Food Carts give “New York’s Finest” Another Meaning

New York City, with its fabled culture and rich history, is often referred to as the “center of the universe.”

One traditional aspect of the “Big Apple” is its street vendors. Many food cart and concession trailer owners have made a very good living peddling their wares on the streets of New York. In some cases, food trailerownership is generational. Fathers and mothers pass their food carts on to sons and daughters who continue to serve loyal customers year after year.

The “Steaks” are High

The competition between food stand owners is fierce. The aroma emanating from pizza warmers, hot dog grills and popcorn poppers drifts throughout the city streets as customers gravitate toward their favorite vendors when hungry.

Seemingly located on just about every street corner, food concession trailers offer a broad variety of menu items that range from ethnic tastes to those purely American. Nacho machines work overtime as wide-eyed customers walk away with plates piled high. And shredded steak, chicken or pork sizzle on a grill as a slice of pita bread waits to be filled.

The availability of Greek, Asian and Mediterranean dishes on opposite street corners make a mealtime decision even more difficult.  But New York’s famous gourmet hot dog carts also beckon. Kabobs, roasted nuts, gourmet pretzels and overstuffed omelets are all part of New York City’s vast food vending tapestry, and that just scratches the surface.

For those considering starting a food stand or concession trailer business in New York City, the costs for permits and licensing are relatively steep. But the biggest challenge might be finding a good location; one that is not already occupied by any number of the Big Apple’s world class vendors.