Jackson Jambalaya

This seems like a pretty good ordinance to me. Has the proper consumer protection re: licensing, health department compliance, insurance.

Gives a buffer of sorts to the brick/mortar restaurants, with the 150 foot setback, although I think that's kind of silly.

Personally, I can attest that I decide to go to a restaurant based usually on the thing that I like to eat at that place before I set out. I don't frequently get distracted on the way after having made up my mind. I don't think the food trucks will result in a huge drain from the existing spots.

More options usually means more customers. People leave downtown or bring their lunch because they can only think of a few options available worth going to downtown.

Andrew Newcomb

Why the 2.5 hours of vacating the premises?

And the city is going to issue permits that might place the carts within the 150 feet of permanent eatery?

Failure of pushcarts, plus free street cleaning and fine collection for Jacktroit is written all over this one.

And the Good amendment at the end is awesome.

By the way, I am not a lawyer.

Ouch. Now I have to take back my first post, which was posted before the amendment was added.

The "established eatery" thing is unreasonable.

Again, I would think that the more options available to people would cause more of the available populace who are inclined to spend money on food to stick around and do so.

Andrew Newcomb

Sorry but the "permits at each location" defeats the whole purpose of mobile food vending. The concept is to build a tweet list or facebook following and tweet where you will be that day or that weekend depending on the situation or event. Add to that a sketch of the location, etc and you might as well not have mobile food vendors. And a 3 permit limit limits the other two permit requirements.

None of Jeff Good's (overpriced) restaurants serve tacos or anything close. While the Gringo truck is another meal option, it certainly isn't direct competition. I really hope Jeff Good is defeated on this. What a prick. I also hope his little hissy fit comes back to bite him in the arse.

Oh yeah, and the lottery system... Who decides that? Again this defeats the "flash mob" component of the food truck.
And can you name me one desirable spot in downtown, fondren or wherever that is not within 150 feet of a restaurant.

Is there seriously enough interest to get this idea off the ground? I don't see it.

That's ridiculous. Blumenthal and Good's first plan when they came back to Jackson was to do a HOT DOG truck. But they canned that idea when they realized it wouldn't pay for the expensive cars. What hypocrites.

Of course you are right 1:01, but we have to reinvent everything here in Jacktown, rather than following models across the country that work. You see, we in Mississippi are smarter than the world, and why we are such envied economic leaders, respected worldwide.

I have coined the word Restaurantician, which is a restaurant owner turned politician. Jeff Good meets this criteria. The truth about Jeff is that of his three establishments, only one is really doing reasonably well serving way overpriced and average Pizza. He put his little amendment in the bill because he is afraid he might go broke with a little competition. I have a better idea for Jeff, focus on making all your businesses profitable and keep out of politics. I want to see a mobile Gyro truck parked in from of Bravo, Sal and Dookies, and Broadstreet. Jeff would of course then have a nervous breakdown and that would be the last you would hear of him.

You dudes sure have a chip on your shoulder. The size of your inferiority complexes is staggering.

I have a better idea for Jeff, focus on making all your businesses profitable and keep out of politics.

Get real. Business in Jackson is politics.

For some reason I just had this vision of Kenny Stokes chasing a food truck down the street. Yeesh!

Jeff needs to play in his own sandbox!!

Jeff's food truck would be the only one where it took an hour to get your food if the service at Broad Street is any indication. And you'd be paying three times as much as for the food at any other truck.

1:53 - I bet it was a slooowwwww truck ;-)

I heard Jeff wins the self proclaimed yard of the month frequently.

Of course you are right 1:01, but we have to reinvent everything here in Jacktown, rather than following models across the country that work. You see, we in Mississippi are smarter than the world, and why we are such envied economic leaders, respected worldwide, and also pacesetters in cool things.

As another poster noted, where in downtown Jackson will a food truck be able to park that is not within 150 feet of some sort of restaurant? Nowhere on Capitol Street that I can think of. Other cities with food trucks also have restaurants that do just fine.

And to add to my points above, I like Bravo's, etc... Dissin' them does nothing for this debate. But, I have seen enough shows and news stories about food trucks to know that they are not in direct competition with 'sit-down' service. And not once have I seen a story where the brick and mortar places bemoan the trucks.
Not every person everyday is going to want to eat outside. It is quite petty to see them trying to stifle free market competition.

Jeff and Dan are two of the hardest working guys I know. They have some great items, wonderful servers, and truly care about the area they serve.

If Jeff and Dan are opposed to the food truck concept..its certainly within their right to do so.

ditto, 4:02pm.

think before you ANONYMOUSLY bash someone on a web forum.

