DOWNTOWN — After months of fighting for the right to sell food in the streets, some Chicago food trucks will be taking their business over the curb this summer.
The Chicago Park District is granting special permission on a case-by-case basis for food trucks to operate in six locations in city parks: Queens Landing, across from Buckingham Fountain; on the Museum Campus; Pritzker Park, at State and Van Buren streets; the North Pond Gazebo in Lincoln Park; and in Grant Park at Michigan Avenue and Harrison Street and at Columbus and Jackson drives.
Park District spokeswoman Marta Juaniza said the trucks will be a welcome supplement even at parks that already sell snacks.
"The addition of food trucks will either complement existing options, or offer a new variety in locations that did not have concessions available," Juaniza said.
Juaniza said they've already granted approval to Bridgeport Pasty, Connie's Pizza, e.leaven, Starfruit and Wagyu Wagon trucks to operate in those six locations.
Other vendors, including the fledgling Pierogi Wagon, have also applied, but Juaniza said their paperwork's still processing.
Pierogi Wagon co-founder Damian Warzecha said the access would be a boon for his startup.
"They're offering us some really hot locations that we're planning on being at this summer," Warzecha said. "I want to make sure that I am where most people are."
Earlier this month, the city welcomed food trucks to park near the Petrillo Music Shell in Millennium Park for the Taste of Chicago, provided they accept Taste tickets and dish out sample-sized portions.
