Cathedral City food truck proposal raises concern among vendors
Luis Avila
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A proposed amendment to Cathedral City’s food truck pilot program is drawing criticism from local food vendors and small business advocates, who argue the new restrictions could stifle entrepreneurship and limit opportunities for working-class business owners.
The proposed rule would prohibit food trucks from operating within 500 feet of any existing restaurant or bar—unless the vendor obtains written permission from the nearby business. Advocates warn that the restriction could make it virtually impossible for food trucks to operate along major corridors like Highway 111, where restaurants are densely clustered.
“It’s hurting small business owners that are just getting into the field who pay the same taxes, the same permitting fees and still have to spend almost 100-thousand dollars to open a food truck. Just because I don’t have a quarter of a million, I should be restricted on where I can go?”
Eri Nox, Nice Hass Owner
A map of the proposed buffer zones shows widespread impact, especially across the major corridors, including Highway 111, Date Palm Dr., and Ramon Road. Advocates say overlapping 500-foot zones from existing restaurants would leave few—if any—viable operating spaces for food trucks in high-traffic areas.
Some brick-and-mortar restaurant owners expressed support for a balanced approach, agreeing that food trucks should have a place in the city, but at a reasonable distance to avoid direct competition.
“I think everybody deserves an opportunity and there’s nothing wrong with that. When it comes to it, as long as there’s a good distance with restaurants, I think it’s okay because we also deserve to have our side when they have their side.”
Nanfer Garcia, Desert Thai Owner
Nos maintains that food trucks and restaurants can coexist—and even benefit one another—if the guidelines are reasonable.
The Cathedral City Council is set to review the proposed changes during a public meeting on Wednesday, October 22. A final vote on the ordinance is expected later this year.
City officials declined to comment on the matter, citing policies against speaking on potential action items.
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