The idea of late-night food carts on Massachusetts Street may have an early demise.
On the street
Would you like to see food vendor carts in Lawrence?
Yes, I like them, and we have them in Paraguay.
Reader poll
A pair of Kansas University students are ready to open up the city’s first post-midnight food cart operation, but City Hall leaders now are receiving complaints from more traditional downtown business owners.
Downtown landlord Doug Compton has urged city commissioners to reject a permit that would allow the Last Stop Snack Shop to open a food cart business in front of the former Masonic Temple building at 10th and Massachusetts streets.
Compton leases space to three restaurants in the block — Encore, The Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza — that he said shouldn’t have to compete with a food cart that will operate cheaply on publicly owned property.
“These three entities have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment in their businesses,” Compton wrote in a letter to commissioners.
Nick Carroll, owner of the Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., expressed concerns about operating the food cart at the northeast corner of the intersection.
"I believe it will increase my liability and will increase extra work for my staff in terms of security and cleanup," Carroll said in a letter to the city commission.
Carroll also submitted a petition with signatures from owners and managers of businesses near 10th and Massachusetts, saying they support the Last Stop Snack Shop, but do not want it to be on the northeast corner of the intersection.
But Jason Mandel said he and his partner’s proposed street cart business — which would sell hot dogs, hamburgers and other quick-snacks — would be similar to many other late-night food stands that operate in college communities. Mandel said it would provide a good service to bar patrons who want food but shouldn’t be driving to get it.
“Competition is just part of business,” Mandel said. “And we’re going to be a tiny little food stand. We’ll be taking a very small portion of anybody’s business.”
Mandel also said the business doesn’t have an unfair advantage over the existing restaurants because the city does require food carts to have insurance and to pay a monthly rent — $300 per year plus $50 a month — for the use of the sidewalk.
“On a per square foot basis, it is quite a bit,” Mandel said of the rent.
The issue may end up being bigger than just one food stand. City Clerk Jonathan Douglass said he’s received about a dozen inquires from other people who want to open up mobile food businesses that would be run out of vehicles or trailers.
Douglass said entrepreneurs have inquired about selling from parking spaces on Massachusetts Street, from parking lots at the East Hills Business Park, and from on-street parking in residential neighborhoods such as Oread.
City code would have to be changed for any of those operations to legally exist, and thus far staff members are recommending against making the code changes.
“In the downtown area, we envision complaints from neighboring businesses that wouldn’t want that kind of activity right outside their door,” Douglass said. “In residential areas, it just seems like an activity that wouldn’t be compatible.”
City commissioners, though, have opened the door for the late-night sidewalk vendors. This spring commissioners approved a change in the street vendor ordinance that allows carts to stay open until 2:30 a.m. Previously carts had to close by 9 p.m.
But commissioners at that time did not approve a license for Mandel’s specific operation. City code gives commissioners the authority to reject a license if nearby property owners object.
Mandel — who already has spent “several thousand dollars” to buy his cart — could apply to locate on another corner if commissioners reject this request.
City commissioners are scheduled to talk about both the food carts and mobile food vendors at their 6:35 p.m. meeting Tuesday at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.
Comments
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JayhawkAlum03 (Julie Gasper) says…
So he put the cart before the horse (yep, sorry, too easy!) and spent "several thousand dollars" to buy the thing before he knew that he could legally use it? That and the comment about providing a service to people who shouldn't be driving makes me wonder about the strength of their business plan considering there are plenty of walkable restaurants right there that he appears to have not noticed.
Other than that, sounds like an interesting idea. Not sure what I really think of the concept in general.
eatlocalfood (Mercedes Taylor Puckett) replies…
From das' posting below it sounds as if the applicant is required to own a KDA licensed mobile unit before they can become a street vendor:
"A licensed street vendor must prove current State of Kansas Health
Department Certificate of Approval if selling food or non-alcoholic
beverages, and must prove any other licenses or certificates that are
required by the State of Kansas."
From: http://www.lawrenceks.org/city_code/s...
SeaFox (anonymous) replies…
Yes, plenty of walkable restaurants... like the Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza. Wonder if Compton's views would change if restaurants he leases to weren't the ones to lose business in this whole thing.
Also: Hot Dogs and Hamburgers. I don't think you can get either of those at the Pita Pit or Pyramid, so they aren't exactly in competition except for dining dollars in general. I know if I was hungry and wanted a burger the Pita Pit would not even be up for consideration, even if there were no burger stands open in town at that time of night. I would sooner go to a grocery store and buy a pound of ground chuck and make one at home.
jajacut (Jeff Cuttell) replies…
They are talking about later at night when those restaurants are closed. Let the guy open his stand. These businesses should quit complaining and promote themselves instead of always worrying what someone else is doing. If they'd advertise some promotions, it might just get more people to come downtown.
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
Those businesses aren't complaining!! It's their landlord, Doug Compton. And, as I've said elsewhere, if he could, he'd own the Masonic Temple and rent it to the competition himself.
geekin_topekan (anonymous) says…
Here's an idea. Why don't we just give whatever pocket money we have left over after our day and give it to Compton! After all, he is all about creating a prosperous Lawrence.
I am sure that we can get a few council members to agree to that and put it on the law books.
Heck, we could make a giant piggy bank in the shape of a Jayhawk (which would make it a HAwkbank) and we could just drop whatever money we have to spend on things we want to sopend them on and just give it to Compton.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
I agree, Compton knows best.
sourpuss (anonymous) replies…
If Compton feels so sorry for the businesses paying him a large portion of those "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in rent, why not give them a break on the rent? Oh. Right.
ljreader (anonymous) replies…
He didn't mind pitting 3 eateries in one block against each other when he rented to them.
Competition is OK as long as he's the one scooping up the rent.
It irks him that one of the little people might make a buck and he hasn't got his hand in their pockets.
O, and Doug- get the boards off the Masonic Temple. It is competing with downtown Ottawa, and that's not fair!!!
1arrowheaddrive (anonymous) says…
All hail the great and wise Compton. The developers will surely save us from a poor local economy.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
yes yes, here ye here ye: whatever they want is good for everybody cuz it is in everybody's best interest....maybe they will throw us paupers some shillings? all praise compton!
merrill (anonymous) says…
Now certain business people who preach "Free Market" are demanding protection from local big government..... hmmmmmmm.
What's up with that?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
excellent post. come save us big government! go away, big government, I'm trying to include a tif tax over here! give a developer a break, willya?
gl0ck0wn3r (anonymous) replies…
Fascinating. You love big government. You are as hypocritical as Compton, but at least Compton puts money into the community.
overthemoon (anonymous) replies…
You make a lot of assumptions about what people 'love' based on your own narrow perceptions.
gl0ck0wn3r (anonymous) replies…
No, I make them based on his long posting history that almost always advocates increases in government.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
since when did I start loving big government?
