Cleveland's streets will once again witness a gathering of local gastronomy on wheels as the city prepares for its 3rd annual "Food Truck Rodeo." Kicking off on March 25, the event is a one-stop-shop opportunity for food truck and hot dog cart owners to secure their necessary permits. On East Mall Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, the event aims to simplify what can often be a convoluted permitting process.
In a statement provided by the City of Cleveland, Mayor Bibb expressed his commitment to local businesses, stating, "One of my commitments upon taking office was to make it easier for our local business owners to do business in the City. The Food Truck Rodeo is an innovative example of how we have adapted and simplified our processes in City Hall to better meet the needs of our small business community." Also mentioned is that around 100 food trucks participated in previous years, a number expected to rise this year.
Local business owners are encouraged to arrive without prior appointments, equipped with a certified LP pressure test, proof of an LP safety course, and liability insurance. Additionally, they must bring their form of payment ready to cover the $150 fee, which includes the permit and a certificate of qualification to handle propane, which is mandatory as per state regulation.
Upon entering East Mall Drive from St. Clair Avenue, business owners will be guided through the necessary steps, including vehicle and equipment inspections, including checks for CO detectors, extinguishers, and ventilation. According to the City of Cleveland's announcement, several city divisions, including Fire, Public Works, Assessments & Licenses, and Public Health, will assist with the documentation and inspections.
Securing a permit at the Food Truck Rodeo means vendors can operate in 10 Cuyahoga County municipalities for a year, providing a much-needed boost to the hustle of local culinary entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the Parma Fire Department will also be present to facilitate their specific permitting challenges. Lt. David Telban, Fire Marshal for the Cleveland Division of Fire, has seen interest from other cities looking to replicate the Rodeo's success, noting, "The level of interest in our Food Truck Rodeo has grown tremendously – so much so that other fire departments have reached out to learn our system to host similar ‘Rodeos’ in their cities," as per the City of Cleveland's official announcement.
Business owners with further inquiries about the rodeo are encouraged to contact the Cleveland Fire Prevention Bureau for additional clarification and support. For a city that boasts a growing appetite for the convenience and innovation of food trucks, this annual event guarantees that Cleveland's streets will continue serving diverse flavors for locals and visitors alike.
