Most of us in Wisconsin know that spring has arrived when we spot our first robin, but for us at FEED Kitchens spring is heralded by the arrival of food cart operators to FEED. While a few brave folks stick around for the winter and hit the streets when the weather cooperates, most leave us in November for other jobs, vacations or just a winter rest. Mid-April marks the start of a new licensing year for food carts, so that date, combined with warm weather, will have folks back and gearing up for the season.
From observing our parking lot and the bevy of colorfully decorated and branded trailers parked there, you may know FEED as “the food cart place.” While FEED Kitchens is much more than its food carts, it is true that more food carts call FEED Kitchens home than any other single facility in our region. Food carts have always been a popular and fun way to get a meal, but what is it about them that makes them an important piece of our local culinary scene?
They offer cultural diversity as they showcase the cuisine of the operator.
They preserve the culinary traditions of the operator.
They offer an easier and affordable path to business ownership than buying a restaurant, giving folks without deep access to capital a way to start.
They offer affordability and accessibility.
They are a significant draw for tourists by enhancing our culinary scene.
They provide the food for our many festivals and street fairs.
They bring people together; wherever you find food carts you will also find a community or social gathering place.
For the multifaceted role food carts play in our local food scene, they are an integral part of our community and FEED Kitchens is proud to have so many of them call us home.