It is obvious the bashing of Jeff Good is coming from the downtown cult.

Going in whole hog for Melton and then Crisler has its consequences.

As he/she anonymously said...

I guess Jeff and Dan are sharing the same computer, since their "anonymous" comments came in soooo close together, 4:02 & 4:05. hahahaha

It says something that even their supporters are posting anonomously.

All we simply need is to be on the same page as every city our size or bigger. Life changes and moves on. Circustances change.

I am sure Kodak and Fugi film would have banned digital cameras years ago, if they had the opportunity.

Our city does not even have portable, downtown HOT DOG stands, as that concept was killed by restaurateurs years ago as well.

Sigh. Oh for the greater good. I am sure the "Mississippi Restaurant Association" will jump all over this, flex its muscle (as it did trying to KILL the convention center) and do all it can through guilt and scare tactics, to keep the "Best of the New South" Capital City mired back 30 years ago.

The 150' away from an existing retaurant is crazy. 1 - competition is good for the consumer...limits on competition is not. 2 - How many people are going to make an impulse decision to "hey, forget about the Mayflower, lets get a taco instead" just because the taco buggy is 139' away from the front door.

Bravo and Sal & Mookie's are great restaurants, and Jeff & Dan are brave guys to continue to push ahead with their ideas in town. S&M's presence in town is the only thing that even moderately resembles a "kid's destination" in the city limits other than Brent's, I suppose.

I don't agree with the stance on food trucks, but that doesn't mean you have to crucify them on this forum.

If someone thinks that Good's restaurants are overpriced, they have the option of not going there. Problem solved. His pricing shouldn't be a personal insult to anyone.

Oh, and the best thing on the Bravo menu remains the pesto-chicken salad sandwich on focaccia. That and Mayflower's redfish are the two menu items that I miss the most not being in Jackson.

Andrew Newcomb

This does look like a "bash Bravo and Broad Street" thingy, but really do they compete against push carts and food trucks? And do they even have tamales on the menu? Well, other than catfish and sun-dried tomato tamales?

Jeff Good opened the door to be the target for all when he made it clear that the world as he knows it would come crashing down with the addition of these mobile eateries. After reading all of Paul's comments I see tacos and tamales coming at all three of Good's places.

Oh, and Anon 4:43, 30 years ago there was a downtown that was bustling. I think Mr. George's at the Emporium was the very last one of those downtown spots to go, too. We had Franks in the Barnett Building, which is Hood now, the Brown Bag at Congress and Pearl, which is now a parking lot, Sun-n-Sand, a small place in Heritage and one in Capitol Towers, a sammich shop in the Plaza building, dang, a bunch of places...oh course, Krystal, Chik-Fil-A, and McDonalds, too.

My point was that thirty years ago was awesome for food downtown.

I am sure the "Mississippi Restaurant Association" will jump all over this, flex its muscle (as it did trying to KILL the convention center) ...

Considering the MILLIONS of dollars of RED INK the convention center is BATHING IN right now one could say they warned you.

(Part 1 of 3 due to length)

Good evening, y'all. This is Jeff Good. (start throwing overpriced tomatoes now?)

A friend of mine asked me what I did to bring about such ire on a Jackson political website. Not understanding what she meant, I asked for info and was led here. I am hurt from many things said here... I didn't realize so many felt so negative towards me, Dan what we do, etc. However, everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion... and I guess I can understand the vitriol given the set up on this post making me out to be the lightening rod for this issue.

I don't know who moderates this, but I am familiar with his/her past work. Important stuff Jambalaya does highlighting things that otherwise may go unnoticed. BUT, it would be appropriate to contact someone and ask for the full story in order to give proper weight.

I hate to disappoint, but there is no "Jeff Good Amendment". I have not met with any politicians (but I am going to... I was contacted this week to meet and discuss this topic based on my CL interview). At that meeting, I will share the same info that I shared on my phone interview with Bill Campbell, CL reporter. We talked for 10 minutes, and, as is needed with the newspaper, the quotes and comments are parsed to fit format.

(Part 2 of 3 due to length)


For everyone's information, here is how I feel about the food truck issue, and what I shared with Bill Campbell. So know, based on the number of posts, I assume up to 33 people will have the chance to know me better...

My concern over the food truck concept is rooted in tax collection. We have a 2% local special use tax which is levied on all prepared food sold by City of Jackson licensed food establishments. This tax pays for the marketing work of the Jackson Convention & Visitor's Bureau (1%) and the bond debt for the Jackson Convention Center (1%). This tax is collected by food service establishments and remitted to the state tax commission. Businesses selling food from outside the city limits do not collect this tax. So, a barbeque place in Flowood catering a downtown Jackson office event does not collect the tax.

