Well, I discovered another food pick-up truck this morning called Bob’s Catering, which is serving up all the same kind of junk items too. Furthermore, I found out that Erica’s Sidewalk Cafe that I noticed last week on Baker St. near the Hilton is also billed as a catering service.
So, this begs the question… are there different rules that apply for ”Catering” trucks? In other words, could people start food trucks next week if they claim to be catering trucks?
Vendor Gallery: Big Mouth Ben
Posted by Christiane Lauterbach | February 21st, 2010 | Filed under Carts
Photo by April Leigh
Meet Big Mouth Ben, who sells stuff in downtown Atlanta out of the wheelchair he was in for two years.
Our friend April Leigh, talented photographer, occasional Hot Lunch Lady, and social activist, took the picture of Ben, calling him a “self made man to the max.” He may not be the poster child for the street food revolution, but, by gosh, he is in control of his own life.
Son of a Kiosk!
Posted by Christiane Lauterbach | February 20th, 2010 | Filed under Carts
Where are your wheels, dude?
The city of Atlanta has turned its “on-street vending program” to General Growth Properties Inc, a Chicago-based mall operator, which now oversees the new vendor huts (a.k.a., kiosks) selling junk downtown and the two garish hot dog carts some have described as “top-down, anesthetized, sleek simulacra of the food truck experience.” Notice the dropped panels hiding the wheels.
After an initial hot dog, we can only concur that the experience is mediocre at best, down to the bright-yellow eggy buns and the all-natural but not especially flavorful beef sausages, and that we see Streatery as a bit of a Trojan horse.
Our friend Alfredo Aponte has a more nuanced opinion. “Yes, very franchise-esque,” he wrote, “yet can’t deny it is the first food kiosk so far. Hopefully it will spur other people to ask how they can set up their own, or why can’t they set up their own. Hopefully, it will invite the argument that these kiosks are not the solution to allowing street carts/trucks.”
If you’re in Athens this weekend…
Posted by Hillary Brown | February 18th, 2010 | Filed under News
The Georgia Organics 13th Annual Conference & Expo kicks off tomorrow in Athens, at the Classic Center, and if you happen to be in the area, the Farm Cart (blogged about here) will be serving lunch on Foundry Street, behind the main entrance to the convention center, both Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Question of the Day
Posted by Christiane Lauterbach | February 18th, 2010 | Filed under Carts
Which high-profile Atlanta politician operated a food cart when he was in college?
Hint: He went to MIT
Click the “Tips” link in the sidebar to submit your guesses, and we’ll announce the winner later today!
And the winner is…Cara Cummins of TaC Studios who sent a cute email entitled “Eye No Who” with the correct answer:
Councilman Kwanza Hall, whose district, District 2, includes what is widely regarded as the most promising ground for a lively and joyous street scene!
