Brick and Mortar v. Food Truck
Jay Hamada owner of JapaCurry food truck just wants to sell some good food. But some people – namely Alison Rowe of Harvest and Rowe a brick and mortar restaurant a few doors down – just won’t let him. Is it because he doesn’t have the proper permits to sell on Second Street near Mission? Is it because his truck is operating illegally? Is it because his truck is a health hazard? The answer is none of the above. The reason local business owner Rowe is waging a war against Hamada is simple – she can’t stand some friendly competition. It’s self-serving NIMBYism turned ugly.
According to SF Foodie, “Hamada says Rowe told him she was going to block his spot on the curb in front of 75 Second St., even tough the Police Department issued a permit for the JapaCurry truck to park there and sell food on Mondays and Tuesdays. “She called the police,” Hamada says. “Now she’s writing a letter a talking to all the restaurant owners, saying I’m parking there more than an hour.” Now, Hamada says, he may have no choice but to look for another spot to park his truck, even though the city says he has a right to be on Second.”
And it looks like Rowe’s efforts have successfully pushed Hamada out of the way. He has submitted for three new permits downtown and this time his is trying to steer clear of other brick and mortar establishments selling food to hungry workers.
So now customers on Second have had their choice taken away from them because of one person’s unfounded actions. According to sources, the JapaCurry is parked a fair distance from Harvest and Rowe and the two places sell completely different fare.
For the full story, go here.
Maybe if you understood how much rent and fees brick and mortar businesses have to pay compared to food trucks, then you would understand. What’s the point of businesses staying put if others just come as they please to reap the benefits?