Step into the Van with Klausie’s Pizza
Jeremy Carson blogs about local food over at Brains 4 Brunch. Today he reports for New Raleigh from the Klausie's Pizza truck.
One of the truly under-appreciated food scenes in the Triangle is that of food trucks. The Triangle boasts some innovative and great-tasting food from trucks like Bulkogi, Only Burger, and Raleigh-based Klausie’s Pizza. In addition to daily challenges—from acquiring product to finding places to maximize their business potential—food trucks in Raleigh are also dealing with a legalization fight that doesn’t allow them to set up their businesses downtown.
In an attempt to find business outside of Raleigh, Klausie’s owner Mike Stenke has begun setting up in Durham regularly. He was kind enough to allow me to sit in on the truck for a Saturday night at Fullsteam Brewery to see how his pizza is made.
In only six short months of existence, Mike Stenke has been featured on NPR’s “The Story”, the Raleigh News and Observer, and in segments on WRAL and NBC 17. My initial curiosity was all about the pizza, but I came to realize that you can’t talk about food trucks without considering the unique challenges that their owners and employees face daily. While cooking, Stenke and his crew have to be ready to take on customers, weather, local events, and—sometimes—just plain bad luck.
On the Saturday I spent in the Klausie’s truck, business was slower than usual because of the Duke vs. UNC basketball game. But that didn’t stop Mike from making conversation with everyone who stopped by.
“I always ask everyone how they are doing today,” he says. As a food-truck owner, Mike possesses a blend of cooking and social skills. He takes orders and makes small talk with the customers while getting the food out as quickly as possible. Those interactions help to cultivate regular customers and encourage word-of-mouth promotion, which he relies on to expand his business.
Mike also knows how delicate the trust between regular customers and food operators can be. With regulars come expectations, so you can imagine Mike’s dismay when he was unable to get his regular cheese for a week. After mending relationships with some unhappy customers, Mike was able to put the problem behind him, as a small speedbump in the silver 1977 step van’s road.
But back to the pizza. After all, that’s what I was there for: to try to understand how the best pizza that I have had in the Triangle could have possibly come from a truck.
Klausie’s, a Detroit-style pizza, features a thick crust more commonly associated with Sicilian-style pizza. The bottom of the crust is golden brown with a crunch, and topped with a thick layer of cheese beautifully caramelized on the sides. The sauce—a satisfying balance between sweet and tangy—is added atop the melted cheese at the very end. Mike wraps up each individual slice in a square of foil, to be eaten immediately.
Mike’s process for creating a pizza has been battle-tested and incrementally improved over time. “There’s no manual for how to make pizza in a truck,” Mike explains with a smile.
After a trip home to Detroit gave him some insight into the beloved pizzerias of his youth, Mike spent months coming up with a recipe of his own that could be made in the short turnaround needed for a food truck. He starts with the most important pieces of equipment: 40 year-old steel pans. They must be seasoned and re-seasoned regularly in order to keep their nonstick qualities, but they are well worth the effort. These pans maintain incredible amounts of heat, becoming so hot that the dough seems almost to fry during the baking process. This is what leaves the slices with a perfectly crunchy crust on the outside while preserving a focaccia-like middle. If you’ve ever made friends with a cast iron skillet, you can relate. You just can’t find this quality in other baking pans.
Mike uses a deck oven, the same style you would find in a standard brick-and-mortar pizza restaurant. Although his oven has to be smaller in order to fit in the truck, it doesn’t, I quickly learned, hamper his ability to churn out pizzas. Mike installed the oven himself, replacing the conveyor oven that came with stepvan when he purchased it in Tampa, Florida. He tells a Murphy’s Law-esque tale about his first inspection with the conveyor oven. Within minutes of starting up the oven (which is open on both sides) for the inspector, the temperature inside the truck had risen above 120º. It was immediately obvious that he had to replace the oven, but this unfortunate event seems to have served him well in the end.
Mike describes his pizza creation process as “triple bake, double proof.” Mike allows the dough to proof once, then again in an oiled steel pan. He has individual crusts ready before he begins service, completes the baking process in the pan, then adds the cheese.
Mike uses something called brick cheese, which originated in Wisconsin. Brick cheese has a high butter fat content, with a slight sharpness depending on the age of the cheese. It melts, browns, and caramelizes very well—crucial to a slice of Klausie’s pizza. Once the cheese melts and hits the side of the hot pan, it begins to caramelize, and the best part of the pizza is born.
