CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The city is moving forward with a plan to allow food trucks to serve people on private property.
The city council voted Monday in favor of a change to the city’s ordinance governing food trucks.
Monday was the first day Drew Basilicato can serve up lunch in the city of Myrtle Beach from his food truck he owns called The Trojan Cow.
“First day putting the permit to good use,” Basilicato said. “I’m happy to be on Kings Highway. There’s a lot of visibility, there’s a lot of people that came by to see me and support, so I’m thankful.”
Basilicato is approved to cook in Myrtle Beach and Horry County, but he’d like to grill in Conway if the city changes its food truck ordinance.
“We’ll be able to set up right in downtown, which is where a lot of the people are, and just give them another option for some quality food,” he said.
Conway city council may expand its law to allow food trucks to set up on private property. Right now, the trucks can only sell on public property.
City spokesperson Taylor Newell says changing food truck rules is one idea to bring more people downtown.
“I think food trucks have done really well here so far on public property,” Newell said. “Just adding another avenue, another way for them to get out and about in the community is a plus.”
Newell also says other city businesses could benefit from adding food trucks downtown.
“A lot of what council has been working on is in the last few years is to get more people downtown, to get people out in the community, walking around the downtown area,” she said. “So this is just another avenue to help that to happen.”
Basilicato says he wants to expand to a city like Conway, which is the home of Coastal Carolina University.
“College kids love burgers and fries, so I’m happy to feed them,” Basilicato said.
Food truck owners could apply for permits right away if the city officially approves the pilot program.