Chupacabra is the latest food truck set to open a brick & mortar restaurant in the District! After almost 2 years of work, Chupacabra announced on Facebook that they passed DC Health inspection last week.  Prince of Petworth also posted photos of the facade getting a new paint job and logo!  The address is 822 H St NE, though the entrance is located on 9th St.  This news would explain why the truck has been off the road recently. 🙂

Chupacabra joins the ever growing list of DC food trucks that have opened brick & mortar restaurants.  Once again, this is solid proof that food trucks are restaurant incubators.  Hopefully, DC politicians will strike down the latest proposed food truck regulations which are too restrictive and would rob DC of future restaurants and tax growth.

The Washington Post notes that the DC Council will hold a hearing on May 10 where the proposed DC food truck regulations will be discussed.  The council may only vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on passing the regulations and cannot make any modifications.  Judging from the last public comment period, about 95% of DC residents are hoping that the Council will reject the regulations as they are currently proposed.

The Food Truck Association published a press release this morning noting that DC Councilmembers Mary Cheh and David Grosso have also expressed concerns over Mayor Gray’s proposed new regulations.  The full release is copied below.

Meanwhile, the Arlington County Board voted to loosen food truck parking limits by another hour, to two hours, providing relief to both food truck operators and their fans.

(more…)

After almost a year of development, Jamaican Mi Crazy is ready to start serving their fans!  They are aiming to launch today (4/25) at Farragut Square. More truck info and menu details are on their page.

A video released today showing a typical day in the life of the men and women who run Washington, DC’s food trucks warns that the many benefits food trucks provide the community are put at risk by Mayor Vincent Gray’s proposed new regulations.  The Institute for Justice has also started up a national street vending initiative: IJ.org/vending.  NOTE: If you share the video today, you’ll receive $1 off your meal at any of the DMV Food Truck Association food trucks!

Mayor Gray has proposed severe restrictions on where food trucks can serve customers, including:

• Restricting food trucks in the most popular locations with the exception of a limited number of lottery-assigned designated spaces.
• Banning food trucks from serving from within 500 feet of lottery-assigned spaces.
• Banning food trucks from serving where there is less than 10 feet of unobstructed sidewalk.

Here is a map of the affected serving area.

Linda’s Luncheonette had a soft opening last week, but has started regular service as of today. Today’s location is Silver Spring. Additional details can be found on their page.

The DC-area’s first all-vegan food truck, The Randy Radish, opened this past weekend in Loudoun county!  Their regular service begins on Tuesday with tentative plans to visit Leesburg.  More info + links are on their page!

The rain is holding off, so it’s still a great time for happy hour!  The food trucks are all here waiting to serve you some delicious snacks. 🙂

Goodies is looking really good right about now!

Truckeroo is getting started 🙂 The weather is great! A nice breeze and the temperature is perfect.

Opening:

Hey DC food truck fans! 25 of DC’s best food trucks will congregate at Fairgrounds DC (1299 Half Street Southeast, Washington, DC) for Truckeroo!  Doors open at 11am and the festivities run until 11pm! There will be ample covered and uncovered seating, free admission, entertainment and adult beverages (a nice spot for Friday happy hour). It is located right outside of the Navy Yard/Ballpark metro entrance .. see you there! 🙂

The truck line-up for 4/19:

Bada Bing
BBQ Bus
Big Cheese
BonMi
Cajunators
Cap Mac
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
Curbside Cupcakes
DC Empanadas
DC Slices
Feelin’ Crabby
Halal Grill
Mojo Truck
Pepe
Pho Wheels
Pleasant Pops
Red Hook Lobster Pound -DC
Something Stuffed
Surfside
TaKorean
Tapas Truck
Tortas El Farolito