Jammin’ Crepes Seeks Princeton Council Nod To Use Food Truck During Renovation

PRINCETON, NJ – A number of local businesses on 20 Nassau Street are being affected by the construction work for the Graduate Hotel. These businesses are expected to be closed anywhere from 20 to 50 days to allow for structural and safety measures.

One such business, Jammin’ Crepes, came to Council Monday, requesting consideration for the temporary use of a food truck at the same location during this time.

Kathy Klockenbrink, co-owner of Jammin’ Crepes told Council they have identified a Commissary Kitchen over at Princeton Shopping Center to prepare the food, but would require the use of a food truck to serve patrons.

“The product that we sell at the cafe, that only covers about a third of what it costs for us to run our business,” Klockenbrink said. “We are committed to keeping our employees on payroll because we all know what September looks like in Princeton”

Klockenbrink was seeking the Council’s approval to vend from 20 Nassau. They will be keeping normal working hours, Tuesday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays however are reserved for the west Windsor's Farmers Market, Klockenbrink said.

“There will be some days when the truck is committed to other private events like the West Windsor farmers market,” Klockenbrink said. “We have a plan to actively engage our social media to let people know where they can find us if we're not there.”

Klockenbrink had to come to council with her request as the use of a food truck is not allowed under current zoning, Mayor Mark Freda explained.

“But as council we can make an allowance and allow that to happen,” Freda said. “We've already talked to our zoning officer.”

Council President Mia Sacks said permitting the temporary use of a food truck should be a “no brainer.”

“We really appreciate your being willing to creatively find an accommodation to provide your crepes for us during this period, when you're not able to have your store. But I think this is great,” Sacks said.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros asked Klockenbrink if Jammin’ Crepes had plans for a temporary storefront at the Shopping Center where the Commissary Kitchen was located.

“That's to be determined. Right now, we're just trying to get the kitchen part up, get through all the paperwork from the health department, get our staff installed there, and figure out a pattern of production,” Klockenbrink said.

The graduate hotel would have to take apart Jammin’ Crepes’ current location, then redo it including putting the ceilings up. Only then will they be able to go back to the store.

Pirone Lambros asked Klockenbrink and other business owners to “hang in there” as they face inconveniences due to the renovations. "I think when Graduate brings in people that they bring in, and they do the renovations, it's going to be worth it,” she said.

Councilman David Cohen asked attorney Trishka Cecil what action should the Council take to ensure, Jammin’ Crepes could operate their food truck.

Cecil advised against a resolution and suggested a consensus instead.

Freda then informed Klockenbrink that she had Council’s consensus for operating the food truck.

Other businesses affected by the renovation work include Small Bites, Milk and Cookies, Sakrid Coffee and Nassau Barbers. The duration of the closure could be anywhere from six to eight weeks or more, depending on the location and size of the place.

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