Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter from an owner of the food truck Hubcap Grill to the Norfolk City Council. We’ve added the pictures, which are of food trucks from around the country.

Norfolk City Council,

I own the Hubcap Grill, a gourmet food truck in Norfolk. I am currently operating on one of Bobby Schlegel’s properties on Colley Ave.

Pic from southfloridadailyblog.blogspot.com.

The first spot where we set up was great. We met all the neighbors the first week and they were all supportive. The local businesses like FIT Gym let us put fliers up and referred customers. The ship yard guys were grateful to have a lunch alternative to the convenient store. There really wasn’t another quick spot for lunch nearby so it filled a need. Where we are now people walking by tell us it’s nice to see us. We had customers last Saturday tell us they wished that there was a breakfast place on Colley. We served people who didn’t want to wait for a table at other spots. Our next spot (I just secured) will be VERY close to downtown so we will be giving everyone down there what they have been asking for. Its a shame I’m still taking people out of downtown instead of bringing them in.

Pic from blue-kitchen.com.

Norfolk must amend its view of food trucks and allow them to operate more freely throughout the city. I understand some restaurants feel threatened by our presence. However, any argument alleging that food trucks harm brick and mortar establishments is unfounded and contrary to the truth. Nonetheless, only a carefully implemented strategy designed with the input of ALL parties involved will lead to successfully integrating food trucks into Norfolk. I can help craft the measure that gets adopted as I have ideas that I believe will satisfy the restaurants as well as the rising rank of food truck entrepreneurs. Please let me know how I can help this process come to a satisfying conclusion. Food trucks must be a bigger part of Norfolk.

Pic from penngastronomyclub.com.

A few reasons why everyone needs food trucks.

Pic from carolinaepicurean.com.

Each of these reasons spawns other positive effects. For example, better quality of life makes the city more attractive for people to live, and more people living here means more taxes.

We appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,