If you go to the Sage Pub in Osoyoos for a few drinks this summer, you will be able to step outside to enjoy a hamburger or hot dog from a food cart in the parking lot.
Town of Osoyoos council has tentatively approved allowing two food carts to operate this coming summer under its Street Food Vendor program established several years ago.
The only two street food vendors to file applications with the Town are The BBQ King and Kick Ma’ Dawg, said Dilys Huang, senior planner with the Town.
The BBQ King has applied to operate a food cart on private property at the Sage Pub on Cottonwood Drive, she said.
The owners of the Sage Pub have provided a letter of support permitting the food cart to operate on pub property after the kitchen has closed down for the evening, she said.
During the day, staff has recommended the owner/operator of The BBQ King food cart conduct business at the northeast corner of 85th Street and Main Street, said Huang.
Staff has recommended this location because it has a greater distance between other fixed-roof restaurants on Main Street, she said.
“The BBQ King would like to operate as soon as possible and continue for as long as the weather permits,” she said. “The vendor proposes to serve Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, smokies, chips, pop and water and is already in possession of … a food cart that has been granted a License of Use Agreement with Interior Health.”
The second vendor, Kick Ma’ Dawg, is interested in operating at Pioneer Walkway and proposes to sell various types of hot dogs, smokies, burgers, chili fries and soups, she said.
The applicant would like to operate year-round, including fall and winter months, and will acquire a food cart once the License of Use Agreement with the Town is approved, she said.
The two street food vendors would provide an additional amenity for residents and visitors at different locations and would complement the existing food offerings available in town, she said.
Coun. Jim King said he couldn’t support the 85th Street and Main Street location for The BBQ King cart saying that intersection is very busy and having a street vendor there could pose problems.
Coun. C. J. Rhodes disagreed saying this is a preferred location, which is crucial to ensuring the success of this food cart.
Council voted in favour of approving both food carts for operation in Osoyoos this summer and they can start serving food once License of Use Agreements with the Town are signed.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
