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Blowing Rock council opens study of food-truck rules, asks staff to gather data
Summary
Council discussed options for permitting food trucks, directed staff to work with the chamber and planning board to gather data on restaurant capacity, wait times and comparable towns, and did not take immediate regulatory action.
Blowing Rock’s Town Council discussed whether to change local rules that treat food trucks as itinerant merchants, directing staff to gather data and consult the chamber and planning board rather than adopting an ordinance at the Aug. 12 meeting.
Town staff explained that the land-use code currently classifies food trucks as itinerant merchants and that itinerant merchants are generally not permitted except under limited special-event or charity exemptions. Staff asked whether the council wants a planning-board study and a potential draft ordinance for further consideration.
Councilors debated the merits. Some members said tourists and families face long restaurant wait times during peak weekends and suggested food trucks could reduce congestion and broaden choices. Others, including council members who spoke with local restaurateurs, questioned whether there is reliable evidence of a restaurant shortage and raised concerns about unfair competition and the town’s brand.
Council asked staff to collect comparative data — including restaurant counts, days/hours restaurants are closed, observed wait times, turnover rates and examples from comparable municipalities — and to partner with the chamber of commerce and planning staff on the analysis. No public hearing or ordinance was scheduled at the meeting; council agreed to revisit the matter after staff and chamber feedback.
