Following a request from the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce to review food truck activity in downtown Lafayette and to consider whether ordinance or parking restrictions are appropriate to regulate food truck activity, Lafayette Management Analyst Heather Ward presented a staff report to the City Council on Feb. 9 on behalf of herself and City Manager Niroop Srivatsa. 

    The discussion largely focused on three food trucks that regularly operate on Mt. Diablo Boulevard: La Bikina Mexican Cuisine, Hummus Bodega, and Spicy Burrito.

    According to the staff report, Mobile Food Facilities are regulated by Contra Costa Health, which issues and annually renews Mobile Food Facility permits. Contra Costa Health informed staff that none of the three trucks had active 2026 permits as of Feb. 3, however, when the city followed up with the food truck owners, staff was informed that each had pending applications. City of Lafayette regulations currently revolve around parking enforcement and signage restrictions on sidewalks and the city does not currently require business licenses or mobile food truck permits.

    Ward also noted in her staff report that “Code Enforcement staff have responded to multiple complaints involving food vendors placing tables, chairs, signage, and other objects within the public right-of-way and on sidewalks. While vendors are generally compliant when contacted and instructed to remove these items, staff have observed repeated occurrences of the same violations, suggesting a pattern of non-compliance rather than isolated incidents.”

    The council received emails from the owner of The Rising Loafer Café and Bakery, which included statements from several other business owners voicing their concerns about the impact the food trucks have had on their businesses, and during the Public Comment portion of the meeting, 360 Gourmet Burritos owner Sonia Nawabi, and the owner of Rancho Cantina, Nico Tzikas, expressed their concerns regarding increased competition and the unfair advantage the trucks have because they do not have to pay high rent. Specifically, Nawabi reported a 30-35% drop in lunch sales over the past six months, which she attributed to the appearance of the trucks.
    
    Gia Esquivel, food truck owner and manager of La Bikina Mexican Cuisine ensured her business followed regulations to the best of its abilities, and defended food trucks as an alternative for customers who want to quickly grab a bite to eat.

    Several local residents expressed their appreciation for the food trucks – especially for Hummus Bodega, which offers kosher options.  Concord resident Sheia Hilbert said she began visiting Lafayette because of the food trucks, and Lisa Disbrow shared the sentiment that the food trucks attract people to Lafayette and exist as a cheaper and easier option for those who need it. The council received over 25 emails naming Hummus Bodega and expressing appreciation for this kosher food option.

    RÊVE Bistro owner Laura Magu expressed support for the food trucks, but noted that restaurants pay a premium to be downtown and asked what the city would do when more food trucks come to Lafayette. Magu urged the city council to look beyond individual food trucks and create a policy that works for downtown Lafayette as a whole.

    Vice Mayor John McCormick said how it was difficult to put restrictions on food trucks because they’re a legally operating business, and Council Member Jim Cervantes wondered what other cities were doing, underscoring that he appreciated the tight margins faced by brick-and-mortar restaurants and how he didn’t want to see empty store fronts.  Mayor Carl Anduri said, “We at least want food trucks to be on a level playing field, and to comply with existing laws.”  

    McCormick noted that Moraga is about a year ahead of Lafayette on this issue and are about ready to come back to their council with recommendations. 

    The council directed staff to continue to enforce parking and signage compliance, as well as health permit and tax compliance, and to provide a clear list of rules food trucks must follow, and asked staff to return to council after researching legal options and ordinances of neighboring cities.