Tougher codes threaten trailer eateries

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Proposals to change City codes could affect how favorite Austin trailer eateries, like Hey Cupcake and Torchy's Tacos, do business.

The City of Austin is considering tougher regulations for mobile food vendors, and some said the proposals will endanger the businesses.

Mobile food vendors typically serve food out of a trailer, and the businesses have popped up in town more prevalently in recent years.

The City of Austin currently has more than 1,300 permits for trailer eateries, up from 648 in 2006, according to Shannon Jones, assistant director for public health for Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services.

The changes are a result of a push by the owners of Snappy Snacks and Amy's Ice Cream, who recommended changes to current City code on trailer food vendors.

Yet, owners of trailer eateries said the changes will put an undue burden on their small businesses.

Changes to City codes will require tougher parking requirements, shorter hours and more stringent requirements on bathroom placement.

The Austin Fire Department would be involved in the inspection process.

Jones said the city is looking out for the public's health.

"We're being very sensitive to the needs of these people to operate," said Jones.

FN Goode Burger co-owner Ricardo Gutierrez said he is operating his business behind the Local Pub and Patio at 27th and Guadalupe streets safely.

"We're all about public safety," said Gutierrez. "We're all about public health. There's nothing about me running my business that makes it right for me to get somebody sick."

A council subcommittee debated the proposals Wednesday, and recommended city staff come back with more information before a final vote with the Austin City Council.