Likewise, a food truck licensed to an out of City business might fall under this same loophole. You can now see the problem... On site, in City, active food sales with no tax collection to fund the very entities (Jackson CVB and Jackson Convention Center) that are helping make the city vibrant. And, by not collecting the tax, the food product is automatically 2% cheaper than any Jackson “brick and mortar” which sets up a competitive disadvantage as well.

Yes, there I said it, I am for people paying the taxes that are set up by law to be paid! This was my main concern... Bill and I discussed for 4 or 5 minutes the permutations.

(Part 3 of 3 due to length)

Next on my list was the need for public comment and industry comment, no backroom stuff... all transparent and open so anyone with an opinion could have it shared in the open market. No different than when my friend wanted to create a Trolley to service Fondren, he had to meet with the transportation commission, since nothing like this had been attempted before. I had the pleasure of joining him as an advocate. The commission consisted of staff from city legal, planning and development and two members of the taxi industry. As you could imagine, the taxi company owners where very worried about a possible competitor... one asked if the trolley would be stopping at people's houses and picking them up for shopping runs. All valid concerns which were discussed in the public eye. The commission approved the concept and the Trolley still runs 4 years later, and all are happy.

So, now we get to comments actually printed in the article... my voicing my opinion that if a downtown restaurant had a number of trucks all of a sudden enter their market, it could cause damage. So, just like the Taxi drivers, maybe the industry should have a chance to discuss this in open forum? And that was my suggestion.

Many of us have been fighting and pulling for this city for years... trying our best. It is not easy operating brick and mortar in a town with water and infrastructure issues, property tax burdens, security challenges, etc. But we do it... and we are proud to do so.

Trucks licensed elsewhere, allowed to pick and choose where and when to sell without collecting sales tax, or paying property tax to the very market they serve is, and needs to be an open discussion.

So, if this is remedied via public forum, then I say LET THE TRUCKS ROLL!!! After all, in case anyone missed the overarching statement the CL reporter made: ""... said Sal & Mookie's owner Jeff Good, who qualified his concerns by saying he approves the intent of the plan.

After all, one of the originators of this idea is Tom Ramsey, and that boy can cook. I would be first in line to buy a taco... and pay my 2% sales tax!

Thanks for letting me post

Well said JG...eating some SM whole wheat pasta as I type...

Good job Jeff!

You didn't do anything Jeff except to exercise your right to an opinion. The downtown cult and their rabid keep up with the Jones' at any cost mentality always needs a scapegoat.

if you think JG is the culprit, you need to dig deeper...

me thinks he doth protest too much; and then a series of praise??!

PROTEST? He clarified the reasons why he's being vilified. Oh, that's right, just hang 'em from the highest tree and ask questions after, right?

Uneducated, closed-minded rednecks disgust me.

I have never thought of Jeff Good as an uneducated, closed-minded redneck, but everyone has a right to their own opinion.

Personally, I think that Good's tax objection is easily met with the vendor mandates in the legislation. So, no more objections, right?

Well said, Jeff!

For all who used this more to bash Good & his businesses and less to *really* discuss food trucks in Jackson, I think you underestimate both. You don't give either enough credit. True, Jackson has its landmarks, but Good & Blumenthal helped to pioneer our modern culinary landscape, revitalize it and make it stronger. Do you realize how many times Bravo! has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine for its wine list? And food trucks are a hot food trend right now. From LV to DC, people are not just embracing food trucks, but almost following them to their next stops.

Jeff was one of the first to support the idea here in Jackson, but I understand his concerns and have to say 'fair enough.'

I do think three permits could be limiting. Depending on popularity, some trucks could rotate to more locations over a 1-2 week period.

p.s. I work in Madison & wouldn't get to enjoy a food truck anyway. Miss Mary would likely never allow this.

Paul, to clarify, my "closed-minded" comment was directed at the posters here speaking so vilely against Jeff, not at Jeff.

me too 8:48. or should i say ;jeff'?

Again, the health requirements and the licensure of the food carts does address every objection Good has against the carts. That is how the tax money will be collected, so no objection, right?

(By the way, it is really immature to attempt to make fun of people that have the temerity to post under their actual name, Anon.)

nope, 9:10pm. not JG ; )

Did these " food truck " regulations exist back in the 60's and 70's when those creepy, dirty ,
old men peddled "snow cones" out of the side of their so called " vans" in virtually every neighborhood in Jackson ?

Ohh the innocence of everyone back then . I wish Morris and Welty were still alive to comment on this debate.

