Photo: Ford, Brad
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is piloting a new food truck program that permits food trucks to park and vend on City streets. Following City Council’s unanimous passage in January of an ordinance directing PBOT to establish a two-year food truck pilot permit program, mobile food trucks have begun operating at bureau-designated parking spots on city streets. The ordinance allows PBOT to permit food trucks in the central city through 2025. If successful, PBOT will propose a permanent program to City Council in the fall of 2025.
Managed in partnership with Suburban Events, the food trucks rotate daily at their locations across the city. At the Pacwest Center (1121 SW Fifth Avenue), which operates from Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., lunch offerings over the next two weeks will rotate between Filipino barbeque, to sweet and savory crepes, to a variety of hamburgers and sandwiches. Outside the NV Apartments (1261 NW Overton Street) a food truck offers dinner options on Thursdays between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Starting on Monday, Feb. 26, a third location at Lownsdale Square Park (350 SW Salmon Street) will open and operate Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a different food truck each day.
“Portland’s food scene is part of what makes this city great,” said Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps. “I’m thrilled to have food trucks join the ranks of amazing dining options in our central city and I can’t wait to try them. This pilot project is another step in increasing the vitality and livability of our central city.”
“Food trucks, like PBOT’s Outdoor Dining Program, bring life and activity to our streets and sidewalks,” said PBOT Director Millicent Williams. “The food trucks provide a new and exciting way to bring more small businesses into the central city, giving a boost to our local economy while adding to the vibrancy of our city’s streets. I look forward to hearing from Portlanders about their experiences over the duration of this two-year pilot program.”
Do you own a food truck that you want to share with Portland? Do you manage a property that could host a food truck? Fill out a form with information about the site or your food truck. A representative from Suburban Events will respond to your inquiry.
Visit PBOT’s food truck website for updates on new locations and food offerings in the central city or sign up for updates directly from Suburban Events.
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation