Surf City food truck debate causes high tensions

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — Should food trucks be allowed to operate within Surf City town limits? It’s a topic that’s stirred lots of debate among many restaurant owners there.

The town has historically banned food trucks in Surf City but, the Salty Turtle Beer Company had the first food truck on their property in late August. 

Some food truck operators say they should be allowed to operate in town limits, but brick-and-mortar restaurant owners say it wouldn’t be fair.

When the Salty Turtle Beer Company opened in December 2017, Owner Daniel Callender Callender said there were limited food options in Surf City opened late. When he first asked about food trucks, he said the town told him food trucks were not allowed. In May, he asked the town for the ordinance that banned food trucks but, the language was unclear.

Monday night, a meeting was held where residents and business owners could share their thoughts.

Brenda Golder, who lives in Surf City and says she is not for or against food trucks, says the debate has gotten ugly, dividing the town.

“There were threats on Facebook, on social media against some of our local business owners and their establishments, vulgar language was used, hatred. I don’t think that’s the way,” said Golder. “If you can’t get your way, you don’t threaten with an attorney. You don’t go on Facebook. We’re trying to rebuild our town that makes people want to come. This type of confusion and controversy is not good for anyone,” she said.

Golder says she just wants a decision to be made so city council can get back to focusing on hurricane recovery.

Callender said he said he saw breweries in Wilmington bringing in food trucks and said Surf City is progressing.

“Breweries and food trucks are like a picture perfect duo kind of thing,” said Salty Turtle Beer Company Owner Daniel Callender. “They go hand and hand. ”

The vote on food trucks will take place December 4th.