Food vendors can soon operate on private property in Salinas
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) Salinas City Council voted in favor to expand food trucks to operate on private property and their public property food truck program on Wednesday night.
Salinas is expected to see 50 food vendors in designated locations aside from the expansion of food vendors on private property.
Wassim El Chaarani had a vision of bringing Middle Eastern Food to Salinas. El Chaarani was able to open a restaurant several years back but because it didn’t do so well he had to close. But their vision of running a Wrap Shack persisted. After seeing several food trucks in Salinas, his wife thought it would be great to start a food truck.
“With the gas station and the traffic we have, I thought that's a good idea to introduce Middle Eastern food to Salinas,” said El Chaarani. “While I'm already here at work, I can oversee, supervise and cook the food and serve it to the Salinas community.”
But the previous food vendor ordinance prevented them from getting starting and their food truck remained parked for three years. Previously there were only about 32 permits out there. However, with the recent expansion, more food vendors will be allowed to set up and will finally be able to operate.
“I want to do everything right,” said El Chaarani. “Go to the city and get the permit and follow the step by step.”
The Wrap Shack will be operating out of their family-owned Exxon gas station South of Main Street in Salinas. But Councilmember Steve Mchsane said not everyone was on board.
“It didn't come without some pushback, just because it is an expansion and there are some unknowns,” said Councilmember McShane. “For that reason, we'll come back and visited again in six months.”
Councilmember Steve McShane also said food trucks don't currently have the oversight that they should. This is why there will also be an enforcement component to make sure everyone is playing by the rules.
"There are some issues with location, hours of operation, not to mention health and welfare of employees, guests,” said Councilmember McShane. “The idea is that through permitting, and through the revenue generated through these food trucks, it won't necessarily be a huge cost burden on the city."
According to Councilmember McShane, there were about 600 people on a waitlist to start their food truck business and with this new change were expected to see more food trucks in Salinas.