Or are you just mad because you own a junky ol' glock?
"at least Compton puts money into the community."
that's funny, I haven't seen one dime yet.
anybody else care to chime in on this one?
"You are as hypocritical as Compton"
so we are both hypocrites? most women can do better than that.
dougnamy (anonymous) replies…
Indeed!
fairplay (anonymous) replies…
Hate to agree with Merrill since he's usually far too extreme, but this is a valid point (save for the adjective "big" when referring to a local government -- it's inherently contradictory).
booyalab (anonymous) replies…
Most people who know economics, even the ones who advocate a free market, will be the first to tell you that businesses hate competition and many will do anything to squash it. That's not news.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
ksjayhawk74 (anonymous) replies…
Oh no, you can totally get a hamburger from Encore at 2:15 AM.
magnus (anonymous) replies…
Apparently my first comment hit a nerve. Doesn't everyone in town already know about a particular greedy individual in this town? Is THAT comment offensive?
As for your comment about Encore, I don't see burgers on their menu:
http://encore-cafe.com/menu.html
And they close at midnight on Friday & Saturday:
Sunday - Wednesday : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday : 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday - Saturday : 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
Nope...you can't even get their delicious calamari at 2:15 AM.
justoneperson (anonymous) says…
"Encore, The Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza"
Are these businesses even open during the hours we're talking about with this service....the pizza place may be, but the other two?
Or, maybe someone just doesn't want it in front of the Masonic Temple (which they have thus far been unable to change into a nightclub)?
Food carts are a good idea, for many of the reasons listed in previous articles (and commentary), just limit the number of permits to something reasonable. It would seem that the guys that took the initiative should get one, then maybe some sort of lottery or "first come, first serve" system after that would work. Oh, I know, only a certian select few are allowed to make money in Larryville. (Maybe a little competition over cheaper rents is a much needed thing downtown)
drewnon (anonymous) replies…
The Pita Pit is open untill 4 on weekends, though it might only be delivery after 2. Pyramid is open about as late on the weekends. That is, if I remember correctly. I don't know about Encore.
collared_greens (anonymous) replies…
Encore is definitely not open then. Maybe until 11 or midnight, but not after last call.
webmocker (anonymous) replies…
According to their website
encore
Sunday - Wednesday : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday : 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday - Saturday : 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
According to their corporate website
pita pit
Daily 10:30AM to 3AM
According to their website
pyramid pizza
Sun-Wed 11AM-midnight
Thu-Sat 11AM-3AM
cheeseburger (anonymous) says…
Well, it's official - Compton DOES run the city! It's perfectly OK to ignore complaints about Compton's endeavors, but as soon as some little guy wants to try something, suddenly we have to take all complaints to heart. I didn't see denial of the rickshaw business or that ridiculous pedicab because of concern for the existing taxi companies. There is one thing this city is not - and that is consistent! It's all about who you are or who you know. Pathetic!
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
All hail the mighty compton! he married,-I mean Earned his money thru hard work and stuff.
can we just give all of our money to first management? they know how to manage money really well.
ksjayhawk74 (anonymous) says…
Deny new businesses the right to operate in Downtown Lawrence, so other businesses (most of which are not open late at night) don't have to worry about competition...
Great plan... In the future, when a new business wants to operate in Downtown Lawrence, we can ask their competition if it's OK with them...
JHawker (anonymous) says…
I have only slighted mixed reactions to the concerns in this article. I fully support these two gentlemen in their small business quest for a late night snack stand. To have a cart and provide the snacks they discuss, would be a great addition to the variety currently available downtown. I do, however believe that any city ordinances should ensure that future mobile snack carts, are indeed carts. That they are stand-alone carts and not transportation in and of itself - such as to serve from a pick-up truck or other ordinarily used vehicle. The business plan should show the depth and consideration these two men have displayed. Doug Compton has other restaurants to compete with, and this snack cart will be no different. In the winter season especially, Compton would have the "advantage" as many drunk clients might prefer to wait and eat inside, rather than outside. I commend these two business-minded people and hope they are successful.
staff04 (anonymous) replies…
A well-reasoned and competent argument on these forums? Clearly you're in the wrong place...
Seriously though, good comment.
ksjayhawk74 (anonymous) says…
And why didn't this guy have a problem with the unfair competition from the hot dog cart that was operating at 9th & Mass for a long time?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
Compton likes hot dogs and mustard and stuff. but only before 6pm
cheeseburger (anonymous) says…
Chad - your headline refers to property owners (plural), but then just cites one - the high-and-mighty Compton. Sensationalism or poor editing? Either fix the headline or fix the story.
jkealing (Jonathan Kealing) replies…
In a previous story, we referenced concerns expressed by the owner of the Replay having concerns. I've edited the headline to reflect that this only refers to one owner.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
yeah, nick doesn't care or so i heard
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
I think you still missed the boat, JK. The story still only references one complainer, er property owner. In order for the headline you wrote to make sense, you need to reference the other complainer(s) in the article, not assume someone saw some other article some number of days or weeks ago.
In the interests of accuracy and avoiding sensationalism, may I suggest you drop the word 'another', and then the headline will properly reflect information contained within the story.
scary_manilow (anonymous) replies…
The only of the Replay doesn't care at all-- in fact, he encourages this kind of thing.
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
I want to know why Compton's opinion was seen as important or newsworthy. Seriously. After all, he doesn't OWN those restaurants...he merely rents them space. Does he honestly think this food cart will drive them out of business? Does it really matter what HE thinks? After all, he's not in the food business.
Now, it would have been a different thing had the owners of Encore, the Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza been there to protest...but they apparently weren't. (Maybe they realize that having a restaurant on Mass. means having lots of competition?)
Of all opponents to something like this, a developer with properties in the area should be most suspect.
d_prowess (anonymous) says…
I am unclear on how this differs from the hotdog stand that operates on Mass St. on the weekends. Same idea, but operating late at night, when there is actually less options to patrons than when the hotdog vendor is out there.
That said, I don't fault Compton for not wanting this. He has property that one would assume will be less valuable to a renter since they would not sell as much due to the late night stand taking away some customers. Not a reason for the city to stop this, but you can't fault Compton for trying to protect his.
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) replies…
Yes, I *can* fault him...when the owners of those restaurants aren't, themselves, protesting the food cart. And when, if he had his way, he'd own the Masonic Building and rent it to the competition himself.
