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Food truck pros, cons give Chapel Hill something to chew on

The Chapel Hill town council got served with plenty of food for thought at its Monday night meeting as the community spoke out for and against a proposal that would allow food truck operators to park and serve within town limits.

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Food trucks in Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Chapel Hill town council got served with plenty of food for thought Monday as the community spoke out for and against a proposal that would allow food truck operators to park and serve within town limits.

The current proposal would require trucks to be set up in private lots at least 100 feet from the door of any restaurant that's open for business.

Jody Argote, who runs Parlez Vous Crepe, said her food truck brings in business from surrounding areas – business that could benefit Chapel Hill.

"I have customers that come to see me from other counties and because they are traveling to see me, they are almost always going to spend more time in Orange County," she said.

The owner of Sugarland Bakery on Franklin Street, Katrina Ryan, said she isn't worried about direct competition with her store, but doesn't think food trucks will boost the local economy.

"There are no local jobs created, there aren't any verifiable benefits to the town, so I don't see the upside," she said.

Council members said their main concern is enforcement – making sure vendors have the proper permits and are following health and safety standards.

The proposal is up for a vote in January.

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