Fresh concept proposed for parcel

The high-end, lunch-truck concept that’s gaining in popularity around the country might be setting up shop in Sarasota.

Last month, the Downtown Improvement District agreed to voice its support in a letter of recommendation for a proposal that would allow a vacant strip of land on Ringling Boulevard near Towles Court, one block west of U.S. 301, to support an open-air, lunch-truck park.

Mindy Kauffman-Parker, the daughter of DID board member Dr. Mark Kauffmann, pitched the idea for the vacant parcel her father owns and submitted her application for a permit for the project last month.

The concept, dubbed the Ringling Picnic, would create an open-air food court of food trucks and could be approved under an outdoor market-code provision.

“They are the hottest trend today,” Kauffman-Parker told the DID board Nov. 1. “These trucks are not old, dirty, greasy food from a fair. They are movable kitchens that serve gourmet food and are licensed by the state.”

Kauffman-Parker called the concept “a classy place to eat and to congregate with others.”

The open-air food court would start with four to eight trucks around the perimeter of the property and would cater to nearby workers in office buildings, downtown residents and the Towles Court area.

“We are working to serve the pedestrian market and those who wish to drive here for the food,” Kauffman-Parker said.

If the concept receives a permit, the lunch truck would start its operation with daylight-only hours Monday through Friday.

“We are looking to bring something new and fresh to Sarasota,” Kauffman-Parker said. “This could become a tourist draw for people looking to come into the downtown area.”

Kauffman-Parker also said the concept provides economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The city has already worked with Kauffman-Parker to address operational, parking and trash issues, and she hopes the city will approve the project in time for trucks to be solicited for the site as soon as this season.

Senior planner Courtney Mendez said the city has 45 days to review the application and make its recommendation to City Manager Bob Bartolotta, who has the power to approve the project.

“The worst-case scenario is my father eventually sells the property and a concept downtown grows to love finds somewhere else to go,” Kauffman-Parker said.

DID Chairman Ernie Ritz said the concept was a good idea.

“This is a concept people would really want in the 1600 block to 1700 block of Main Street,” Ritz said. “It’s also great for the Towles Court area.”

The lunch-truck concept is popular in cities across the country, and owners of the trucks are typically trained chefs wanting to create a name for themselves by starting a business that requires less start-up capital than a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Though most of the lunch trucks charge more than typical hot dog or taco stands, their meals generally cost less than comparable sit-down restaurant fare.

The city plans to send out a notice to nearby property owners about the project to gauge any potential concerns and make a final decision in January.