Plus I find the idea of a food cart stealing away so much business that Encore, The Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza would either be forced to move and the space sit empty or demand their rents be lowered is simply laughable.
dontcallmedan (anonymous) says…
Compton will never get enough. Never.
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
Unless he finds someone even wealthier to walk down the aisle with. Do Buffett or Gates have any daughters?
kernal (anonymous) replies…
Buffett does but they won't inherit his wealth; they earn their own way.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
big fish, small pond.....sooner or later, he will be swept under the rug by a bigger ...guy.
Keith (anonymous) says…
And remember hopeful businessmen, when the city denies your permit, just do what Doug and his cronies do and sue the city.
ksjhawks (anonymous) says…
I don't have a problem with the late night food cart.
Compton should use some of the money he is getting from the special tax district on his properties by Free State High School to subsidize the downtown businesses that are in his buildings.
pizzapete (anonymous) says…
A hotdog/burger cart would be a great idea for downtown, especially late at night. I think they would make a killing on the weekends. Compton, what a loser!
autie (anonymous) says…
lassiz faire.....what happened to free enterprise? The american way? Why does this Compton fellow hate America?
rooster (anonymous) says…
Competition is good.... Unless you are competing with a doug compton leased business.
LAME.
beatnik (anonymous) says…
i have no (hot) dog in this fight but i'm tired of the city sticking stuff (outdoor dining) all over the sidewalks and taking up pedestrian space. i know i'm not going to be down there after midnight so won't have to deal with it but we (city) have plenty of mess to clean up in the morning without adding more disposible products. and think about adding a hot dog to the alcohol=puke.
riverdrifter (anonymous) replies…
FTW! I was wondering if anybody would pick up on this. Barf has to come from somewhere!
portstorm (anonymous) says…
This from the man that bought that 1/4 block from the Masons as a bundle (because the masons knew the temple wasn't worth much due to it's age and odd layout). They sold the two properties south of it under the understanding that someone would care for the temple and convert it to some good use, while making BANK on the two prime rentals to the south.
Good old Doug bought the package and immediately put a terrible particle board blockade and sale sign in front of the one building that needed help from a developer. Years later, rot, rot, & spray paint.
Thanks Doug! Free market is great when your the one benefitting otherwise... SUE! Wouldn't want to crowd out the rotting barricade with a hotdog cart.
dontcallmedan (anonymous) replies…
Blight! Night after night.
artichokeheart (anonymous) says…
I just don't understand why people hate Doug Compton so much.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
Is it hate, or just disgust? He has a beautiful building (the Masonic building) that he just boards up and lets rot. Perhaps people would be kind to him if he would have fixed it up. It makes no sense for him on one hand to let that building waste away and in the same attitude dislike anybody from at least using the side walk out in front of it. Now if he fixed it up and this vendor was blocking the doorway, then he would have a legitimate complaint. Until then, those young men have every right to sell hot dogs on Compton's abandoned corner.
drake (anonymous) replies…
Jealousy, nothing but.
pizzapete (anonymous) replies…
Doug, thanks for the noise ordinance (no local bands playing a house party, ie., competition to you) and doubling rents downtown so that no one without a liquor license can rent from you. Yea, that and a lot more. Compton is so awesome!
BruceWayne (anonymous) replies…
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jul...
http://www2.ljworld.com/photos/2003/o...
http://www2.ljworld.com/videos/2006/a...
need more? not hard to find.
tolawdjk (anonymous) says…
Compton should be worried.
These guys need to check out Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs in Denver on the 16th street mall.
Best cart dogs I have had -ever-.
Alaskan reindeer and southwestern buffalo are their staples, but on his "What the %@*^&" Wednesdays I've had Yak Cherry Habanero, Rattlesnake/Pheasant, and Elk Jalepeno Chedder.
The man fixes a mean dog. If they look to something like that, Compton should be terrified.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
Biker Jim's rocks! A must-see when in Denver. Perpetual 'best of Denver' winner. Frequent destination of Food Network programmers.
It is also an excellent example of what a "food cart" can be - far more than over-boiled hot dogs.
das (anonymous) says…
As long as they comply with any relevant health code laws........BFD
"A licensed street vendor must prove current State of Kansas Health
Department Certificate of Approval if selling food or non-alcoholic
beverages, and must prove any other licenses or certificates that are
required by the State of Kansas."
From: http://www.lawrenceks.org/city_code/s...
matthewjherbert (anonymous) says…
umm....how is this ANY different than the guy with the hot dog stand open during the day? I guess free market is okay during daylight hours but once the stars come out capitalism should be limited?
BorderRuffian (anonymous) says…
Competition is the biggest and best driving force in the American market. It sounds like the existing businesses actually want protection against the little guy. If they are so worried, perhaps they should spend greater effort competing - supplying a better or less expensive product during these obscenely late hours.
kernal (anonymous) says…
The first thing that came to my mind was how long before they get mugged, robbed or puked on. Best of luck to you!
kansanbygrace (anonymous) says…
I think if anyone has any say about it at all it should be the restaurant people, not the landlord. The "owners" of the real estate get their exorbitant rent whether the tenants are a boom or a bust. Compton has had his way with Lawrence for much too long. The quality of his offerings is mediocre, and he has no vision whatsoever, besides I Me Mine.
pfunk81 (anonymous) says…
Screw Doug, do something with the Temple instead of complain about a cart in front of it. And why should he care about the businesses he rent out to? He's gonna get paid regardless. If they fail, someone takes their place. Seriously, what a maroon.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Now wait a minute! Isn't selling on public property what the Oread Hotel wanted to do for game days? No one was objecting to that but only to closing off streets. What about the merchants downtown who sell on public property during sidewalk sale day?
Quite frankly, if I were the Last Stop Snack Shack I wouldn't want to sell in front of the Masonic Temple. It doesn't have much ambience.
Final Friday art shows, Last Stop snacks, Lawrence is surely the last destination for many now.
As for selling in the Oread Neighborhood, who really cares. At least Last Stop Snack Shack won't need a porta pottie or will it?
How financially profitable has the traveling bar with a bunch of backpeddlers running it? That won't last long either.
Let the entreprenuers have their go at selling their Last Chance snacks.
When they make plenty of money, they then can buy the Masonic Temple and put in a real venue for downtown, A burlesque house upstairs and a german restaurant in the lower level with real food, real music.
Would Mr. Compton let someone know if the organ is still upstairs and can wilbur have access to it for a burlesque show. Dixie Evans and Tempest Storm want to come to Lawrence and show Lawrence what real entertainment is all about as there is not much going on now on Mass.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
So what restrooms do patrons use in downtown Larryville at 2:30 am?