Mike cuts the cheese into cubes and tops the panbaked crust with them. Then he bakes a second time, long enough for the cheese to melt. After that he adds the sauce and desired toppings before a final bake. He then loosens up the pizza with a spatula, slides it onto a cutting board, and cuts it with a large mezzaluna—a long, curved blade with handles on each side—to ensure a straight cut. True to his Detroit roots, he wraps the individual slices in foil.
The bottom crust turns out brown and crispy. “It’s all about the crunch,” Mike says as he divides up slices. When the mezzaluna breaks through the bottom crust, Mike can tell by the snap if the crust is done.
Beyond the making of the pizza, there is a technique to eating it. In Detroit, you start with the caramelized cheese and work your way in from there. I can appreciate tradition, but I like to save the cheese to look forward to at the end of the slice. Mike has had a hard time finding suppliers for brick cheese, and he’s been forced to make do with some less than ideal cheeses during his time in the truck. He knows just what he wants, and finding someone to meet those culinary demands is currently a big challenge.
Now that Mike feels comfortable with his base pizzas, he’s started experimenting with menu options. He recently added a Greek-style pizza, which has quickly become his top seller. Topped with minced garlic, Kalamata olives, and Feta cheese, it is certainly a departure from his standard toppings, but its success has inspired new ways to get creative with Detroit-style pizza.
In addition to running his truck, Mike is one of the biggest proponents of legalizing food trucks’ ability to operate in downtown Raleigh. Currently, the proposals for legislation and regulation of food trucks are stuck in a bureaucratic mess. Amidst a web of what looks like stalling from the outside, Mike stays optimistic. The first time he presented a proposal to legalize food trucks and find respectful boundaries between trucks and restaurants, City Council proclaimed that they supported the idea of food trucks in Raleigh.
Mike and several other trucks, including Only Burger, Slippin Sliders, and Bulkogi, will offer a Free Food Truck Feeding during lunchtime in downtown Raleigh before the April public hearing. They will offer free food to attendees in an effort to generate public support for food truck legalization in Raleigh. The trucks will also have information and petitions to sign regarding the push for legalization.
The date of the Free Food Truck Feeding will be announced soon. Meanwhile, you can follow the truck’s whereabouts on Facebook, Twitter, and klausies.com, and catch Klausie’s and other local food trucks on Thursday, March 17, at the Food Truck Rodeo at Big Boss Brewery—1249 Wicker Drive, Raleigh.
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Restaurants , Other posts by Jeremy.
Tagged
City Council Food Trucks Big Boss Only Burger Mike Stenke Bulkogi Fullsteam Brewery Slippin Sliders Klausie's Pizza
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gspot
03/14 10:28 AM
PhD approved
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netposer
03/14 12:22 PM
What’s going to happen when the hipsters get bored with food trucks?
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Joe
03/14 12:46 PM
What’s going to happen when the hipsters get bored with food trucks?
Excellent question. I think that every food truck owner should be actively working to open a real restaurant as soon as possible. This food truck fad isn’t going to last forever.
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RonW
03/14 02:10 PM
Nice write-up on Klausies and Michael, he’s a good guy putting out good food. And I’m not sure why people thinks food trucks/carts are a trend. They exist and have existed in many cities for years, particularly as a low-cost entry point for people who want to start a restaurant.
Just because you haven’t seen it before don’t mean it’s a fad…
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Tyler Durden
03/14 02:42 PM
Healthy, quick, affordable, responsible food is never just a fad. Don’t shortchange yourselves.
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netposer
03/14 03:23 PM
Hey RonW, they existed for years as “Roach Coaches”. That was the nickname that was given to the trucks that sold items at construction sites.
Nobody even attempted to say how awesome the food was but they were happy someone pulled up and sold things like sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, snacks etc…
It seems twitter is abuzz about food trucks and it’s the same hipster crowd tweeting about it.
“Cool…Durham can be like Austin with all these food trucks”
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Keyser Soze
03/14 05:08 PM
Tyler Durden, You just broke the first rule in food trucks….
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Bill
03/14 05:11 PM
Yes, I’m getting tired of things that are interesting and food that is delicious. Austin sucks. We should be more like Garner. They still have boring snacks and shitty sandwiches in Garner; like the Good-Old-Days!
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Tyler Durden
03/14 05:17 PM
Soze, you and I both know food carts aren’t the Usual Suspects that folks will be getting bored with. If there are to be food trucks in Raleigh, we’ll have to fight!
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netposer
03/14 05:42 PM
And Pizza is interesting how? Because you bought it out of a truck?
