Vendor carts could return to waterfront
Published 11:31 am Sunday, May 10, 2015
Hot-dog vendors, similar to those on New York City street corners, could turn up on the Washington waterfront, if the City Council gives the green light.
Actually, it would be the return of cart vendors to the waterfront if the council, during its meeting Monday, approves their return. The issue is on the council’s tentative agenda for its only May regular meeting.
In 2003, the city entered into a contract with James Logan, owner of Jimbo’s Texas Jumbos, to sell hot dogs and other items from a cart at two locations on Stewart Parkway and one location at Havens Gardens. The vendor, who sold quarter-pound hot dogs, soda, bottled water and other items, lasted one summer on the waterfront. He sold his first hot dog on the waterfront July 7, 2003.
“If the City Council is interest in allowing cart vendors on Stewart Parkway and Havens Gardens, I am requesting guidance and direction concerning how they would like the concept implemented. In addition, I recommend they amend Section22-5 of the City Code to allow peddling on the waterfront,” wrote Kristi Roberson, the city’s parks and recreation manager, in a memorandum to the mayor and council members.
The parks and recreation division has receive a request for vending on the parkway, but the City Code, in its current form, prohibits peddling there, according to the memorandum.
When Logan worked the waterfront, hot dogs cost $1.75 each, whether plain or loaded with condiments. Cold drinks sold for 75 cents each. A bag of potato chips sold for 75 cents. The Weenie Wagon, as Logan’s food cart was known, offered a $5 combination meal — two hot dogs (jumbo-size Ball Park Franks), a beverage and a bag of chips.
The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s website at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.