Photo / Peter Van Allen
Tim Elliott, manager of George's North Shore, won a spot in the lottery but supports the efforts of all the trucks on the Eastern Prom.
June 2, 2022
Food truck operators protest lottery for Portland spaces, urge delay in restrictions
Courtesy / Mr. Tuna
Jordan Rubin, owner and chef of Mr. Tuna, said he could lose $500,000 in sales and 12 employees after not being selected in a lottery for spaces at the Eastern Promenade in Portland.
By Jessica Hall
Food trucks operators who didn't win spots on Portland’s Eastern Promenade protested in front of City Hall Thursday morning in hopes of delaying a new policy that restricts the number and location of vendors.
Ten trucks were selected by a lottery drawing Wednesday to operate at a new location, in the middle-level parking lot on Cutter Street. Five trucks, including two that planned to share one space, lost out.
For Mr. Tuna, which didn't win a space, that means potentially losing as many as 12 full- and part-time employees and $500,000 in revenue for this season alone, according to owner and chef Jordan Rubin.
“We want to see the city push the pilot program to next year. We want to stay on the prom as we have been for several years. We started this season in March and we’re already there. This means we could lose a dozen employees,” Rubin told Mainebiz.
In addition to Mr. Tuna’s sushi truck, the other trucks that lost out on the lottery are Eighty 8 Donuts, Maine Maple Creemee and two trucks, Cheese the Day and Ironclad Eats, that applied jointly to share one spot.
The 10 trucks selected for permits in the drawing were On A Roll, BOGS Bakery, Falafel Mafia, George’s North Shore, Gelato Fiasco, Vy Banh Mi, Tacos La Poblanita, Cargo Pizza Co., Twist and La Mega.
The losing trucks met with city officials Wednesday to discuss the concerns. Rubin said he got a phone message from the city Thursday morning that there may be a way to fit more trucks at the Eastern Prom, but he said he’s not hopeful.
A spokeswoman for the city of Portland did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The pilot program is scheduled to start June 15. It was announced In April by Interim City Manager Danielle West as a response to the concerns of residents about trash, generator noise, pedestrian safety and parking related to the food trucks.
“This is being rushed. It’s being pushed through. We want a real plan implemented, not one that’s being started in the middle of the season in mid-June,” Rubin said.
When asked if Mr. Tuna would try to relocate or shutter the truck for the season, Rubin said he did not know where else to go.
“I don’t know where we’d go. But we’ll do our best to keep our staff employed,” Rubin said.
Tim Elliott, manager of George’s North Shore, which serves roast beef sandwiches, won a spot in the coveted lottery. He says he stands with all the food trucks.
“We’re still pissed, no matter who won. We all struggled here to build a business, dealing with the pandemic and higher food prices. It’s insane,” Elliott said.
He said he stands behind Mr. Tuna, “who has been down here longer than anyone.”
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