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hackles10
03/14 06:15 PM
@netposer, its interesting because they use fresh ingredients and create a unique “pizza” experience. If you’ve ever stopped by Klausie’s you know they aren’t just rushing crappy product out the door. You may wait a few minutes, but its delicious stuff. I’m willing to drive now, but hope someday soon they will be able to ply their wares in downtown proper.
Also, try the cheese bread/garlic sticks, they are awesome!!
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NCGUY32
03/14 10:13 PM
I’m a fan of Klausie’s pizza BUT I liked it better when he sold them at $2.50 a slice. After just a few months in operation I noticed he raised the price to $3.00 a slice. Not as good of a deal for the size/quality.
I support Food Trucks in DT Raleigh - but not just anywhere. I don’t think they should be allowed to take up space along Glenwood Ave for example.
How many of you think Fullsteam, LoneRider, and BigBoss would allow food trucks to park in front of their places if these breweries also sold food? I think NOT.
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Sean Lilly Wilson
03/14 11:07 PM
NCGUY32 -
Here at Fullsteam, we may offer food someday. And if we do, food trucks will still be welcome—just as we invite people to bring in take-out or food from home if they want.
It’s one of the reasons we serve North Carolina guest taps: we enjoy the variety, and we like to boast a little about the big picture. North Carolina beer, food trucks, good people…it’s a great time to live in the Triangle.
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NCGUY32
03/15 12:14 AM
^^ Sean - That is nice to hear. I appreciate your response and what your brewery stands for.
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Bruce
03/15 01:24 AM
jeremy, you rock!
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netposer
03/15 08:26 AM
A food truck should be able to park on Fayetteville St across from Cremma (at night) since that new bar there doesn’t serve food.
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Mark P
03/15 09:00 AM
I think the battle of ‘food trucks’ is less about food, fads and hipsters and more about business. In today’s economy WHY turn our heads to a different business model that shows promise and could possibly be a viable opportunity for someone to make a living. Food Trucks are a good entry for entrepreneurs to build a business and yes, some will, can, and have flourished as restauranteurs. I appreciate other businesses, such as Fullsteam (and others) that recognize the potential for a collaboration. It’s nice to see someone else in the mindset of possibility, abundance and positivity.
What’s going to happen when the hipsters get bored with food trucks? Who knows? Probably find the next innovative idea they find ‘hip’ and support it with enthusiasm. That is what makes them hipsters. What will others do? Remain negative…move on to bigger things like kicking over a 3rd grader’s lemonade stand or punching a girl scout.
Have still yet to hear a sound argument ‘against’ food trucks.
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CJ
03/15 09:43 AM
Food trucks have been around since the dawn of motorized vehicles so this isn’t a fad. They are just getting better at marketing!
Love Klausies and congrats to them for taking a risk and bring the best pizza I’ve had to Raleigh.
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BottyGuy
03/15 10:05 AM
In the food truck world Klausie’s is still a pretty good deal, if you get 2 and a drink. Plus the corner slices are delicious.
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c'mon
03/15 11:41 AM
I can’t get past “One of the truly under-appreciated food scenes in the Triangle is that of food trucks.” what Triangle is the writer referring to? More words have been written on food trucks in the Triangle than I’d suspect Poole’s Diner & Nana’s combined.
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Tyler Durden
03/15 11:50 AM
C’mon -
I’m thinking that the author’s term “under-appreciated” refers to the lack of progress from the Raleigh city council in forwarding the laws allowing trucks to operate downtown.. All the chatter about food trucks is great, and keeping it going will only further our cause!
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gspot
03/15 03:06 PM
the real obstacle to progress is the food truck opposition to food fixie bikes. all of our wheeled chefs, 2 as well as 4, deserve a place at the table.
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Doubtful
03/17 12:38 PM
Mr. Stenke does a good job of getting media coverage. I just wish he provided more details about what exactly it is he wants to be able to do. He keeps talking about how Raleigh is too restrictive and that Durham is much more Food Truck Friendly. But based on where he sets up in these two cities I don’t see much difference. In Raleigh he sets up at Big Boss Brewery and NC State Campus. In Durham he sets up at Fullsteam Brewery and Duke Campus and Sam’s Quick shop (on Fridays). So he has one more spot in Durham than in Raleigh. Doesn’t seem like a big difference to me. Where exactly is MR. Stenke wanting to put his truck? I seem to recall one of Klausis’es Pizza’s first twitter posts being about getting kicked out of parking in front of Bogart’s in DT Raleigh to cash in on the Bar crowd. I wonder if that is the kind of place Mr. Stenke still wants access to? Where exactly does he want to set up but can’t?
