News

Partial overturn of Royal Oak food truck ban likely

October 30, 2018

Last week, Food Truck Operator reported on a clash of wills between downtown restaurant owners and new brewery and distillery businesses in in Royal Oak, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, over the question of allowing food trucks in the downtown area.

Restaurants opposed the idea due to concerns about competition; the brewer and distiller both supported the idea because their establishments do not have kitchens and their customers often request food.

Now the debate seems close to at least a partial resolution, according to a report by the Daily Tribune. The Royal Oak City Commission voted earlier this month to overturn a ban imposed by the Royal Oak Planning Commission, and has proposed instead that food trucks be allowed to operate on property owned by establishments that serve liquor and beer, but not food.

The new proposal will be discussed at a Nov. 12 public hearing and will come up for a vote soon after. Mayor Michael Fournier, a supporter of the proposal, said that it was unlikely that any city commissioners would change their position on the issue, meaning that the proposal is likely to pass on a 4-3 decision by the city commission.