Oh yeah, it's called an alley.
dontcallmedan (anonymous) replies…
They could put a door in the Temple plywood--it was always the most popular downtown public urination location.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
I should think that the entrepreneurs would want to sell out west where the moneyed folks are, where the rich nuveau are that want to attend the theaaaaaaaaaaaatre in style with limos and dinner theatre watch some schmuck pretend to be an actor or actress while the dinner trays are schlepped up and down the aisle.
Look, how much money can they really make in about 60 days when rain comes and snow and ice.
And for Mr. Douglass commenting about in a residental neighborhood, I must remind him that food is already served on paper plates which litter the residential neighborhod. The least the pizza places and the jimminity johnies could do is have some that look like leaves so that they blend in with the falling leaves and will decompose.
Oh leave the hot dog or Last Chance Snack Shack vendors to Candy, she will take that cause up as the crappers issue is now over.
Any of those still around after the last game?
Can't have that historical neighborhood north of the stadum diminished by some fiberglass toilets :)
BruceWayne (anonymous) says…
will the cart be pulled by a zebra? I like zebras.
rodentgirl16 (anonymous) replies…
Don't be silly. The hamburgers in question will be made from the zebras! Heh, heh...
fairplay (anonymous) replies…
Hey, Doug Compton owns Zebras! His opinion might change if there is Zebra money to be made!
sherbert (anonymous) says…
I don't really care either way myself, but I do find it hilarious that the cart guy compares his small $300 yearly fee + $50 per month, as a higher price per sq ft than the restaurants. Now that's funny.
impska (Sarah Stratton) says…
Compton's argument doesn't really hold water. If Pita Pit and all the other fast food restaurants named would do better if they sold food from a cart rather than renting from Compton, then that's what they should do. If they make more by paying high rents and overhead, then they should do that.
If Compton's rent is so high that businesses downtown can't make a profit while renting from him, then his rent is too high.
The city shouldn't consider supporting rent so extravagant in our downtown area that some guy with a cart is going to start putting people out of business.
overthemoon (anonymous) replies…
excellent points.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
the Journal world article is kinda like the Last Stop reading.
What is Compton really upset about, it really is rather unclear. If the cart were at the corner of just south of Brothers would compton complain? That's where I would put the cart. lots of people on that corner or maybe even the corner across the street from the Masonic Temple.
I really don't understand the fuss? Has Compton been getting counseling from one Ms. Davis about how to approach the city for petty issues. Porta Potties in historic neighborhoods, now carts in a run down downtown area, next it will be food carts in industrial areas, even workers need to eat! but not in Lawrence.
After that, the doobskinskis will complain about the schools having closed lunch hour . okay fine, then let the doobskinkis pay a million bucks a year to have food services in the two high schools
Lawrence is so special in that it regulates now food carts.
Thank God, Leo Beurman never had to go through this nonsense to have his pencil cart downtown. The City commission would have made him pay a special parking fee for his tractor, a special vending license, then he would have had to have porta potties available for his clientele.
It's hard to believe that a food cart with the name of Last Stop can make much money as it will be the Last Stop at the bank the day after they sell.
ToriFreak13 (anonymous) says…
Too bad most of you are caught up on Doug Compton. Compton is only a topic because the initial permit applied for was in front of his property. Late night food carts are never a good idea. How many state food safety employees are going to track out to Ltown at 3 in the morning for spot inspections? We can't afford foot patrols at night as it is and now we want to create this potential hazard?
Note to Mandel - many other University towns have a bigger population and ground space. We like being able to walk downtown without being harassed. Besides do you really want all the bums in town hanging out at your cart? Begging you for food, begging everyone that passes by for money to buy them food, and probably robbing you the way things are going downtown. If we want to be like "other University towns", lets be like Columbus, OH that has no sales tax on take out food.
FarneyMac (Pádraig O'Connell) replies…
This is ridiculous. You're probably scared of your own shadow, too. Most cities have food carts, food trucks, etc., and it's not a problem anywhere. Try living somewhere outside of Lawrence for once.
liberallibrarian (anonymous) replies…
I was thinking the same thing, FarneyMac. Let's get a little perspective. It's just a food cart.
thomgreen (anonymous) replies…
Just got back from a long weekend in Portland Oregon. Food carts are a big thing there, we ate at them every night. Even with the large homeless population I never once was asked for food while I was near the food carts, or asked to buy them food.
lawrencenerd (anonymous) replies…
I love all the food carts in downtown Portland. There is so much variety, and you can get just about anything on the go. It is just fantastic. It really does add to the ambiance of downtown, and I think we'd do well in Lawrence to have some. It would be good for our economy here.
gatekeeper (anonymous) replies…
I just recently had the best darned hot dogs of my life from Mexican street vendors in Hollywood after seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. As you leave the Bowl, there are literally dozens of them. Seriously, the best hot dog I ever had. Did I get sick? NO. Was the food great? YES. Were the hundreds of other people getting food also happy and not getting ill? YES.
Get a life.
Jimo (anonymous) says…
"Downtown landlord Doug Compton has urged city commissioners to reject a permit ..."
There is no basis to reject a permit. I suggest Mr. Compton apply for his own permit. (Maybe he should invite Bobby Flay for a 'throwdown'.)
Stain (anonymous) says…
They can worry more when our City Commission in all its wisdom fires our trash haulers and outsources everything to Deffenbaugh so your money can go to Kansas City and Belgium while the local laid-off people are forced to collect unemployment, and finally food stamps and Medicare for their kids. Google Deffenbaugh up. You'll find nothing but outraged complaints about their poor service and nonexistent communication.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
If anyone should object it should be the Salvation Army canteen.
What Lawrence needs to do now is read the J/W article about a cure for bat disease. It sounds like everyone may go batty soon over Last Stop.
I would name my cart "Mr Ed's Cart ".
and dress up as horse.
overthemoon (anonymous) replies…
would we be able to tell the difference?
Sorry...that one was just hanging there waiting to be plucked.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) replies…
Glad you felt like plucking. A good plucking a day keeps the doctor away. :)
hee haw!
LarryNative (anonymous) says…
I love how all the same whiners about Wal Mart and Lowes hurting local business are all crying for the hot dog vendor. This guy is will hurt local small businesses like Pyramid and Pita Pita more then Wal Mart hurts anyone in this town. These existing businesses pay rent 24/7. If this guy gets a license, then Pita Pit and Pyramid and most downtown restaurants should close their shop fronts, buy a cart, and sell their product on the street rent free.
