BETHESDA

FOOD TRUCK

SURVEY

Bethesda food truck fans will want to fill out this one-question survey from the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, a.k.a. the Montgomery County Government.

By showing your support for food trucks, hopefully we can one day have the great variety of purveyors found during the lunch hour in downtown Washington right here in Bethesda.

One of the possible answers in the survey suggests that tougher food truck regulations could be coming from the county government, if a majority of the respondents are opposed to the status quo. That's why it's important to take 10 seconds and respond positively to food trucks in the survey. And to forward this to fellow food truck fanatics you know, so everyone can be heard.

Of course, food trucks' presence can be considered unfair by restaurant owners who pay the fees and taxes that help Bethesda Urban Partnership keep downtown Bethesda in such good shape. They've got a good point, and every significant issue in life is usually resolved through compromise.

So the poll is not about choosing one side or the other. It's merely a vote to favor more choices and free enterprise; the finer points will be resolved as we go forward.

Brick and mortar restaurants have advantages, too. Climate control. You can have a drink at the bar if there's a wait. Food trucks can't serve liquor, beer or wine at all! Ultimately, price, food quality, variety, customer service and atmosphere can trump a food truck. That's where competition and free enterprise make all of the competitors stronger.

Moreover, food trucks have had a positive effect on cuisine in Bethesda's restaurants. Two years ago, there weren't any lobster rolls in downtown Bethesda. After the popular Red Hook Lobster Truck came to Bethesda, there are at least half-a-dozen restaurants that serve lobster rolls in town. (They'll be here for lunch today, in fact!)

Go Fish Truck (Crab Melt!), Curbside Cupcakes, