Arcata Mulls Taco Truck Jerk- Around
Troubling, but not unexpected, news from Arcata this morning: More regulation for the sake of regulation on the way in a proposed attack on so- called taco trucks. Not that anyone seems to be complaining...except competing businesses, of course.
Sure, some taco trucks have semi- permanent locations. One in Eureka that comes to mind being Speedy Taco. They're always in the parking lot of the Broadway Theaters. I suppose such a presence could become a problem but Speedy Taco apparently has some sort of arrangement with someone to do business there.
I assume the Arcata taco trucks have some sort of arrangement, as well.
So who's complaining? Larry Garcia, of Luzmila's Mexican Restaurant is the only one quoted in the story. He's upset that he's lost considerable business to the taco trucks. He says the taco trucks slashed his business income in half. So, the idea of jerking around the taco trucks with regulations for the sake of regulations sounds good to him.
Larry needs to realize the taco trucks got some of his business even without seating or bathroom requirements. Even if the taco trucks get stuck with those requirements, he's not going to get that business back. For one reason or another, some customers prefer the taco trucks over his brick and mortar business.
I can sympathize with Larry's frustration in that the business he runs naturally has some disadvantages compared to a taco truck, but that's just the way it is, and always will be. Instead of trying to drag other businesses down with him he should figure ways to compete with them.
Working to remove regulations that might impair his profitability makes more sense to me than dragging everyone else down with him but that's still not likely to get all of his lost business back.
Some people like to eat in conventional restaurants. Some people like taco trucks. Most of all, people like choices.
Jerking around taco trucks with needless regulations will improve no one's lot, not even Larry Garcia's.
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Next question is: Will the City of Eureka play monkey- see, monkey- do and consider doing the same thing? They better not. You don't be messing with my Speedy Taco.
posted by Fred Mangels @ 8:17 AM
12 comments
12 Comments:
Yes, needless regulations because restaurants should not be regulated. Food regulation and quality standards and citing regulations means Big Brother is watching me in the bathroom! Whisper conspiracy! Stop Big Brother! I'm adopted! Help! Help! I'm being repressed!
It's really an attack against the working class who prefer,or don't bring a lunch for one reason or another and just don't have the time or desire to eat at a restaurant.This is how taco trucks survive,and how many laborers socially interact with employees at other companies and such.And,after hours of labor and getting nice and sweaty and dirty,one generally doesn't feel like eating in a restaurant,so one chooses a truck which can offer a good meal.Also,the prices at the trucks are generally less than what is offered at any of the rival restaurants,so those laborers may now be forced to pay more for their lunch,force themselves to go a restaurant which takes more time and gas,or (the best option regardless)bring lunch from home.
So yeah,not only is it an attack on the taco trucks themselves,but an attack on those who have been using them.
There seems to be a lot more Mexican restaurants also and I think that spreads the business around. May have lost business because a lot of people just don't have the time to stop at a restaurant. Pass by any fast food restaurant drive through and note the line of cars.
Not to mention most taco trucks serve up good tasting food which won't leave you bloated, something they forgot about with the swill they serve at Luzmillas.
Save the taco trucks!
Arcata goes after the businesses who aren't lining Mayor Groves' pockets with bribes, what else is new. You can bet Garcia will be on her endorser list.
Except I never saw Groves' name mentioned anywhere in the news article. So far we don't know how she stands on the issue, so you're speaking way prematurely, 7:00pm.
If it's about screwing over the little guy on behalf of the establishment, Harmony is guaranteed to be for it, just so long as it has that unique Arcata hippie window dressing.
I love me Speedy Taco!
I was really surprised that Luzmillas didn't take advantage of the great view their site affords. I used to love to sit in Bim's and look out over the bay. As for the taco trucks, folks don't go there to use the restroom. Requiring them to set up a B&B would be a waste and create even more problems. B&B would be the winners if it become a requirement.
Fred, he's not speaking prematurely. He's speaking immaturely. Unrequited love bites hard.
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