OneEye, Doug cares because these businesses that will be negatively affected pay Doug rent. The majority of Pita Pits business is the late night drinking crowd. No business=no rent. It's not that complicated.
overthemoon (anonymous) replies…
Did you miss that part about the city charging rent for sidewalk use? Downtown is crowded at night. A hot dog stand isn't going to have a huge impact. And I'd argue that Walmart has destroyed MANY small businesses (and large venerable ones) across America.
LarryNative (anonymous) replies…
This is not an "across America" issue. It's a Lawrence Ks issue. The owner's of the businesses that have made substantail investments in our downtown think this hot dog cart will have a negative impact on their investments. Unlike most of the board, I have to assume the business owners have a better undertanding of their day to day operations.
dontcallmedan (anonymous) replies…
Stop your whining LarryNative.
LarryNative (anonymous) replies…
I dont think its whining if I point out specifics and a valid argument. Whining would be some stupid comment that means nothing to the topic at hand like "Compton will never get enought. Never." -dcmd
youarewhatyoueat (anonymous) replies…
Pita Pit is a national chain, not really local.
LarryNative (anonymous) replies…
It's a franchise owned by a local business person. He lives in Lawrence.
jajacut (Jeff Cuttell) replies…
This guy is will hurt local small businesses like Pyramid and Pita Pita more then Wal Mart hurts anyone in this town.
Most insane comment.... ever.
LarryNative (anonymous) replies…
Really? Name a business in Lawrence that WalMart has hurt? Was there some local Rubbermaid dealer I did not know about that was driven out of business? Or maybe a clothing store that also carried the Jacklyn Smith collection that got hurt?
booyalab (anonymous) replies…
Don't forget mom and pop's 3 wolf 1 moon clothing emporium.
pizzapete (anonymous) says…
I say let them have a go, someone can always pay to have the darned thing burned down if it really gets in the way.
catiefan (anonymous) replies…
that was great!
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
I wonder what Downtown Lawrence INC wants? Why should; compton or anyone else really care about downtown at night? It gets free parking, it gets free trash removal on the weekends, it gets free landscaping and it gets free publicity with nonsense about carts and 16 passenger rolling bars.
How much will the city charge an Organ Grinder w/monkey?
overthemoon (anonymous) says…
And the developers like Compton complain that Lawrence isn't 'business friendly'.
Papa Kenos started in a sliver of space...fabulous slices passed through a window. They've grown and become 'mainstream' Rudy's, too. Used to be in the back of the Crossing on 11th and Indiana. Are any of the complainers aware of the food revolution taking place in other cities? Start up chefs are selling topnotch cuisine out of delivery trucks, terrific ethnic food is available, and there's always a hot dog stand...often selling really fabulous takes on the basic dog. This is a good thing and one of the business that add variety and vibrancy to downtown.
zzgoeb (anonymous) says…
If this cart puts these other folks out of business, they are doomed to fail. Don't forget the old saying "Competition should make you better, not bitter!!!" If Doug is really worried, maybe he could lower his rents...YEAH!!!!
pizzapete (anonymous) replies…
Sorry I read Compton should...
H_Lecter (anonymous) says…
The cart would be the perfect vehicle to introduce exotic meats to Lawrence patrons.
1029 (anonymous) says…
I think we should bulldoze the temple, turn Mass Street into a pedestrian mall, convert the Carnegie Library into a Cheesecake Factory, and let people sell hotdogs wherever they want to.
cheeseburger (anonymous) says…
Since Compton suddenly doesn't believe in free market/free enterprise, let's 'complain' about his proposal for lofts at 9th & New Hampshire. After all, those would seem to be in competition with the already-established Hobbs-Taylor Lofts up the street.
You can't have it both ways, Dougie. That you would waste your precious time trying to beat down a hot dog entrepreneur is both ridiculous and petty. You might be just a hot dog vendor had you not been so successful at gold-digging!
lawyerlee (anonymous) says…
A downtown food cart is an awesome idea. I've often wished we had something like that. The idea of not wanting the city to allow carts because it will be competition is laughable. That's what business is. You don't have any guarantees that you'll be the only option, nor should you.
cowboy (anonymous) says…
Compton announces 7 story food cart in October
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
What about all the trash from the food cart's patrons? Won't Compton be required to have the trash picked up if it's on his property? Where will these kids be fixing their food to sell? Do they have a commercial kitchen somewhere that meets health code?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
I would love to see Compton out there picking up trash.
I'd prolly pay him $5/hr
cadillac (anonymous) says…
Just rent them the sidewalk as most towns do... I am sure that the little fenced in areas that clutter and congest the sidewalks downtown pay a daily rental don't they? Wichita gets a fee per square foot per day.. If we are not collecting a daily fee from the "eat out on the sidewalks" downtown,, shouldn't we? It is our property,, not the businesses.... I'm sure Doug wouldn't mind paying for the 10X40 areas at each of his rentals if the street vendor had to pay for say, a 3X6. Seems I remember a business person / resturant owner / city leader that wouldn't allow a food vendor within 100 feet of his place during the sidewalk sale. Shouldn't we just change the name from Lawrence to Potter'sville,, er' I mean,,, Comptonville?
Slowponder (anonymous) says…
The title of the article says, "Another Downtown Property Owner . . . " Who was the first? The article assumes that the reader has prior knowledge of someone else who has complained food carts. Never assume, Mr. Lawton.
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
I mentioned that previously in this thread, and JK replaced one erroneous headline with another erroneous headline. If he would remove the word 'another' from the headline, it would be fine. Or if he would cite the previous complainer, the headline would work. As it stands, it is either sensationalism or poor journalism.
Keith (anonymous) replies…
"As it stands, it is either sensationalism or poor journalism."
With the LJW, it can be both.
lgreen17 (Laura Green) says…
There are carts in every major city and college town, seems like someone could come up with a way to make this work.
pea (anonymous) says…
Let them compete!!!
I agree about the headline(s) too.
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
Waaaaaaaaa............!!!!!!!!!! A great idea. Let the carts run free. We have a number of these in Topeka, mostly Mexican, and the food is cheap and excellent.
damnitimpissed (anonymous) says…
If Compton has his way, I, for one, will go out of my way to avoid all three — Encore, The Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza.
Kebabs and gyros and shawarmas, yes please :D
he_who_knows_all (anonymous) says…
I remember when Doug was first starting out as a bar owner and was the one asking for all kinds of help and favors from others.
Throw them a bone Doug. You got help and now you can help. Try it some time.
justforfun (anonymous) says…
Envy will get you nowhere people. Move on!
giveitback (anonymous) says…
I can't understand why people are so nervous about a simple "sidewalk" vender.