*
Maybe the city should allow food trucks to park in front of the vacant kiosk that use to house Krispy Kreme in the Raleigh City Plaza. I’m sure that would do wonders for encouraging a new vendor to invest in that location. -
150
03/17 01:29 PM
@Doubtful: I’m not Mr. Stenke, but it seems obvious to me that Glenwood is exactly the type of spot he’d want to set up shop. This isn’t NY or Philadelphia, it’s Raleigh, where the downtown core is very small. If he can open at NCSU, which is only a mile from the Capitol, but still wants more, what else is really left?
And this is what goes back to Mark P’s question above, and why I don’t understand the difficulty in seeing why there is opposition here. If I’m a restaurant owner on Glenwood, who plunked down the capital, the time, and took the risk to open in a location where there was nothing just a few years ago, you’d better believe I’d be opposed to some food truck guy taking advantage of it. Amra’s made this point, and frankly, I don’t see how you can debate that position.
You want your pizza from a truck, go down to NCSU and eat it. I’ll stick to supporting the businesses that worked to build the positive environment that now exists downtown. Not to mention their employees.
Oh, and let’s not go into the whole thing about food trucks simply expanding competition or that they appeal to a different crowd then the current fixed restaurants. Again, go read Amra’s take on that.
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Tyler Durden
03/17 01:42 PM
150 -
Food trucks do appeal to a different crowd than the fixed restaurants on glenwood south. Also, they do expand competition. Allowing trucks to set up within the downtown core is much different that being able to post at NCSU during daytime hours, despite the relatively short (1 mile) distance..
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150
03/17 02:43 PM
Come on, Tyler. A pizza food truck on Glenwood isn’t going to be appealing to the same crowd as Mellow Mushroom, Sauced, Bada Bing, Moonlight, or to hit home with NR readers…the almighty Lily’s? What about Timmy’s Burger Mobile with that little unknown place called Char Grill? What about a mexican place with Armadillo Grill? How about a sandwich truck in front of (gasp!) Rockford? Again, go read what someone invested in this (Amra) thinks. It carries weight.
-Frankly, just knowing that the food trucks want to go to Glenwood is a major tell. They want to go there because the people going there will eat their product.
-And yes, your point about NCSU is exactly what I was saying. There’s something within a 1 mile radius that the food trucks clearly want, that they don’t currently have access to. Hmmmmm, what might that be?
-And again with the expanded competition argument. Is it fair competition? What happens when Gary’s Guacamole Truck parks in front of Armadillo Grill, does business, but doesn’t pay any rent? When AG goes out of business, who wins here? Gary drives off, a building is empty, people lose jobs, and everyone comes back to NR whining about it.
-I don’t have any problem with the food trucks doing business, but not at the expense of the established players in DT Raleigh. -
Tyler Durden
03/17 03:18 PM
150 -
Are you telling me that a person who is going to walk into Mellow Mushroom, Moonlight or Bada Bing for a sit-down dinner is going to be dissuaded from doing so when there’s a pizza truck outside? I don’t think so. Food trucks cater to an entirely different client as sit-down restaurants.
Also, is it the city’s right to protect established businesses from new business? Doesn’t that combat the idea of a free and open marketplace? Isn’t a competitive business market one of the founding principles of our democratic free State?
To me, the ideal opportunity for food trucks would be to set up a conglomerate pod downtown (I’m not talking Glenwood South) near Moore Square/ Fayetteville/ Warehouse where they can sell their product to those folks who are looking for a quick bite at lunch, a meal to grab from the bicycle to enjoy on a bench, urban space or park, or a late night 4th meal after drinks with friends. PLus, they can bolster the atmosphere at downtown festivals, concerts, parades, conventions. It may even create some more traffic downtown during the weekend day hours..