" World War II surplus Public Address Speakers blaring tunes such as " Mary had a lil' lamb" ...
Kids hearing this tune from 4 blocks away and causing an insurrection at home for money for the 'snow cone man' ...."

Now, we have a visual of Kenny Stokes chasing a taco truck down South Gallatin Street because they forgot to give him an extra packet of hot sauce,

Priceless.

Anon 10:36, we still have a Pedovan that sells ice cream stuff out here at the Res. Good times.

Mr. Good: I thank you for coming here and posting your comment for everyone to see. This site is about news and commentary in the Jackson area. It also says "Jackassery". That means everyone, and I do mean everyone, gets skewered on this website.

Here is what the newspaper story said:

""As a restaurateur ... the idea of having a mobile food service entity move at will to sell food at peak times and take business from the very neighborhoods we've worked and built up - that's a concern," said Sal & Mookie's owner Jeff Good, who qualified his concerns by saying he approves the intent of the plan....

But Good and others said recession profit margins already are small, and if not written well, such an ordinance could severely damage their businesses.

"Restaurants downtown live by lunch," Good said. "You're paying rent by selling five meals a day.

"I would be very worried to see the potential for trucks to descend on downtown - which provides a great quality of life but could be make or break on restaurants, which in turn would decrease quality of life."

I didn't see one word about taxes. In fact, if such is indeed the basis for your concern, there is a proper solution to the problem. Instead of requiring brick and mortar, simply require food trucks to pay sales tax if they have a license to operate in the city. Last time I checked, Outback and Lone Star were owned by out of state companies.

The caterer you used in your example pays sales tax in Flowood. Why? because the transaction takes place in Flowood. The service is provided in Jackson but I'm sure the order is placed in Flowood and the payment is made there either in person or via mail. In the case of the food trucks, they will need a license to operate in Jackson. The transactions will take place in Jackson so therefor it makes sense to impose sales tax on them. I don't think anyone for one second thinks Food Trucks are tax-exempt.

Not one mention was made in the article about the tax issue, which is surprising given its importance in your comments. As stated earlier, there is a way to handle the tax issue without requiring the food truck to operate from a restaurant in Jackson.

Jeff - if we ever get open, I'd love to serve you a taco.

Speaking only for myself, I would have no problem with paying the 2% tax on sales made in Jackson. I would even support a mandate that every truck have a "central commissary" or similar facility that could be inspected by the Health Department. The trucks can only hold a little bit of food and the will need to have a place to store perishable items, clean the utensils and other necessities. I want to see the trucks become a reality and I completely understand the need for REASONABLE regulation. People who operate dirty kitchens will do do whether they are in a truck or a brick building and the customers will vote with their wallets if they feel that an establishment is not up to par. Let's see how this shapes up and leave the sniping comments for politicians. They are far more used to it that us cooks and servers.

Tom Ramsey

@Kingfish

Thank you for welcoming me into your world. I must say, it is an intriguing site. I spent a little time this morning looking around and found the article on the Zippity Doo Dah Parade where one poster referred to it as "...the Jeff Goode/SPQ/vaginafest in Fondren....." I laughed so hard I spewed coffee on my computer screen!

Anyway, a final comment... please know that when I was interviewed last week by Bill Campbell of the CL, he called me. I had not seen any legislation or talked to anyone... so my comments were sincere and from the gut. So, now seeing the legislation (because you have posted it here!) it indeed does answer many of the issues I raised...so my concerns are diminished significantly.

Regarding why the content about my sales tax collection concerns were not printed, we all know how that happens. Print has limits to space, reporters form an arc to every story and work the quotes to agree/disagree to the central theme, and editors do what they do. Alas, so many of my best work ends up on the cutting room floor.... :-p

Finally @Tom. Congrats to you buddy for living into your dream. You are doing more for the food movement in Jackson than anyone I know. It is like I told you at the "Back at the Cafe Du Monde" event at Lumpkins last month... every time I see you "perform", I am more and more impressed. Can't wait to see how you do when your "stage" is the inside of a taco truck.

Pass the chipolte salsa... I'm ready to eat.

Ramsey, quit selling yourself short, dude. You know that you can snipe with the best of them.

Catfish tamales. Do it.

My sniping skills aside...

How about a grilled catfish taco with Asian slaw, chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice?

Tamales are a bit too labor intensive for a start-up. Maybe as part of menu 2.0?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKMmrQCIYzw

Copy, paste and learn. Video on God forbid food trucks.

That does sound pretty danged good, like ditch crickets on the deck with beer, but I keep bringing up tamales because Jacktroit is on the Mississippi Delta Tamale Trail.