Last Sunday we had a Arts and Crafts sale at Southpark.
Neither JC Penny's or Kolh's or Pier 1 or Wal-marts or Target went out of business!
Free enterprise!!!!!! Remember?
What would the reply be if Keebler wanted the Girl scouts to stop selling cookies.
Maybe the real concern here is that the Pita Pit and Pyramid Pizza are paying way to much in rent.
i don't see how anyone can lose sleep over a Hotdog vender on the sidewalk out front.
Maybe if the Pita Pit and the pizza place sold thier food from a cart at 50 dollars a month rent,
they could be more competive!!
LarryNative (anonymous) says…
Let's put it this way. Let's pretend each of you took your life savings and set out on your own to open your business. The investment took every last penny you had. You rent a building, make improvements and open the business. Things are going well but not great. You are surviving month to month. Then, the city allows someone to park a cart on the sidewalk outside, next to your business, that targets your crowd. You made a $200,000 investment and have 15 employees. This person made a $3,000 investment and has no employees. How would you personally feel about this scenario?
stopit (anonymous) replies…
LarryNative - The businesses (Pita Pit, etc) should object and not Doug.
Jimo (anonymous) replies…
I would feel I should have not made such a foolish investment that was premised upon a lack of competition and customers who were really so unwilling to choose my establishment's offerings.
Even Adam Smith recognized that the first priority of any capitalist is to convince government to restrict competition from other capitalists.
overplayedhistory (anonymous) says…
YEP, sounds like a libertarian hypocrite. What else is new?
stopit (anonymous) says…
So what if Doug loses some revenue he can afford it. Get over it Dougie
somedude20 (anonymous) says…
Give me a break. If the Comp gave a rat's bum about like foods and unfair Competition, then why allow Pyramid Pizza to move in 3 doors down from Papa K's?
"No Babu! No Babu! You bad man! You very bad man! You very lazy bad man!"
seahorselover (anonymous) says…
Let him put his cart up, Lawrence. Competition in business is one of America's tenants, and tons of other cities have them. Let's not fall behind and cheat people out of choice.
missmagoo (anonymous) says…
I want a hot dog reaaaaaaal bad!
You're exactly right, Doug. No hot dog vendor, pizza place, gyros place, sit-down restaurant, etc should be able to open up shop near one of your average establishments. Make it city ordinance! Come on, get real. A little competition never hurt anyone. "Hey guys, do you want to grab a $5 hot dog meal or go in and eat at Encore?." Get a grip.
seahorselover (anonymous) says…
Let him put his cart up, Lawrence. Competition in business is one of America's tenents, and tons of other cities have them. Let's not fall behind and cheat people out of choice.
wdl (anonymous) says…
I have never understood why so many people hate a succesful person. Anyone who has more than what we have we to want to tear down and trash them as though they are an enemy of the state. Why? D.C. got to where he is because he is smart, skillful, hardworking, and some what lucky. Envy is at the root of it all. Most of us never really take a risk in our lives and are content with standing on the side lines playing pocket pool and critizing those who have come from behind and passed us by like a fast freight.
At the same time I admire the street vendor who wants to start his enterprise against Doug Goliath. Their ambition is admirable they should be given a chance. Doug should pick his battles a little more wisely. This article has given the vendors a million dollars worth of free advertising and displays D.C. in a negitive light overall.
Downtown is a place with a carnaval atmosphere, the street vendor and maybe a juggling act or two would round it out. Let the free enterprise system work. With winter just around the cornor the men will be seperated from the boys.
cadillac (anonymous) replies…
I don't have a problem with Doug and his $. My problem is when he and his Wal-Mart friends sue "us" the city to get their way. The majority didn't want the Wal-Mart there, but Doug's love for money was more important to him that his civic pride.
whats_going_on (anonymous) replies…
I don't hate him because he's wealthy.
I hate him because he's a rich a**hat who owns most of this city and the people in it.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Would it be proper for area apartment owners to complain to the city that Mr. Compton has buildt too many apartments? It is not nice to compete?
There is something so ridiculous about Compton's concern, there really is.
I still want to know if the organ is inside that building as wilbur wants to invite Dixie Evans and Tempest Storm to this dump of an entertainment mecca, wilbur wants one LAST STop Chance for an entertainment venue that will outshine any Lawrence has ever had.
Come on, Doug, get ahold of wilbur and partner up with some real ideas.
Just imagine, the Moronic Temple of Entertainment. Weekend burlesque, weekly organ grinder w/monkey outside, afternoons of cotton Candy and jugglers and what about the bus now in town, the Boobs Bus, just saw it at 9th and Mississippi parked at the laundromat.
Such a shame to have that degrading bus in a residential neighborhood. Take it downtown where degradation belongs.
Again, anyone selling food downtown has about 45 days of good weather left. Let it be!
BruceWayne (anonymous) says…
Compton will get his way here...always does.
jackbinkelman (anonymous) says…
I am 100% behind the food cart idea.. If d.c. is against it it must be good for many, not the few [him].
wmathews (Whitney Mathews) says…
In regards to the headline being inaccurate: We've updated the story to reflect the opinion of Nick Carroll, owner of the Replay Lounge, who voiced his concerns via email to the city commission. Additionally, if you download the attached document you'll find a petition with signatures of more downtown business owners and managers.
http://www2.ljworld.com/documents/201...
Whitney Mathews
Online Editor
booyalab (anonymous) replies…
did anyone else have trouble viewing the document?
alm77 (anonymous) replies…
Got it thanks!
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
Well, first of all, your timeline stinks. You were notified about 22 hours ago that there was a problem with the agreement of your story and the headline, and it is just now being 'corrected.' Pitiful. Had it been an objectionable comment, you would have acted much more quickly.
Sure looks like the LJW has an opinion on this matter. You could have removed the word 'another' from the headline and it would have been fine. Instead, you go beat the bush for an opinion seemingly similar to yours to support the original sensational headline.
Sounds like you might benefit from reading the "What the Lawrence Journal-World Stands For" statement which is printed occasionally in the paper.
jkealing (Jonathan Kealing) replies…
We didn't have to beat the bush for anything. We've known about this correspondence with the city commission all along. If we erred, it's that we wrote into the headline something that hadn't been reported. We've corrected that and acknowledged that, as we're able to do in online media.
jimmyjms (anonymous) says…
"D.C. got to where he is because he is smart, skillful, hardworking, and some what lucky."
Uh, say what? He married well, that's about it.