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Mark P
03/17 03:36 PM
150-
I would like to follow up on your suggestion of reading Amra’s take but not sure what you are referring to. Don’t see any comments from ‘Amra’. Please elaborate as I may be missing something and would like to understand fully the points made.But until then…
From what I gathered sitting at the council meetings covering food trucks, the position that the food trucks are fighting for is a ‘basic allowance’ for them. Currently they are only allowed on private property. Big Boss/ NC State. They are ready to accept any distance restrictions (from restaurants), fees, taxes, inspections, permit requirements. They are basically asking for just a chance to make a living, grow their business, possibly flourish, possibly fail…they just want the chance. I fully understand the restaurants position and agree with the ‘theory’...If I owned a restaurant on Glenwood, in this economic climate, I would be nervous, scared and concerned too. But would I take a Forrest Gump, bus ride, ‘Seat’s Taken’ approach? I would hope I would be smarter and focus on better product, customer service, or a way to collaborate so we both benefit. What is the justification? Sure they paid for real estate, and have bills and employees, but can they petition the government to strong-arm another business from the ‘right of competition’. If you say ‘yes’ then where is the line? Why stop at food trucks why not any competing business that have an ‘unfair’ advantage? Why not ask government to stop another restaurant from building next door because their overhead is lower and have less employees? I am a freelance photographer running operations from a home office. Should I be exempt from shooting for anyone in the city because I don’t own/rent a studio downtown?Would setting up a Food Truck Day once a week on City Plaza in front of the former Krispy Kreme be any different then setting up a weekly Farmer’s Market with tents selling BBQ from the Pit? The last ‘festival’ I went to downtown had a full sized McDonald’s-semi truck-trailer right next to all the businesses on City Plaza. How is that going to make Raleigh unique and different and worth talking about? How is that creating a community? How many people were drawn to that spot specifically for the food? Replace the same sized spot with 3 local food trucks, tweeting their presence to their foodie following and actually draw them in. They will have lunch (at a truck) walk around then maybe stop to Raleigh Times for coffee or a beer or sit down for dinner at Busy Bee before going home.
From what I understand Mr. Stenke, is a citizen of Raleigh, paying taxes and hoping to build a business. If he cannot make a living here in Raleigh he will be forced to pack his investment and move it elsewhere. That may sound good to competing restaurant owners but I wonder where Mr. Stenke takes his family for dinner on the weekends or where he goes for a beer after a day of work?
Is the attitude of exclusion a viable method of growth for a community? I hope not.
I still feel Raleigh would benefit as a whole if businesses were allowed the ‘chance’. The free market will decide who wins based solely on the quality of product. Food Trucks will Fail just as Restaurants do. But give them a chance to give us the choice.
Petitioning government to exclude it’s citizens a right to compete feels wrong to me.
I have heard no other argument ‘against’ other than ‘competition’.
Again this may not be the case with the mentioned ‘Amra’s take’ so I would like to read it.
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Tony Woodard
03/17 05:41 PM
Take some food, put wheels on it and you people get PASSIONATE.
I fail to see the difference between a food truck and a hot dog stand, and those line the sidewalks day and night. Their price points seem to be about the same. The only difference being the food truck menu comes closer to serving restaurant quality food.
I can only think of two places that serve hot dogs in downtown but you can’t swing a cat without hitting a pizza oven.
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WILLNCSU
03/17 06:03 PM
Easy solution, only allow food trucks downtown after 11pm. That is after most restaurants have stopped serving food and right about the time the bars start jumping and people begin looking for street food.
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Mark P
03/17 06:10 PM
Likewise:
Yes. Food Trucks would be stupid to not want in on Glenwood at night or Downtown during lunch, because that’s where the people are, but consider this. The popularity of ‘Glenwood’ thrives on one concept…options. The people are drawn there for the variety of things to do and places to go. If only one restaurant or one bar existed on Glenwood, there would be NO customers. (Like the ol’ days you speak of). People come because of variety and options. Food Trucks can only add to that variety. They WILL draw their clientele, and they will share them. People don’t just go to one bar…they hop to a couple through-out the night. A couple on a date may have drinks at Noir, dinner at Tasca Brava, and dessert at the Cupcake Shoppe, and then go dancing at Solas. Why not stop at a food truck for a late night snack before heading home? Any business on Glenwood NEEDS it’s neighbors to share customers for survival. Without Variety Glenwood Dies. I agree that there are some overlapping competition possibilities. Klausies parked at Mellow Mushroom doesn’t make sense…for either business, and I honestly believe the Food Trucks realize this. You and Tyler are both correct. Pizza competes with Pizza, Burger for Burger. But if I want to sit on a nice patio with friends, share a pitcher of beer, I’ll walk past 100 pizza trucks to get to Mellow Mushroom. If I want to sit with my wife for some creative food and a bottle of wine, Zely and Ritz is where it’s at, not Slippin’ Sliders. But if I want Only Burger…off to Durham I go, and after I eat my burger I’m looking for a beer…in Durham, not Raleigh.
Food Trucks have been open to the acceptance of ‘distance regulations’ just as there are for hot dog vendors (a mobile food business already allowed on Glenwood, that no one from the restaurants mentioned at the council meetings and proves that this could work). -
Mayor Meeker
03/17 06:39 PM
is it possible to get a pizza boner? it is now…
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sycamore
03/17 09:23 PM
I was hoping for someone to bring up the hot-dog carts. How would a truck be any different? What business owner wants hordes of drunken fools funneling into their premises at 2:00 a.m. Saturday?
