Central Oregon food trucks impacted by poor air quality during Labor Day weekend
Claire Elmer
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Labor Day weekend, smoky skies and air quality advisories in Central Oregon haven’t just been keeping people out of parks and trails — they’re also keeping customers away from food trucks.
Summer is typically the busiest time of year for Central Oregon food trucks, especially during holidays. But many vendors say as soon as the air quality takes a turn, so does their business.
Stephan Lavigne, co-owner of On A Wing & A Crepe, spoke with KTVZ about the impacts on his business.
“It’s tough out here in the summertime. It’s the only time that the food trucks can really make that money. And sometimes it’s just like the smoke comes in, nobody wants to come in,” said Lavigne.
Food truck businesses especially heavily rely on customers ordering take-out or delivery when air quality is poor.
“We are lucky we get DoorDash orders, so that does help for people that want to stay home,” said Lavigne.
While owners understand the health risks and want customers to take care of themselves first, times of poor air quality hit their businesses hard.
“All food trucks need help all the time. I feel like we all just mom and pop businesses just trying to make a living, you know, pay the high rent in Bend, and enjoy a life out here as people do,” said Lavigne.