Nick Carroll's statement is just as laughable - what "increased liability?" The Replay sells whatever whatshisface throws on the grill back there, and as far as clean-up, come on, seriously? There's puke, piss, and god knows what else all over the place there and in the alley out back as it is.
bmaestas (Brad Maestas) says…
Yes, what is so insidious about a food cart? How about Lawrence pulling itself out of the culinary dark ages and getting with the program? One of my favorite places to eat is from a cart - N.Y. Dosas run my Thiru Kumar on Washington Square South. As a former bar employee and still-frequent patron in downtown Lawrence, I must say that our late-night diversity is quite laughable. Albeit the proposed cart won't be serving authentic Mexican, dosas, noodles, souvlaki or biryani but if they use quality ingredients, even burgers and hot dogs are bound to become popular as a convenient alternative to what is already offered at the brick and mortar places. This is hopefully the baby steps of a greater food cart presence in Lawrence. Diversity should be embraced.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
So, are any of you Compton-haters business owners? Is there anyone "for" the food cart that has ever attempted to manage a restaurant in downtown Lawrence who thinks this is a good idea; or do you think it's fair to the restaurants?
"We’ll be taking a very small portion of anybody’s business."
In today's economy, with shrinking margins, that "small portion" is enough to drive a restaurant out of business. He admits that he'll take business away from the high-overhead brick-and-mortar business that employ dozens of people. How many people were put out of work when Vermont Street went under? I think Compton's concerns are legit. A number of people have to mortgage their homes to open one restaurant in dowtown Lawrence, but this guy can take away their business with an investment he charged on his Visa card. Not good for the city; not in this economy.
And if the economy was strong, they should at least be charged a fee for using the citizens' sidewalk as a storefront.
And expect to get robbed at gunpoint on a monthly basis with an "after hours" business plan. The city will have to post a cop on the corner just to keep him safe. Who will pay for that? We will.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
If Compton doesn't want the outside vendor, then let him take the boards off the Masonic Lodge building, and let the public buy hot dogs inside. A vendor out front is a much nicer sight than just a boarded up building.
booyalab (anonymous) says…
Why are the existing businesses more important than prospective businesses? If the new business can provide something that consumers want at a price they want to pay for it, that should be all that matters to us. The businesses that exist should be rightfully concerned about new competition but that's their problem. They make the profits. They suffer the losses.
pfunk81 (anonymous) says…
someone give me a list of DC owned properties so I can boycott them.
hitme (anonymous) replies…
http://www2.ljworld.com/propertyvalue...
whats_going_on (anonymous) replies…
I'm sure he owns more than that...I didn't see Parkway on there?
hitme (anonymous) replies…
use the same link and replace his name with first management. perhaps there are others...
Danimal (anonymous) says…
These Lawrence developers and landlords make me want to puke. Seriously Doug Compton, don't you have enough money already? This guy just wants to open a hot dog and burger cart, which there are already many thousands of across the country. I do love it that a little hot dog cart has Compton so upset.
whats_going_on (anonymous) replies…
he's not upset as much as he is putting on a show to show how much he "cares."
PUKE.
Clevercowgirl (anonymous) says…
what is going on????? First we deceide to only allow "Walkable" small box retail and block out Lowes out west. Then we decide to block out a small, walkable hot dog stand in the CBD (central business district). Then our community theatre is lured away from our CDB to go out west by you know who. Oh, and yes, we are taking the community out of Lawrence Community Theatre. Is this make up the rules as you go???? I think that there is more in the water than algea.
Clevercowgirl (anonymous) says…
Oh, and don't even get me going on the urban planning department of the School Board.
Clevercowgirl (anonymous) says…
Was Doug Compton thinking of his tenants when he "offered" to build Lawrence Theatre a new home? I wonder how much business the downtown restaurants will lose due to that? Oh, I guess that you can't go before the City Council to protest against yourself. Stay tuned for new restaurants to be built out west by....
Clevercowgirl (anonymous) says…
But I do sympathize....It will be hard to find an upscale tenant to go behind the hot dog stand.
Newell_Post (anonymous) says…
Would you really want to work a cash-business on Mass street after midnight? No me. It wouldn't last a week before being robbed. Whether legal or not, it's too dangerous for the employees of said business.
lawrencenerd (anonymous) replies…
You do realize at least half of the bars on Mass St are cash only and are open well past midnight? Don't hear about them getting robbed every week.
Newell_Post (anonymous) replies…
I maybe should have said "out on the street on Mass after midnight." At least in a bar inside a building you can have a bouncer at the door....
Newell_Post (anonymous) replies…
... a bouncer, security guard, cameras, etc. etc. at the door.
No door = no bouncer, no security guard, no camera. Too easy for the armed thugs to grab, rob, flee, etc.
overplayedhistory (anonymous) replies…
Do you live in Topeka or something? You don't seem to really know what it is like after midnight downtown on weekends.
bmaestas (Brad Maestas) replies…
Then tell me why, here in big bad NYC, there aren't carts getting robbed all the time? There are carts in shady areas open 24 hours and only rarely do they have trouble. So why would one cart in downtown Lawrence be so thoroughly doomed? There's a little thing called cashouts where another employee comes by periodically and picks up a large chunk of the till so at any one time very little is there to steal. If it ever came to that, which I doubt it ever would, it would be an effective means to deter would-be robbers as has been shown here and elsewhere. Go ahead and continue cowering in fear.
whats_going_on (anonymous) says…
It makes me laugh how many people in this town despise Compton. I'm one of them.
What a (enter expletive here).
whats_going_on (anonymous) says…
One question...would the businesses downtown opposed to the cart rather lose their money (IF any) to a hotdog stand or let the drunks drive to McDisgusting and buy food there? If people want Pita, they'll go to Pita. If they want Pizza, they'll go to one of the many down there. If they want a hamburger, I'd much rather the money go to a guy standing in the cold on the corner rather than the distustingtons down at McDs.
Newell_Post (anonymous) says…
I was inside the old Masonic Lodge several times many years ago. It could actually be converted into a very cool bar, restaurant, dinner theater. But it would take a whole bunch of money to make it happen. Probably would never "pencil out."
The best use for the old Masonic Lodge?..... Comedy club. No kidding. It would be an awesome Comedy Club. I don't know if the market exists in Lawrence to support it, but the Improv and similar clubs in other cities are great fun.
