Exciting News for Conway Food Lovers: Food Trucks Coming to the Courthouse!
Conway, get ready to tantalize your taste buds! Horry County officials are gearing up to introduce a new pilot program in 2025 that will bring delicious food trucks right to the doorstep of the Government and Justice complex on Second Avenue. That’s right, the days of searching high and low for lunch during a busy workday could soon be a thing of the past!
What’s Cooking?
According to county attorney David Jordan, the idea is to take advantage of the large number of people present at the courthouse, which houses multiple county offices and the main judicial center. “That’s where they seem to want to be,” he said, pointing out how beneficial this could be for both county workers and food vendors alike. It all kicks off with a pilot program set to run through the first three months of 2025, pending final approval from the county council on December 10.
While food trucks have been allowed in Horry County for nearly a decade, they’ve generally been kept off county property. However, after receiving numerous requests from food truck operators, the county has decided it’s time to let the mobile kitchens roll in!
How Will It Work?
The planned program requires participating food trucks to meet certain regulatory requirements. They’ll need to have proper insurance, state health certifications, and a county license. If everything goes well, this initiative might go from a temporary setup to a permanent fixture, with opportunities to expand to other county complexes.
A Few Concerns on the Table
Not everyone is on board with the idea just yet. During a recent administration committee meeting, some council members raised their eyebrows at potential parking issues, especially on busy days like tax sales when every spot seems to vanish. Johnny Gardner, the County Council Chairman, highlighted this concern but Jordan reassured that certain days might see restrictions on food truck operations to ease congestion.
He mentioned, “A pilot program should give the county administrator the flexibility to see what works and what doesn’t.” There’s definitely some optimism surrounding the pilot, with Jordan noting that the initial response from food truck operators might be huge given the enthusiasm for new dining options.
Who’s Already Interested?
Local food vendors are ready to join the party! One of the eager participants is D’s Mini Doughnuts, which has made a name for itself in the Florence area and has now turned its gaze towards Conway. Owner Darryl Moran has been receiving positive feedback from county employees who are hoping for some quick and delectable lunch options. “People I know that work in the courthouse want food trucks because they often don’t have time to find something to eat,” he said, highlighting the convenience these food trucks could provide by parking right outside.
Another newcomer to the area, Benny Randall from Randall’s Culinary Creations, sees this as a fantastic opportunity to establish roots in Conway. He mentioned the lunchtime rush, explaining how hard it can be to grab a quick meal before headed back to work.
What’s Next?
As this exciting pilot program inches closer to reality, it aims to start with just two food trucks per day. The county’s administrator will decide how many trucks can operate, along with their hours and locations. If everything goes smoothly, who knows what the culinary future holds for Conway—and maybe, foodies in this area will soon have a new way to enjoy their lunch breaks!
So, mark your calendars for December 10 and keep an eye out for the food truck revolution on Second Avenue. Conway is about to get a whole lot tastier!
