Conway council approves short-term mobile food truck franchises after debate over downtown parking

The Conway City Council on Jan. 6 approved temporary franchise agreements allowing two mobile food trucks to operate on city property after members said they wanted limited trial periods to monitor impacts on downtown parking.

Project Smashburger received a six-month trial franchise to operate at the parking lot adjacent to Fourth Avenue and Kingston Street near Palmetto Taps. The franchise covers three parking spaces the applicant identified near the dumpster area; requested hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The council approved the trial period by voice vote; the motion to grant a six‑month trial was moved by Councilmember Larry White and carried unanimously.

The owner of Project Smashburger (identified in the record as Mr. Hensley) told council, “that’s my business that we’re talking about,” and said his commissary kitchen is at Palmetto Taps and that he was willing to accept a shortened lease as a trial. Planning staff had described two permitted private-property vending permits already issued to the business and recommended a nonexclusive franchise for the public lot.

Councilmembers pressed for limits. “We’ve been trying to free up our parking,” Councilmember Hardwick said during the hearing, adding concern that dedicating two or three public spaces downtown to a private, for-profit vendor could reduce parking for nearby businesses. Hardwick and others also noted the proposed franchise carries a nominal annual fee ($50 per the staff presentation) and recommended a short trial before a long-term commitment.

Separately, the council approved a franchise for Randall’s Culinary Creations to operate at the parking lot at 7 Elm Street on a year-to-year basis. Staff said Randall’s holds a valid city business license and private-property mobile-vending permit for Coastal Carolina University; the vendor requested extended weekday hours (the applicant discussed hours ranging from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. to 9 a.m.–9 p.m.). Councilmember William Goldfinch moved that the Randall’s agreement be approved on a year-to-year basis so both the city and vendor could reassess terms after 12 months; that motion also passed unanimously.

Both items were heard as public hearings. Project Smashburger prompted the most public commentary; the business owner and a representative from Palmetto Taps spoke in favor and confirmed that the vendor had coordinated with the property owner. Council discussion repeatedly returned to downtown parking supply and the importance of trial periods to measure impacts.

The council left franchise terms flexible: event-day restrictions remain in the franchise agreements (vendors must obtain event permits if a permitted event occupies the lot) and staff noted the city can revisit or amend terms at second reading or via subsequent council action.

Members voting in favor were recorded as a unanimous vote of the council; no formal abstentions or no votes were recorded in the public proceedings.

Why it matters: Conway’s downtown has been growing as a destination for visitors and new businesses. Council members said they wanted to encourage small-business activity while protecting limited public parking in the core commercial district. The short trial periods create an opportunity to evaluate effects before any long-term franchise commitments are finalized.

What’s next: Both franchise agreements were approved on first reading with the trial/term modifications noted above. Council staff said the ordinances will return for second reading, where council can amend or reaffirm the conditions.