Maybe a venue with rotating format (all of which serve food and booze to pay the bills, of course):
Tuesday nights: classic comedy movies
Wednesday nights: classic drama movies
Thursday nights: gay bar
Friday nights: concert venue
Saturday nights: comedy club
Newell_Post (anonymous) replies…
Tuesday nights: classic comedy movies
Wednesday nights: classic drama movies
Thursday nights: concert venue
Friday nights: dinner theater
Saturday nights: comedy club
Sunday nights: gay bar
Newell_Post (anonymous) replies…
Monday nights: sports bar
Tuesday nights: classic movies comedy or drama
Wednesday nights: open mike night
Thursday nights: concert venue
Friday nights: dinner theater
Saturday nights: comedy club
Sunday nights: gay bar
overplayedhistory (anonymous) says…
What the H@ll, Greg is right. If you so easy to forget what it is like to be a ambitious hustler people, have a problem with this you need to check yourself.
If you have a problem with the overhead of downtown rent, and feel it is unfair because you can't compete. You can put a stop to it, by getting out of your warm bed, and go down there and try to squeeze a dime, by setting your own cart out in front of your establishment. Labor overhead rent problem solved.
How is this free enterprise thing supposed to work if the old dogs don't throw the puppies a bone?
BruceWayne (anonymous) says…
what is the latest on the peddle bus?
mr_right_wing (anonymous) says…
Capitalism RULES, man!!
What's wrong with some of the people in this town?!
"Oh my, another Wal-Mart, and lions and tigers and bears, oh my!!"
"A Lowes store?! It's a sign of the apocalypse!!"
"Build a 12-foot tall wall around the city!! Protect downtown at all costs!!"
"A snack cart?! A snack cart?!?! Have you gone mad, man?!?!"
Let these boys pursue "The American Dream" already!!
cletus26 (anonymous) says…
sounds gross to me.
rrussell (Rex Russell) says…
Exactly. What happened to free enterprise and good old competition? Been here 20 yrs and the fact that 3,4 or 5 land owners/builders/bankers run just about everything in Lawrence and Douglas Co. is hard to escape. Watch the local government bow down to Mr. Compton's whining complaint. In a heartbeat.
blueberries (anonymous) replies…
If you're concerned about how the commissioners will act, write to them.
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
They could read the posts on this story and get a pretty good idea of how people feel. But they won't. Douglass and Corliss have their minds made up, and its likely the commissioners in Compton's pocket have as well.
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
I'm for free enterprise as much as anyone, but some real issues with street vendors unless carefully regulated.
1. Are vendors going to be honest about collecting sales tax.
2. Are vendors at an advantage compared to property tax paying storefront owners.
3. Sanitary conditions, are wash sinks available to vendors.
4. Are restrooms available to vendors and patrons; as required in storefronts.
5. Who is going to take care of trash generated by these operations.
6. What determines when closure should be required due to weather conditions.
7. What City and State licenses are required.
8. Are foods prepared in sanitary conditions.
9. What kind of liability insurance will be required.
tolawdjk (anonymous) replies…
1. Are vendors going to be honest about collecting sales tax.
Are storefront venders honest about collecting sales tax? Why hold street vendors to some mytholocial higher standard?
2. Are vendors at an advantage compared to property tax paying storefront owners.
Why would they be? They own less "property" hence should have a lower tax burden.
3. Sanitary conditions, are wash sinks available to vendors.
Don't see why they wouldn't be. That would be up to health code to enforce.
4. Are restrooms available to vendors and patrons; as required in storefronts.
Its not a store front location. Its a street vendor. Park a two seater porta potty on a little red wagon if it will make you feel better.
5. Who is going to take care of trash generated by these operations.
Who takes care of trash generated at replay and moved outside? Are storefront venders responsible for patrons littering?
6. What determines when closure should be required due to weather conditions.
What does it matter? Does this need to be regulated?
7. What City and State licenses are required.
Good question.
8. Are foods prepared in sanitary conditions.
Are foods prepared in sanitary conditions at any storefront vendors? Enforcement budget has been cut across the state, eggs are rotten out of the kitchen. I can't think a food cart would have any reason to be worse than any other business.
9. What kind of liability insurance will be required.
I'm guessing some, and less than a storefront's insurance requirement.
hitme (anonymous) replies…
please stop, you're killing me.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
The city commission started this when they started approving things like the mobile bar, the bicycling drunks. That won't last long when the first snow comes.
About toilets though, how come the commissioners allow porta potties at Memorial Stadium but yet across the street in the "historic" soon to be neighborhood the toilets have to be removed after the last game because there is no g ame this weekend? who is sitting on the pot about that one?
This little cart business is an example of yet how unfriendly, business unfriendly the city is.
Too bad we don't have a real financial depression full blown then some of the commissioners will be selling apples and newspapers to make ends meet. We have on the commission folks who are out of touch with the world, the state and most of all the city.
blindrabbit, you are concerned about issues with street venors regarding sanitary conditions? you got to be kidding. ever been in most of the testaurants downtown and around town? really now. trash, what about that place near and including the Insane Greek place , what about all that smelly trash in the alley 24/7 and grease.
Wash sinks? hmmm, how many restaurants in town have employees wash their hands, NO, they put on gloves to keep their hands clean and handle everything around them.
YOu want sanitary, stay at home and eat. You want ambience, go to another city , you want what Lawrennce has become, trashy, eat downtown and around and from food carts.
Restrooms are NOT available downtown at all storefronts.
overplayedhistory (anonymous) replies…
"This little cart business is an example of yet how unfriendly, business unfriendly the city is."
This has to do with the people flexing on the city, not how unfriendly the city is to business. Standing up to the corporations that make every town in America look the same is entirely different.
windjammer (anonymous) says…
What would Lawrence be without old Oneeye.
BruceWayne (anonymous) says…
congrats Jason! good luck!
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
towaldik and oneeye: i could of come up with your simplistic answers to the real concerns I posted. I thought of similar responses prior to my posting; but rather than play like an ostrich and ignore them, I had hoped for a more realistic exploration. Keep in mind, I am not opposed to this.
Newell_Post (anonymous) says…
I remember what it was like when Last Call was open....
friend73 (anonymous) says…
let the guy sell his hot dogs and burgers, My gosh. people now day's don't get to see that stuff no more. Don't dis him before he even get' s the chance to try it! I hope he get's to sell his items!
75x55 (anonymous) says…
I blame Tony Bordain
bmaestas (Brad Maestas) replies…
Haha! You know, as much as I love his writing and his show, he (and Zimmern) have actually contributed to the compromise or demise of many places featured in their shows. One such place is Kabab Cafe here in Astoria, Queens. After the episode aired (in which both of them appeared) the place was impossible to get into with 2+ hour waits. That would've been all well and good had the quality of the food stayed the same but with the fame and the flood of self-proclaimed foodies came a compromise of quality and as I understand it, the same thing has happened to several spots that have been featured. Let's just hope that the same thing doesn't happen to this cart!