Sydney’s first food truck operators chosen to feed late-night crowds

23 January 2012

A fleet of 10 food trucks has been chosen to deliver on something Sydneysiders told the City they want: more quality food at all hours, Lord Mayor Clover Moore announced today.

A food truck is a mobile eatery that travels to different locations in the city. A panel of food experts chose the successful operators in a selection process that included a cook-off challenge.

The 10 successful operators will serve up exciting new food options including modern Australian from a former Tetsuya's sous chef, steamed yum cha, and veggie burgers from a truck shaped like a barn - complete with herb garden on the roof.

The operators chosen are:

• Agape
• Al Carbon
• Bite Sized Delights
• Burger Theory
• Cantina Mobil
• Eat Art Truck
• Let's Do Yum Cha
• Taco Truck
• Tsuru
• Veggie Patch

"When we asked people what they wanted to make Sydney's night-life more dynamic and diverse, they told us they wanted food trucks," the Lord Mayor said.

"You asked for it, and we're delivering it."

"Food trucks have taken off in LA, London and other major cities by offering good-quality food in a quick, affordable and fun way. We're taking it a step further by ensuring that Sydney's food truck operators serve high-quality food and meet the highest health and environmental standards.

"They are going to add to the city's reputation as a global food destination and generate another layer of economic activity along the way."

More than 30 hopeful operators lodged applications when the City sought expressions of interest last year, following extensive consultation on the city's night-time economy.

The hopefuls went through a rigorous testing process that included looking at their business plans and background, and compliance with health and waste management codes.

The last step was a taste test, where contenders had an hour to cook meals from their proposed truck menu and were judged on the taste, their overall concept and their complete menu.

The operators can now fit out their trucks, which will start to hit the streets in coming weeks.

The City is lodging development applications for 13 sites across the Local Government Area where the trucks can operate. Likely sites include Belmore Park and Customs House Forecourt and Sydney Park.

The 10 operators will be the only ones with permits to use the sites, and they will be required to move between locations during the night. The trial will run for a year, and a detailed analysis will follow.

Opening hours will depend on the location and when existing restaurants and cafes close. A smartphone app being developed by the City will soon provide a real-time map, links to food truck menus and other details.

"There's already a fantastic vibe around food trucks, and operators overseas have developed cult followings using social networking," Suzie Matthews, the City's Late Night Economy Manager, said.

"We expect the same thing here, but we're also making sure that we're complementing and supporting Sydney's existing businesses and making the city more appealing for everyone," she said.

"I'm really excited about this," said Simon Lawson, whose Agape truck will offer gourmet organic pizzas. "It's really cool that the City of Sydney is getting behind it and pushing it through. I can't wait to start."

John Hart, CEO of Restaurant and Catering Australia, and one of the cook-off judges, said: "The City has done a great job in understanding what the city needs, understanding what Sydney's all about, and facilitating an extension of our food culture."

Another judge, Sydney Morning Herald food critic Terry Durack, added: "I think the food truck experience is made for our lifestyle.''

High-quality video and photos of the food trucks' cook-off are available.

CoS Media Contact: Candace Sutton 02 9246 7371 or 0467 810 160 or csutton@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au