Local food cart owners expressed concerns to the Vending Oversight Committee Wednesday about the selection process of food carts that appear on Library Mall and at the Dane County Farmer’s Market.
The city periodically reviews food vendors’ performances and allocates parking spaces based on originality, cart appearance, food quality and seniority. Committee Chair Sara Richards said she was “blown away by the diversity and quality of food” this year and does not believe a change to the process is necessary.
However, Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, was concerned that not a single kettle corn vendor made the final cut this year despite scoring well.
Justin Rossow of Capitol Kettle Corn, one of several kettle corn vendors present at the meeting, suggested a review of the grading process.
“We’re just looking for a spot,” Rossow said. He also said the scores were “not reflective” of the success or enthusiasm of individual vendors.
In response to the vendors, Street Vending Coordinator Warren Hansen noted the recent “surge in popularity with street food” and said there is greater competition now. He insisted that “somebody’s going to come in first, somebody’s going to come in last… that’s the reality.”
Banzo owner Aaron Collins expressed his wish to be involved in future discussions about the selection process criteria, and shared his concerns about the qualifications of the reviewers themselves.
Hansen said the panel rarely has judges with food business experience, and Richards added what is more important is that they “have experience in eating” and can lend the insight of an average customer.
Other members insisted measures could still be taken to appease dissatisfied vendors and customers. Sean Lee, who also sits on the committee, suggested adding cart locations and criteria to make the selection process “more fair for everybody.”
Lee also introduced the idea of a waiting list to give priority to established vendors who have invested considerable time and money in cultivating their businesses.
In light of the concerns of the vendors, customers and other committee members, Richards emphasized that the committee is taking these issues seriously and will work to resolve them.
“We’re not miracle workers,” Richards said. “But we can make some accommodations.”