KF - it is unfair to blame Jeff Good for the inadequacies of the C-L writers and editors. he has explained his viewpoint clearly and succinctly here, and as you & others have pointed out, his concerns can be addressed in a straightforward manner by appropriate, thoughtful crafting of the legislation or regulations (not that "thoughtful" or "appropraite" are words ever associated with the Jackson City Council or Mayor).

Jeff, Tom...thank you both for taking the time to explain. It is helpful to have the perspective of those in the business.
And, Jeff,while there will always be negative personalities who would rather bitch and blame and criticize than work to solve problems and those who are rather obviously jealous, fortunately most people are grateful that you are willing to use your talents and resources to improve your business environment and your community.
As for me, I think there must be great inner misery in those who decide that hating Kenny Stokes et al is more important than loving our capitol city and State enough to work on the challenges common to all American cities.
Thanks for not being a pessimistic quitter.

9:49
I'd say it's unfair to blame KF for the inadequacies of the C-L writers, or the lame attempt made by Good to assert that what he said was "misquoted". Maybe Jeff can get the reporter to comment and state that he did, in fact, address the taxes and the reporter just happened to leave that part of it out.
9:31
That taco sounds great. Bring it on.

Damn it! If Downtown Jackson won't take them, I am going to start one out here in Rankin!

I remember the good ole' days in Seattle with the taco truck running through the neighborhoods on the weekends. Or, through Bellevue at lunch time while at work.

Great food and miss it much.

Jackson is being short sighted by denying competition. Sounds a little bit too close to "protectionism".

OH gawd is that Donner at 10:12? If not, it's got to be one of the Romper Roomies.

So Mr. Good, if there is a way to collect said taxes on licensed operators, you don't think there should be a "B&M" requirement?

Tom, when are you opening?? My taste buds are awaiting and I am drooling already!!! I Say Bring it on -Kim Wolford

I'm 10:12 and unlike you,10:14, I'm involved with bringing a big event and accompanying revenue to DOWNTOWN Jackson.
I actually have cold, hard research what on downtown and the market and know, for example, WHY the Mississippi Marathon has grown impressively each year.
And, when it comes to making money, I don't let political bias color my decision making.
You, on the other hand, are going with your emotional and anecdotal experience.
And I say again...if you love Mississippi more than you hate blacks/Democrats/successful people( whatever the hell is blinding you), then you should want a vibrant capitol city. THAT is a NO BRAINER.
There are people who are doers and problem solvers, and others who sit on their asses and criticize and complain. You, 10:14 seem to be in the latter category.
I wish the latter would get the hell out of the way /put up or shut up, but I'm used to just going around you to get the job done. I may make mistakes I'll have to correct along the way, but at least I'm going FORWARD.
Folks like you are unhappy people who moan over split milk and yell at the person who wipes it up. But, it'd never occur to you to get off your ass and wipe it up yourself or not to own up to having knocked over the glass in the first place.

Nobody CARES if you are the damn Pope. You are just ANOTHER ANONYMOUS NOBODY 9:16.

^^That was funny. Thanks^^

But, it'd never occur to you to get off your ass and wipe it up yourself or not to own up to having knocked over the glass in the first place.

Winner for most convoluted sentence I've read this morning. And, what if this IS the POPE?

Had a great meeting with Councilmen Whitwell... the author of the #tacogate ordinance... he has done a tremdendous amount of homework. I am impressed. He fully understands the tax issue... brought up related issues of illegal caterers operating out of homes, not collecting taxes, not paying sales tax, etc. He is very bright!

Anyway, I am good to go with his plans... and @kingfish, I don't care about brick and mortar. If the food truck passes the Hinds County Haalth Department licensing process... let 'em roll.

This could be fun boys and girls... only issue is where they park... I assume trucks will have to lease space on private property to set up each day...

Thank you all for having an open and spirited discussion! Good job on this site Kingfish (whoever you are!) :-p

re:where they park^^

(not having read the entire ordinance) Where will these "trucks" be parking? Traffic issues around lunchtime are bad enough (downtown, and fondren) without a probably overlarge vehicle pulling over on the side of the busiest road they can find & setting up "camp"

Mr. Good, apparently Section (4)(11) of the ordinance has a brick and mortar requirement:

"11. All permit applicants must operate an existing licensed restaurant within the City of Jackson or have a central kitchen approved by the Mississippi Department of Health for food service."

Jeff, it looks like the only fish taco you will be eating will be, uh, well, not served during lunch hours.

^^teehee...giggle...snort^^

I think "we" should forbid EVERYTHING bye ANYBODY ALL THE TIME. For the safety of "The Children," of course.