Plus, I like my Raleigh pizzerias just fine, but _no-one_ is doing Chicago style or Detroit style. If these trucks thrive by finding and filling niches, we’re all the better for it. If a bricks and mortar business is afraid a food truck will put them under, they should probably reassess the quality of their product.
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mrtruck
03/17 09:40 PM
Can you imagine Glenwood Avenue with five or six food trucks taking up 2-4 parking spots each and their generators humming. Not too thrilled about that. Should every truck that wants to be able to park along that strip?
Klausies, OnlyBurger, and Slippin Sliders aren’t the only game in town and they can’t speak for future food truck operators. If allowed how will they organize amongst themselves. Right now there is more than enough space to share, but there are only so many Friday nights to split up in Front of Fullsteam. What if I get my truck there first? Sorry Klausie!
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mrtruck
03/18 06:43 AM
Hey Mark - This was your question “Would setting up a Food Truck Day once a week on City Plaza in front of the former Krispy Kreme be any different then setting up a weekly Farmer’s Market with tents selling BBQ from the Pit?” I don’t know it would be any different except for the fact that you are suggesting a that there would be some sort of limitation on how often a food truck could set up there (you point out that the BBQ is only there once a week at the farmers market). Who will limit a food truck from going there 7 days a week? Should be fun to see the fight over that spot. I don’t think you would suggest Kluasies has exclusive rights. Maybe he only wants to be there one night a week, but he can’t speak for the 20 other food trucks out there now can he. It would also suck to have one of those food trucks that are nothing more than trailers pulled by a pickup station there. Just how much space do you think that would take up? Especially on Glenwood. Listening to Generators crank would such too. I wouldn’t want to sit out the outside tables in City plaza listening to that. Traffic going by is one thing, having a generator crankin 15 feet way nonstop is something much worse.
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Mark P
03/18 08:01 AM
mrtruck-
all valid questions and points.
I agree too many food trucks would be a problem and unsightly. But during the same Food Truck meeting there was discussion on ‘hot dog’ vendors that included a couple of them being represented. They are working with City Council to iron out details about permits that are granted that allow them space, with set distances from each other and from brick and mortar spaces. They also discussed space/safety issues with setting up too close to the curbs and spoke of a set closing time imposed by the City on the suggestion of the Police to eliminate drunk laggards loitering too long after bar hours. The system they have set is not perfect, but they work together so everyone has potential for business. The Food Trucks represented there are clearly willing to accept any/all similar restrictions imposed, as a starting point and a work in progress towards a collaborative agreement. They just want a fighting chance. If allowed, will other problems arise? Absolutely. But again, to deny the opportunity totally based on ‘we don’t like competition’ seems wrong.
My ‘in front of Krispy Kreme’ comment was somewhat a response to ‘Doubtful’s comment which suggested another business would not want the empty space if Food Trucks parked in front. My point being that it is possible for others to be in the spot, draw people to the area and maybe help all business. I imagine Krispy Kreme had increased business on the days that the Farmer’s Market was there. There had to be many customers that came in the morning and wanted a donut, I even imagine some of those that actually set up tents went and got a coffee and a donut. Again, restrict it with permits, allow one at City Plaza every other day, one by Moore Square, one by Nash Square, one near the government complex and one on each upper and lower Glenwood. There is six trucks, not together, set up at set distances from brick and mortars and from each other, given the opportunity to thrive and allowing more choices for the people, again, if they suck, the free market will filter them out. Add one day a week or a month and allow 10 trucks for a round up at City Plaza on a Friday evening and I would assume bars near by may see some increase in business.
I can only speak from personal experience and I have only tried 3 Food Trucks, Klausies, Slippin Sliders, and Only Burger…each time I ate at a food truck I was 1. drawn to the location because of the food truck and 2. patronized a business that was nearby because of either convenience or a collaborative effort (Spize Cafe, Big Boss Brewery, and Durham Farmers Market). So from my perspective…How is that bad for building a community? Why do people insist that ‘it can’t work’?
You have a good point asking about trailer pulled vendors and where would one draw the line between them or do you at all? Limited space, permit only, distance required…Food Trucks are ready to accept and discuss, shake hands and work together…are brick and mortars? are City Council?
I’m still convinced Exclusion and a mindset of Impossibility will stunt Raleigh’s potential. Inclusion and Possibility is the ONLY way to win as a community. -
Tyler Durden
03/18 10:36 AM
Thank you, Mark P! I hope that one day, we can raise our burgers, tacos, pizza, head held high, while taking in the loveliness that is downtown Raleigh! Anyone have some good food from the Big Boss Truck roundup last night?
