The Washington City Paper interviewed many food truck operators, the spokesperson for the Mayor (Pedro Ribeiro), and the Restaurant Association in this article posted yesterday and asked how they all felt about the new version of the proposed food truck regulations.  The summary is that many of our favorite food trucks are contemplating shutting down, while the Mayor’s office thinks it’s all hyperbole.

The one disturbing takeaway from the article is how Pedro Ribeiro, a spokesman for Mayor Vince Gray, says he is looking for more (read: alternative) opportunities for food trucks.  The spirit of the food truck revolution is that food trucks will find the customers in need, not that the government will tell the food trucks where they are allowed to serve. “They’re fixated on the downtown core,” Ribeiro says, but fails to recognize that that is where we, the fans, demand food trucks the most.

Of course, the Restaurant Association is trying to divert the conversation to one about public space usage, which is mostly irrelevant since everyday everyone has an equal opportunity to utilize public space.

The public comment period ends on April 8, and I am working on a list of points that we all can focus on when we write in to DCRA.  I will post an update when it’s ready! 🙂

DC’s Mayor Gray dissed DC’s food trucks twice in the past few days, first by insinuating that food trucks don’t obey the law, and second, by praising a recent crowd funding success by a Union Market business, failing to mention that 3 of DC’s food trucks graduated to become tenants of Union Market: Curbside Cupcakes, DC Empanadas and TaKorean.

Given the number of food trucks that have gone on to open brick & mortar shops in the District, one would say that DC’s food trucks are the City’s restaurant incubator system.  But it seems that food trucks are often taken for granted by politicians, and in some cases despised by them.  So, how about some praise for DC’s food trucks, Mayor?

Update: Thanks to Gabriela for the correction that there are actually 3 DC food trucks that have shops at Union Market. Curbside Cupcakes was the addition.

The Washington City Paper broke the news yesterday that Basil Thyme will soon be retiring their two trucks after almost two years in service.  So, be sure to visit one of the trucks over the next couple of weeks for your last meal.  They will be missed!!

Bangkok PD Licious is coming to Loudoun County, VA, with their first service in Leesburg on Tuesday (3/19)!  Their Thai menu is listed right on the front page of their website.  Here is more info + pictures!  They will be coming to Fairfax County as soon as the county ends its permitting freeze on food trucks.

Tim Carman, from the Washington Post, broke news that the Fojol Bros have purchased two old General Motors buses to rehab into stationary, off-street vending machines! The concept of the bustaurant has come to DC. 🙂  Rather than serving from the curbside like food trucks, it sounds like these buses would be parked in private lots in non-standard food truck locations to active more spaces in the District. Read more here.

Yesterday, DCRA posted the latest (4th) version of proposed food truck regulations.  Tim Carman, from the Washington Post, has a summary of this version of the rules which seems to loosen up the sidewalk free-of-obstructions rule, but still kept the requirement of 10ft of sidewalk in front of the truck.  Inserted into the rules is some bizarre monthly lottery system, which costs $25 for a chance to win a $150/month spot in special vending zones.  Instead of letting the market discover and serve the areas of highest demand, DCRA would actually dictate which zone and how many trucks could serve in any zone, as if they were sidewalk hot dog vendors.  I think it’s pretty easy to see how much of a disaster that would be!

Public comments are due by 5pm on April 8.  Comments can be sent to Mr. Helder Gil, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, at  DCVendingRegs@dc.gov.

With the weather due to warm up, I thought I’d post a quick list and status of all of DC’s gourmet ice cream trucks.  So far, Street Cream has been the only one to announce a firm reopening date.  But, Scoops2u deserves a special mention as they have been continuing to serve throughout the winter months.  Pleasant Pops has also been serving their special pops (as well as a wide variety of cafe items) from the comfort of their store in Adam’s Morgan.

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats – still in hibernation
Nice Dream – still in hibernation
Orange Cow – still in hibernation
Pleasant Pops – truck in hibernation, but head to their store! (1781 Florida Ave NW)
Scoops2u – has been serving infrequently during the winter, but is starting to serve more frequently
Sinplicity – in hibernation, but may only return in 2013 for special events like Truckeroo
Street Cream – back in service on March 13
Froyotogo – back in service on March 11

With, perhaps, our last snow of the season out of the way, DC’s gourmet ice cream trucks are coming out of hibernation!  Street Cream got in touch to let everyone know that they will be back in action on March 13 (next Wednesday) and this message:

Hey DMV!  Street Cream is so excited about their upcoming season that they’re giving you a sweet ride: no coupon needed!  Get 50₵ (fifty cents) off your fav’ flavor or specialty dessert until March 29th!  Also, if you like us on facebook or follow us on twitter, you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win a free ice cream social for you and your office.

Shortly, I’m going to follow up this post with another one letting you know the status of all of DC’s other gourmet ice cream trucks. 🙂

Looking at the streets of DC right now, I think it is safe to say that many DC food trucks will be out serving tomorrow. 🙂

Mama’s Donut Bites has been serving at various farmer’s markets in Virginia for well over a year, but they just started food truck service in Arlington a few days ago!  They specialize in delicious, hot mini donuts made fresh right before your eyes. 🙂  It looks like they sell the mini donuts in orders of 8 and 16.  If a fan could email or tweet a photo of the menu (or details), it would be much appreciated!  Thanks Tal! 🙂 They are at Courthouse today (2/28).  The menu is on their page.

Thanks for David for the original tip about this new truck!