mobile food units in gulf shores

Mobile Food Units in Gulf Shores

What are Mobile Food Units (MFU)?

The ADPH defines MFU’s as a unit mounted on or pulled by a

self-propelled vehicle, self-contained with its own drinking water

tank and waste water tank unless handling only prepackaged

foods, designed to be readily movable, and is moved daily to its

commissary.

Why are we considering MFU’s?

City staff has received constant requests from residents,

local businesses and MFU operators to allow MFU’s to

operate in Gulf Shores. The proposal today is in direct

response to these requests.

Staff Research/Analysis

1. Understand the modern MFU industry

2. Research national best practices

3. Compare local communities and seasonal,

tourism-dependent destinations

Understanding the modern Mobile Food Unit industry

Understanding the modern MFU industry

While ice cream trucks have operated as mobile food units in Gulf Shores for decades…

Often run by chefs/restauranteurs

Commercial-grade equipment

Serve high-quality cuisine

The modern Mobile Food Unit industry provides communities a distinctly different opportunity.

There can be a perception MFU’s have an unfair advantage over traditional restaurants due to reduced startup or regulatory costs.

MFU’s in Alabama are inspected, licensed and regulated by ADPH in a similar manner as brick and mortar restaurants

There can be a perception MFU’s have an unfair advantage over traditional restaurants due to reduced startup or regulatory costs.

$Case studies indicate startup costs compared to potential revenue for MFU’s is comparable to that of traditional restaurantsAvg Startup Cost: $75,000 (25.9% of annual revenue)Avg Gross Revenue: $290,000

Benefits of Mobile Food Units

Economic VitalityCities across the country have shown that mobile food units attract foot traffic to

commercial districts – which can mean increased sales and a more vibrant retail

business overall. By offering reasonably-priced, culturally diverse foods for people

on the go, food trucks typically complement – rather than compete – with sit-down

restaurants by giving people more reasons to frequent commercial areas.


Festive, Pedestrian-Friendly Streets Mobile food units bring positive activity to the street and add a festive,

people-oriented feel.


Business Development IncubatorsMobile food units can reduce barriers for entrepreneurs looking to enter

the local economy, test new concepts or expand their existing business.

Many businesses which start as mobile food units ultimately open brick

and mortar locations.

2015 20192017Started food truck

serving Baldwin CountyOpened brick &

mortar location in Pelican Place

Opened second physical location in

Spanish Fort

Local Success Story – Bleus Burger

National Best Practices

1. Implement pilot programs to determine what regulations to adopt

2. Use targeted practices to address underserved/underdeveloped areas of the city

3. Identify private lots and create partnerships for mobile vendors to gather and vend

4. Encourage dialogue and the building of relationships among competing stakeholders

5. Hold public forums and private meetings with core stakeholders

Comparing cities who allow Mobile Food Units:

LocalFairhopeFoley

DaphneSpanish Fort

Beach DestinationsDestinMyrtle Beach

Panama City BeachSeaside

Comparing Regulations

LocalFairhopeFoley

DaphneSpanish Fort

Beach DestinationsDestinMyrtle Beach

Panama City BeachSeaside

City Types of Property Regulations

Fairhope Private None

Foley Private None

Daphne Private None

Spanish Fort Private None

Seaside Private None

Destin Public/Private Adopted Ordinance

Panama City Beach Public/Private Adopted Ordinance

Myrtle Beach Public/Private Pilot Program

Mobile Food Unit Pilot Program Proposal


Mobile Food Unit Pilot Program

The MFU Pilot Program serves as a feasibility study to

provide the City with real data to better determine if

MFU’s are an appropriate use in the community.

Pilot Program Overview

• The Pilot Program is for 365 days.

• A maximum of 15 operating permits will be issued

• Push carts are not allowed to operate under this program.

Required Licenses and Permits

• MFU’s must obtain a valid Mobile Food Service permit to operate within Baldwin County from ADPH

• MFU’s must be registered with the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in which it is operating from and have a valid license plate affixed to the vehicle.

• MFU’s must obtain a City of Gulf Shores Business License and MFU Operating Permit prior to operating within the City.

Location/Site Requirements

• MFU’s are allowed within non-residential zoning districts.

• MFU’s are prohibited from operating on public property including right-of-ways unless approved as part of a permitted special event.

• MFU’s may operate on private property developed with an operating business with property owner permission.

• MFU’s may only operate during the hours of the primary business located on the same parcel.

• MFU’s must have access to a restroom facility located on the same property.

• The maximum number of MFU’s per parcel is one (1) per acre and two (2) for any size parcel over an acre.


• Private parcels must have an approve MFU site plan in order for MFU’s to operate on the property.

• MFU’s may operate from multiple parcels, but may not remain in the same location for more than 24 hours.

• MFU’s shall not locate within 100 feet of the primary building entrance of an existing restaurant unless the existing restaurant agrees in writing to reduce or waive this requirement.


• MFU’s must comply with all applicable Federal, State, County and City safety codes.

• Copies of all required ADPH licenses and approved site plans must be kept on the MFU at all times.

• MFU’s shall not use any outside sound amplifying equipment, lights, or noisemakers to attract customers.

Operational Requirements

• MFU’s must provide trash and recycling containers sufficient in size and number to collect all waste generated by their customers and staff.

• MFU’s shall not provide dining furniture or other structures outside the MFU other than trash/recycling receptacles.

• MFU’s are limited to selling food items or merchandise displaying the MFU company logo.

Operational Requirements

• MFU’s provide scaled site plans for all requested operating sites showing proposed location(s) of MFU operations, pedestrian circulation and service area(s).

• Proof of all required ADPH licenses and vehicle registration.

• MFU Site Authorization letter from the private property owner granting permission to operate and use restrooms on-site.

Application Requirements

Permitting Fees

Business License (Gross receipts less than

$49,999)

Mobile Food Unit Operating Permit

Administrative Site Plan Review

(per site)$135.00 $100.00 $25.00

Enforcement

Whenever any provision of the Mobile Food Unit Pilot Program is being violated, the City shall notify the responsible party to remedy said violation within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of violation notice. The failure, neglect or refusal of the responsible party to remedy the violation shall cause a second notice to be issued requiring the responsible party to remedy said violation within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of violation notice. If the violation persists beyond 24 hours, the City shall suspend the permit.

Questions?


mobile food units in gulf shores

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