Orlando Food Truck Owner Protests Ordinance Limiting Late-Night Sales

Orlando Food Truck Owner Fights Ordinance Impacting Late-Night Sales

ORLANDO, Fla. – Zachary Maxwell, the owner of the food truck Maxtro’s, has taken a stand against a recent city ordinance that he argues is negatively affecting his business. The petition he created has already gathered over 400 signatures, aiming for a total of 1,500 before the city council’s upcoming meeting on January 13, 2025.

The Issue at Hand

Maxwell’s petition stems from a city ordinance approved on October 7, 2024, which restricts mobile food vendors from operating between midnight and 6 a.m. This regulation is part of a broader ‘Mobile Food Vending’ pilot program that was initiated in 2013 and revamped in 2019. As it stands, Maxwell stated that approximately 75% of his sales occur during the hours now limited by the ordinance.

“It’s a huge blow to us for sure,” Maxwell expressed, highlighting how halting operations in those hours will significantly impact his revenue. The ordinance prohibits alcohol sales and establishes specific operational hours, ultimately making it challenging for some vendors to thrive.

City Regulations and Equality Concerns

One key point Maxwell raised is the inconsistency in regulations. While his food truck is restricted from operating late at night, food vendors in the downtown entertainment area (DEA) can stay open until 3 a.m. This discrepancy raises questions about fair enforcement among different vendors, prompting Maxwell to call attention to the challenges faced by those outside the entertainment sector. “We need to make sure that we get fair enforcement for these small businesses,” Council member Patty Sheehan acknowledged during the meeting when the ordinance was debated.

Maxwell’s Journey to Orlando

Originally from Orlando, Maxwell launched his food truck business in Los Angeles in 2021 before returning to his hometown. He struggled to find suitable locations for his truck in Orlando compared to the ease and popularity of operating in Los Angeles, where he was parked along Hollywood Boulevard. “Finding a location in Orlando… is probably one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done in the business,” Maxwell lamented, emphasizing the challenges posed by local regulations and real estate availability.

Understanding the Community’s Needs

Maxwell’s motivation for expanding his hours centers on community needs. Many of his friends work in hospitality and share late-night shifts, making it hard for them to enjoy the food offerings from his truck. “I started opening up later for the people specifically because… they were never able to make it by the truck,” he explained. His desire goes beyond mere profits; he aims to serve the community effectively and inclusively.

City’s Response

In response to inquiries about the regulation, a city spokesperson emphasized that the goal of these regulations is to promote safe operations for food vendors and reduce potential negative impacts (such as noise or late-night loitering) on nearby residents. The city intends to manage food trucks’ presence based on the level of impact they create, which can vary from occasional single trucks to more permanent food truck pods.

Next Steps for Maxwell

With the petition ongoing and community support growing, Maxwell plans to present his case at the city council meeting in January. He hopes to advocate not only for the survival of his business but also for equitable treatment of all food vendors. As the date approaches, the debate surrounding late-night food truck operations in Orlando is likely to gain more attention, potentially stirring discussions on how to balance community needs with regulatory measures.