What's Happening in Chandler, AZ…

Brick-and-mortar restaurants concerned about losing business to food trucks have been going back-and-forth with fans of the trucks for months, but the city may soon change its laws to make it easier for the trucks to operate, though perhaps not in the way they would prefer.

The concerns were mentioned by brick-and-mortar stores that were concerned the trucks were cutting into their business.

City officials have been debating new rules to make it easier and less expensive for food trucks to operate in Chandler, while at the same time, truck operators would face strict limits on the location and frequency of food truck events. As might be expected, changes to eliminate fees met with little concern, but limits on operations proved less popular.

Under the new regulations, food trucks could set up for school or church events that draw a limited response. However, if the event is open to the general public, then truck operators would need a city special use permit for the occasion. Under these regulations, if approved, food trucks could help a new mall celebrate its opening, with the permission of the mall owner, but could not operate there on a regular basis. If approved, the new rules would eliminate any regular food truck events held in downtown Chandler.

When the new rules are finalized, truck owners might consider working with a flyer printing company on mailers to residents, to announce the places and times at which they will be serving food.