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150
03/18 12:10 PM
-@Tyler Durden:
Lots of comments on lots of points, but to answer your question to me…. Do I think someone who came downtown specifically to sit at Mellow Mushroom would be dissuassed by a pizza truck? No I don’t. But that’s not going deep enough. Do I think that the guy stumbling out of Solas or Hibernian will hit up a pizza truck instead of grabbing a slice at Bada Bing? Yes I do. Same goes for a taco truck outside of Armadillo Grill.
-@Mark P: Regarding the “variety” thesis. I agree with you that variety is part of Glenwood’s success. I disagree with you on what part of that variety leads to success. I’ll go to Glenwood for a steak at Sullivan’s, a sandwich at Rockford, or a beer at Hibernian. Will anyone go there because of the food trucks?? Personally, I don’t see that happening, so I don’t think the variety is adding anything.
Similarly, do I go to Glenwood to grab a hot dog from a cart?? Of course not. Do I grab a dog after walking out of Hibernian. Yes I do. This is the niche that the food truck fills, in my opinion. Delivering a quick food option to those people ALREADY there. I suspect this is the very reason the food truck owners want in. I’m also confident that this is why it’s shortchanging the established businesses. THEY are the ones bringing people to Glenwood.
-@Mark P: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/food/heated-food-truck-debate-today-before-raleigh-city-council-committee
I don’t know how anyone can read this article and support Stenke over Amra.
- Again, I’m not necessarily against the food trucks. They should be allowed to do business (and they ARE!). I don’t think they should be given free reign at the expense of the establishments that invested time, money, and risk to create the Glenwood scene there is today. -
Tyler Durden
03/18 12:25 PM
150 - (In regard to your comment to Mark P: Here’s the reasons I visit Glenwood South:
1. Mojo’s $2 Burger after 10pm and the Veggie Smush
2. Haircuts at Tesoro salon
3. RockfordI cycle through Glenwood South occasionally when I’m heading to or from downtown but I typically use Boylan or West streets to avoid the chaos.
If food trucks came to Glenwood South, I know there would be a lot of folks who rarely frequent that district that would make a destination out of it in order to get a bite to eat. As Mark P is saying, those new patrons to the area would inevitably create crossover business for some of the other establishments there.
There’s an entire demographic in Raleigh that never visits Glenwood South because it’s not their style, forte or demographic, who would show up there if food trucks were present.
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Mark P
03/18 01:00 PM
150-
I suppose we will have to agree to disagree on whether or not a food truck will draw more people. I do feel that Food Trucks have more ‘following’ and draw than ‘hot dog’ vendors but both our positions on the matter cannot be proven/dis-proven therefore moot. But in your own scenario you say that someone could choose a food truck slice of pizza over Bada Bing. I agree. This could happen. Who will win the business? The better product. I have yet to try Bada Bing but it is on my list to try, I am by no means saying they have a superior or less superior product. Will their overhead dictate a high price? Possibly. Will a drunk choose a Food Truck slice over them because it’s cheaper? Possibly. Would I personally pay more for a better slice? Absolutely. Will someone want to order a whole-round pizza over going to a food-truck for an individual slice? Just as likely. In my mind, with food trucks, I feel there is enough pie, variety, and price points for everyone to have exactly what they want.
Likewise in your scenario, after spending money at Hibernain you spend money at a hot dog vendor. Great! Everybody gets to share in your business and everybody wins, including you as the consumer with options. Brick&Mortar;, Mobile business on Wheels (restricted/permitted), and Happy Customer. Win/Win/Win= Raleigh Win. Exactly my point. Thanks for supporting it.
If you don’t feel a mobile business should be able to compete w/ free reign at the expense of establishments on Glenwood. Don’t waste you breath on food trucks that are not currently allowed anyway…shift focus to stop buying hot dogs and petition the city council to remove them because they will be the scourge of the city.
I still feel Food Trucks draw but know you disagree.
Stalemate. -
Mark P
03/18 01:08 PM
150-
Why should hot dog vendors be allowed and food trucks not? -
Mark P
03/18 01:19 PM
150-
BTW…Bada bing website has slices ranging from 2.50-3.25…and a late night Fri. and Sat. Special (2 slices and drink for $5). Same price point for Klausies. Having to charge more for overhead doesn’t seem to be an issue in this scenario. I realize this would be a case by case per establishment per food truck but still…supports the point of having a superior product.also BTW, after looking at Bada Bing menu I have decided this will be my next pizza. I will walk past many options to try it. I hope it is good.
