This deserted parking lot in Asheville is where you’ll find food trucks like Suzy’s Gypsy Queen Cuisine that is unless an ordinance that would let them into downtown Asheville is approved.
Suzy Phillips serves her loyal clients from two different locations in Asheville daily.
“I know pretty much all of my clients by name,” said Phillips.
But she said she’d like to be making more money feeding people she doesn’t know too, downtown.
Suzy’s not allowed to setup in downtown Asheville because of a 25 year old rule.
Currently pushcarts like hot dog vendor Bill Cooley are allowed downtown because they serve pre-made food. He said business is good but there are rules.
“I’m not allowed to move inside the central business district,” said Cooley.
The Downtown Commission will vote at their meeting Friday whether or not the food trucks are welcomed to serve downtown.
They would have to set up in private parking lots approved by the city, undergo health inspections and couldn’t sell alcohol.
Commission member Michael McDonough said he expects the ordinance will be approved if those small details are worked out.
“I think in general all but maybe one or two commission members are in favor of moving this thing forward,” he said.
Dwight Butner commission chair and owner of Vincenzo’s Ristorante and Bistro said the trucks need to be ready to play by the rules that other businesses downtown follow.
“We want to be sure were absorbing this and accommodating this in a way that compliments the whole community instead of just one or two small interest groups,” said Butner.
Suzy saids she can offer a unique type of cuisine and shouldn’t be denied the customers even restaurants don’t serve.
“The bar crew and is hungry and drunk and want to eat because all the restaurants are closed at 10 or 11 at night,” she said.
But soon her fight could be over.
Suzy says even if the ordinance isn’t approved Friday shell keep fighting to take her business where she says it belongs.
If the ordinance passes in the Downtown Commission, it will move on to the Planning and Zoning Commission and could move on to City Council for final approval by Aug. 23.
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