Let them eat fries: Food truck owners want to operate year round

A food truck in Charlottetown wants to sell its french fries year round instead of the currently allowed six months of the year.

The owners of Ken's Island Fries recently made a request to amend the city bylaw that governs mobile canteens that operate on private property. Right now they're operating times are from May 1 to Oct. 31, but they would like that restriction removed.

"It just makes sense, everything else that we're paying now is 12 months of the year," said co-owner Amy Robertson.

"Our insurance, our food premise licence, our fire inspection, our trailer registration, everything is a 12-month fee."

When they first spoke with planning they asked to run year round, but staff suggested a slight extension to Dec. 31.

At a public meeting Tuesday night, council was presented with three options to consider from the planning department: the status quo, run April 1 to Dec. 31, or May 1 to Dec. 31. The changes would only cover canteens outside the 500 lot area, and those on private property.

Mayor Clifford Lee weighed in suggesting the year-round option also be put under consideration before a motion is brought to council.

"It's private property, it's a commercial lot, and if someone can make a go of it 12 months of the year selling french fries or hot dogs, what's wrong with that." Lee said. 

Planning staff explained the rule was written that way because it was consistent with how canteens on the public right-of-way are regulated, and with other seasonal permits such as Victoria Row being closed to traffic.

Affects the bottom line

Planning staff said they are open to other options, which the owners are glad to hear. They say it's difficult to balance the books with only six month income.

"That's our biggest issue right now," said co-owner Ken's Island Fries co-owner Lori Visser.

"To have that short season where you're trying to make as much as you can, and then spread it over for the 12 months, it's pretty difficult to do."

Visser and Robertson would instead like to make up their own mind about when they open, saying weather would be the primary indicator.

Canadian Tire onboard

And their neighbour agrees, the truck operates out of the Canadian Tire parking lot, Owner Cameron Beach said the truck is good for his business and he fully supports the lift of the rules.

Why not let them to piggyback?- Cameron Beach, Canadian Tire

"I certainly do get comments from our customers, you know, asking when's Ken's fries opening up," he said 

"November, December is our busiest months of the year, so why not let them to piggyback on our tails of customers coming in of the busy times during Christmas." 

No one spoke out against the proposal at the meeting, which left the two owners optimistic.

"Hopefully common sense will prevail and it sounds it will." said Visser.

The city says the decision should be made at the next council meeting.

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