Taste Of Chicago 2013 To Include Food Trucks
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 12, 2013 4:45PM
For the first time in Taste of Chicago’s history, food trucks will be a part of the festival. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office made the announcement Friday morning as part of an overarching press release touting the growth of the food truck industry.
“The food truck industry continues to build in strength and numbers, and my administration is committed to creating the conditions and opportunities that will allow this industry to thrive, create jobs and support a vibrant food culture across Chicago. This will be a great way for many Chicagoans to get a sense of the excitement of this industry and sample some great food.”
The food trucks will be massed on the centerfield concrete path, east of the lawn seating at the pavilion and will serve food one hour before each concert at the festival. They will serve both regular servings and Taste-sized servings for the duration of the concerts. Participating trucks will accept food tickets.
All participating trucks will not be charged an application fee, but the city will take a 25 percent commission on all food sold from the trucks. This is probably the least the city can do, given the hoops food truck vendors have to jump through in order to get licensed under the food truck ordinance passed by City Council last year.
The Mayor’s office announced seven trucks have been licensed to operate in the city, including three with the ability to cook on board.