POLL: Do You Want to See Food Trucks in Newton?
It's a popular trend that is sweeping the nation, and neighboring communities. But do food trucks belong in the Garden City?
Photos
Falafel, macaroni and cheese, crepes -- food trucks are not just for ice cream anymore.
With the food truck trend sweeping the nation (thanks in part to the popular "Great Food Truck Race" show on Food Network), we here at Patch can't help but ask: What do you think about food trucks in Newton?
In neighboring Brookline, a pilot program for food trucks was recently approved by the town's Board of Selectmen. Five trucks now set up throughout the week in spots around St. Mary's Street and Washington Square.
And while Newton does not have any official restaurants on wheels, the popular Newton restaurant Blue Ribbon BBQ recently opened up a food trailer off 2nd Avenue in Needham, just over the Newton line.
Max & Leo's, a coal-fired pizza place on Washington Street, has a catering truck complete with a pizza oven, and rumors on Twitter indicate the truck may be ready for a spin.
The Cold Spring Park farmers' market (July-October) also features an ice cream truck from Trombetta's Farm in Marlborough.
So, we want to know. Would you support food trucks in Newton? If so, where would you like to see them? Vote in our poll below and share your thoughts or ideas in the comments section.
Elizabeth R. Simons
7:44 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Yes, around the parks only. My concern will be the disposal of wrappings, etc., i.e. the trash.
Melanie Graham
10:18 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Good point, Elizabeth. Any particular parks you had in mind?
Momogoose
11:18 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The trucks will definitely haul their own trash. We'd love to come. -- @momogoose
Kara Robbins
11:57 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
YES! Food trucks for workdays and food trucks on weekends with art/music festivals (think a scaled down SOWA!)
Melanie Graham
1:02 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Any particular spots you had in mind, Kara?
Adam Maleson
12:54 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I wasn't sure at first what Food Trucks was going to be about. Also the word Canteen Truck would have been more recognizable to me. Actually I think the term Mobile Food Vendors would probably be most accurate and inclusive.
Do ice cream trucks need special licenses? Regardless of my personal opinion, or the personal opinions of restaurant owners who may see a threat to their business, I think it's largely a legality issue. I'm not personally familiar with the details of licensing (like ice cream trucks), but it seems mostly a question of do we believe in Free Enterprise or do we not. As long as these vendors are on wheels, as long as they are mobile and are not parking overnight in public spaces, and as long as they do not violate other sorts of laws about where they park and how they obstruct etc, it seems to me that they should probably be free to practice their trade without the city dictating whether they can or not.
khluvr621
1:20 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Newton Centre Common. It's in the vicinity/closeness of the MBTA station, where some trucks in Boston are conveniently parked, in addition to all the businesses there. Great park to sit down and enjoy a meal.
ells w.
5:02 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012
Get Jake's Falafel Corner in one !