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Joe
03/18 04:22 PM
The city should not be giving out public space for people to operate their businesses. If they do, then they’re going to have to allow every retailer and every other business imaginable to set up stands, carts, kiosks, and whatever else they want to do on public property. The food trucks can deal with working from private property like everybody else. Food trucks are not a higher good that we (the public) should be subsidizing by giving them a free space to operate out of. I don’t know where this sense of entitlement comes from from the food truck owners. I don’t see any other businesses demanding to do business in a public right-of-way or parking lot.
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Mark P
03/18 04:40 PM
Joe-
Very strong point.
But what is the distinction between a ‘hot dog’ vendor, allowed with permits and restrictions to use public property and a food truck?Do we do away with ‘hot dog’ vendors on the same premise?
What about restaurants that have tables on the sidewalks? (Admittedly I am not familiar with the legalities on how this works and maybe they pay for it.) but it seems some places downtown feel entitled to use public space in this way.
How about Raleigh Rickshaws? or Raleigh Segway Tours? Is that the public using the space or the business? They rely heavily on allowance to operate on public property.
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Ironic Hipster Moustache
03/18 11:34 PM
I’m upset about food trucks. On the internet.
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trucks polute
03/20 02:26 PM
There are plenty of open retail spaces around downtown. Have the trucks rent these spaces and park in front of them. Not a big fan of them getting a free ride while the other places have to pay full price and deal with all the issues like bathrooms, trash pick up, etc…
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hackles10
03/21 11:26 AM
I still don’t understand the “free ride” folks on here. Your brilliant plan is that they should rent an open retail space just to be able to park the truck out front? Trucks have all sorts of issues, garbage/grease/food waste disposal, gas for transport, generator, lack of seating, bathrooms, etc. I am sure if any of you spent 1 day in a food truck, all of these shortcomings would become painfully obvious. They provide a choice for the customer, so I don’t really understand why anybody would want to limit that. If people are willing to stand out in the cold, rain, hot sun,listening to a rumbling generator blowing out gas fumes, while standing on a dirty street corner eating without utensils, and this option is their choice over a brick and mortar establishment, maybe its time to revamp to compete.
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Bathrooms for patrons only
03/21 09:16 PM
Hack - from my view, you make some great points for the brick and mortar establishments. why should the people that invest in downtown raleigh pay for the free loading trucks that spew gas, garbage, lack of seating and loud generator noise all over our sidewalks and have customers use their bathrooms, and outdoor seating while they invested to build up downtown so food trucks would have enough people in a certain spot to even be able to scoop their business?
let the food trucks park in front of the salvation army or on another lonely non commercial street and develop those areas for the better. if you want food trucks in a certain area - develop a food truck zone that will help Raleigh develop a new part of town, not discourage people from investing.
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Nothanks
03/24 05:43 PM
Everytime I go to buy pizza from this truck they try to upsell me to a specialty slice at $4 a slice. Really? You take an already overpriced undersized $3 slice and through a few feta crumbles and a diced olive and now it is a greek pizza slice worth $4. I did an will continue to pass.
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David
03/27 07:15 PM
It should be noted that Mr Truck is the same person as NCGUY32.
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scott
03/29 12:24 AM
First off, I do not suffer hipsters well.
However, food trucks are a lower cost way to enter the restaurant food business. Some are great, and some really are “roach coaches.” The best will stay, and either remain mobile or eventually develop into something more.
I worked construction years ago and loved those trucks coming to the site. My past included stints in LA and NYC so this is not some new phenomenon, but an everyday food source.
That is not to say just because large urban areas have a certain “something,” that our growing town needs to adopt it. I wish this town was still the size it was in 1979 for crying out loud.
Anyway, as a one time kitchen cook, and fulltime food enthusiast I welcome them.
By the way, let’s also privatize liquor stores so I can open one up with a small cocktail lounge and deli combination.
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billstryder
04/20 08:19 AM
“Mike and several other trucks, including Only Burger, Slippin Sliders, and Bulkogi, will offer a Free Food Truck Feeding during lunchtime in downtown Raleigh before the April public hearing” - Sadly this was not the case. Klausie’s pizza truck was the only actual truck outside the meeting. Not sure what happened to the other food trucks. I don’t think staff from NCBulkogi or OnlyBurger were even at the meeting.
FWIW, I think the food truck folks did a terrible job argueing their points so I am not surprised that the text was not approved and will be put back into committee. The food truck operators seemed unprepared for a meeting they have know about for weeks. They need to get their act together and be more efficient to help their cause.
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