Food Truck Ordinance Causes Headache for Local Food Truck

When Somerville passed a new food truck ordinance in October, 2012, many hoped it would encourage the mobile eateries to do business in the city.

But one local food truck operator who's been doing business in Somerville for years stopped operating Monday as soon as he received application materials for a license—a requirement under the new ordinance.

Dave Stewart, a Somerville resident who runs Moe's food truck at Trum Field, hopes his hiatus will be short-lived, and if the Somerville Board of Aldermen has it's way, he'll be back in business in the upcoming week.

As part of the application process called for in the new ordinance, food trucks need to prepare their food in a professional kitchen, Stewart said.

Moe's sells hamburgers, sausages and hot dogs, and "it's all cooked on board," he said. He doesn't operate out of a professional kitchen. He cleans his equipment at home.

Stewart fears he could face fines of $100 a day if he's found in violation of the new ordinance, and "I don't make $100 a day," he said.

He spoke to Alderman At-Large Dennis Sullivan, who proposed a measure at the Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday to grandfather in food trucks that were already operating in the city when the new ordinance passed. Sullivan said that amounted to two trucks.

"We didn't want to hurt vendors" who were already doing business in the city, Sullivan said about the new ordiance passed in October, adding that the Moe's truck is always very clean.

"Moe's has been there for a long time," said Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane.

"Unfortunately, I think we've hurt a local businessman," he said.

The aldermen asked the city's Inspectional Services Department to take up the matter immediately so Moe's isn't out of business for too long.

Stewart said he was pleased the aldermen took up his cause and he hopes to be operating soon.

More on food trucks in Somerville

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Gewirtz Gives Candid Assessment of Food Truck Ordinance on 'Greater Somerville'

'America's Test Kitchen' Editor to Discuss Food Trucks on 'Greater Somerville'

Opinion: Phantom Gourmet CEO on Food Trucks

Somerville Aldermen Now Mull Pilot Program for Food Trucks

Blog: Let’s Welcome Food Trucks in Somerville

Aldermen Balk at Prospect of Food Trucks in Somerville

Poll: Do You Want Food Trucks in Somerville?

Somerville Eyes Food Trucks With Eagerness and Caution