image by ally reeves. 2010.
Street food admittedly, is not always the most healthy stuff. I’ve seen a few redeeming things on the streets of Mumbai to name a few the juice carts, sandwhich vendors, subje and bhel vendors are serving things that could easily slide into the healthy cartegory. Cross the Atlantic to the US and Canada though, and a majority of what’s on the streets is quick (often oily) noodles, hot dogs, and other other hastily prepared not-so healthy (albeit delicious) treats.
In a recent write up from Newswire PR TODAY is an article about a cart that’s of interest, a vending cart that’s an extension of a larger chain of cafes and a home meal delivery service, Licious Living. I try to keep an eye on where and how vendors are legalized and what’s behind the push that puts a business on the street. Historically, Street Vendors are often the little guy trying to get a foot into the market. What happens when larger businesses start taking it to the street as well? With more lobbying power and money to boot, if chains are interested in opening carts on the city street there’s much more of a likelihood they’ll be able to argue their point thoughtfully and that they’ll have greater sway.
I hope that as cities around the world consider where and how to allow vendors on to the streets certain restrictions are in place to allow room for small start up businesses, and that movements to bring back street vendors don’t become the next hip market to corner.
