Chicago food trucks are popping up on city streets again, feeding the lunch crowd on the move.
A proposed ordinance was announced Tuesday to allow the operators to cook on the trucks for the first time. Operators said the proposed ordinance will help them operate more efficiently and serve customers more efficiently. Until now, food trucks could serve only pre-packaged items.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's ordinance would allow the operators to cook inside the vehicle, as is the practice in other big cities. The ordinance also hikes the license fee from $225 up to $700-$1000 for two years.
The food trucks will be allowed to operate 24 hours-a-day, and park for up to two hours.
It would impose strict parking restrictions and health and safety inspections. Designated parking spots will be selected by Chicago aldermen, businessmen and residents where the trucks will operate. The trucks will be subjected to regular health inspection, and at least one worker with a food sanitation certificate must be present at the truck at all times.
Food truck owners said cooking onboard delivers a better meal. Chugger Lupo, owner of Soups in the Loop, said it will reduce the guessing game of estimating how much product to package. That will eliminate waste.
Other food truck owners said doing business in Chicago has been challenging with regular restaurants lobbying against them and police hassling them about parking.
Last fall, they predicted many trucks would not be able to afford to return this summer. Pizza vendors have been selling slices from trucks for a long time and say the new ordinance opens up a whole new ball game at lunchtime.
Food truck owners create a fan base and use Twitter to let hungry fans know where they will be parked. Chicago and Larrabee is the place for food trucks on Tuesdays. If the ordinance passes, they will have a wider selection of menu items to tweet out than ever before.
The ordinance is expected to be presented at Wednesday's City Council meeting.
FOX Business Network's Jo Ling Kent shared advice about a phishing scam traversing Twitter right now, that could be sitting in your direct message inbox. If you don't know where a link will lead you, don't click on it!
FOX Business Network's Jo Ling Kent shared advice about a phishing scam traversing Twitter right now, that could be sitting in your direct message inbox. If you don't know where a link will lead you, don't click on it!
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:00:07 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Mommy beta blogger and home & family technology expert Natali Morris shared some quick tips to save cash on household costs this summer, like using a land line, smart appliances and cloth diapers.
Mommy beta blogger and home & family technology expert Natali Morris shared some quick tips to save cash on household costs this summer, like using a land line, smart appliances and cloth diapers.
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Redfin real estate agent and local housing market expert Jenna Smith answered your questions about pre-financial crisis prices, a good time to buy and what "comps" are.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Redfin real estate agent and local housing market expert Jenna Smith answered your questions about pre-financial crisis prices, a good time to buy and what "comps" are.
Yahoo is buying online blogging forum Tumblr for $1.1 billion as CEO Marissa Mayer tries to rejuvenate an Internet icon that had fallen behind the times.
After falling woefully out of fashion, Yahoo wants to be cool again while catering to the capitalistic demands of its shareholders. That goal led CEO Marissa Mayer to make a $1.1 billion bet on online blogging forum Tumblr...
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
.
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533
