Arlington Launches Pilot Program for Food Trucks in Rosslyn

IMAGE from Arlington County shows food truck locations in new pilot program in Rosslyn.

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Arlington is launching a pilot program in Rosslyn for food trucks that creates four exclusive zones where vendors can offer restricted curbside lunch spots without having to compete for parking space with other vehicles, according to a news release from the County. Think “outdoor food courts on wheels,” the County notes.

The designated spots will be active weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving vendors at least two hours more than they are usually allowed in traditional parking spaces.

The program — designed to create pedestrian-friendly food truck access for area workers and residents — sprang from discussions among food truck owners, local restaurateurs and County and Business Improvement District staff. Participation is voluntary, meaning food trucks can park in other areas of Rosslyn and the County, provided owners observe the parking rules for those streets.

“We think this is going to be good for the food trucks, good for their customers and good for Rosslyn restaurants,” said Cara O’Donnell, with Arlington Economic Development. We’ll be gathering feedback from customers, vendors and retailers in Rosslyn for the next several months, and use those comments to help us determine whether to continue and extend the program.”

For Monday’s launch, roving Rosslyn ambassadors will hand out postcard maps of the zones with details on how to win prizes for paying a visit. Use social media to share a picture of favorite trucks and you could win a $50 Uber credit, $100 FitBit credit or $250 Bose headphones.

On Fridays—traditionally the biggest day of the week for food trucks—look for special outdoor seating and live music at the zones through September.

“Everyone at the table—Arlington County, the BID, property owners, food trucks and restaurants —came together to develop a consumer-focused plan to better incorporate mobile vendors into the neighborhood,” Rosslyn BID president Mary-Claire Burick said. The idea “maximizes public spaces, parking and infrastructure so that Rosslyn residents, workers and visitors have easy access to all businesses and retail establishments.”

Doug Povich, owner of the Red Hook Lobster Pound trucks, is reserving judgment on the new zones, saying they include less dense areas that haven’t been tested. He calls it “not the typical recipe for success” but says “We’re big boys, we’ll see how it goes.” Povich is also chairman of the DMV Food Truck Association and has been looking to expand his business to an Arlington brick-and-mortar location that includes service space for his trucks.

Share your experiences with the Rosslyn pilot program or make suggestions atwww.rosslynva.org/mvz.

The Rosslyn mobile vending zones are:

* On 19th Street just past Lynn Street

* Along Wilson Boulevard above North Kent Street

* At the intersection of North Nash Street and Wilson Boulevard

* On North Pierce Street along Wilson Boulevard