Regulating Late-Night Food Trucks in Downtown Area

Indianapolis food truck operators are on edge as the city prepares to introduce a new ordinance targeting late-night vendors. While no official details have been released, city officials confirmed a proposal is in the works for Monday night's city council meeting.

Police Chief Chris Bailey said, “Food trucks are a constant source of issues, especially after the bars close.” He added, “We’re working with City-County Councilors to create an ordinance."

The uncertainty surrounding the proposed ordinance has local food truck owners like A.J. Feeney-Ruiz worried about its impact on their business.

“Restrictions on downtown food trucks would devastate us,” said Feeney-Ruiz, owner of Bread Books Bourbon and Bacon. “Late night is our business, and we've built it for five years and never had a single issue.”

Feeney-Ruiz believes his truck serves as part of the downtown ecosystem, providing safe and affordable food options to those looking for a late-night bite.

“People have always wanted food after bars before food trucks, it was hot dog carts, diners, 24-hour spots,” he said. “We provide safe, affordable food when nothing else is open.”

While Feeney-Ruiz acknowledges downtown violence as a concern, particularly in the Mile Square area, he argues that food trucks are not the root cause.

"If they want to put limits on the trucks, it should be in the Mile Square area," said Ruiz. "We have never had an issue on Mass Ave."

The city has yet to reveal its proposal, leaving the future of late-night vending downtown unclear.