NEW YORK (PIX11) — Business owners who operate food trucks, carts and merchandise stalls are ready to serve people on the go. There’s always something to discover.
The Street Vendor Project is sponsoring an event to encourage customers to explore new neighborhoods. The second annual scavenger hunt begins on Saturday. People who want to participate can download information and maps and sign up with a team.
Sarai Rodriguez has worked from her food cart serving Mexican food along Broadway for five years.
“It’s vendor power,” she said.
Prompts and a map lead participants around the boroughs to discover different food and merchandise.
The Street Vendor Project has organized workers and owners for two decades. The event is designed to encourage people to try out new places and explore neighborhoods.
Mahmoud’s Corner is on Steinway and 34th Avenue in Astoria, Queens.
“We have been here 38 years, since 1983. Famous, ask anybody,” said Mahmoud Mohammed and Youssef El Gendy.
The city has been working with business owners and the Street Vendor Project to develop regulations and a permitting system for the street vending industry. The health department also has been conducting inspections and letter grades will be posted on trucks and carts.
A waiting list for new licenses has been created as the city works to balance the interests of brick-and-mortar businesses.
Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez is with the Street Vendor Project.
”People want to go out and support a small business and try different types of food and merchandise,” Kaufman-Gutierrez said.
Customers can win prizes by participating in the event and checking in at locations.
It runs through the end of May.
