The Great Little MTA Coffee War in Wantagh

Dennis Timapanaro's silver coffee truck was a fixture at the Wantagh LIRR Station for decades.  He was forced out by the MTA, in action that was reported by Patch previously.

To coin a phrase, Dennis was railroaded, and here's how:  the MTA notified Dennis that the rent for his spot under the trestle next to the escalator would be raised. When he asked how much, MTA explained that would be determined by open bidding; Dennis' spot was not really Dennis' spot. He asked MTA what he should bid, and was told to double what he had been paying MTA. He was outbid by a new operator who bid triple Denis' prior rent.

Of course, all that extra money is coming out of commuters' pockets and into the MTA coffers, not into better coffee.  but the war continues.

Dennis's coffee truck is fully licensed and operating with the permission and cooperation ot the owners of Thom-Thom Steak & Seafood, next to the Bank of America, directly across the street from his old spot. Many of us go that little bit extra to cross the street and get the same great coffee, the same good egg sandwiches, buttered rolls and breakfast bagels--and customer friendly prices we have been enjoying for years, from Dennis and his silver truck.

He's got a cup to go, for you!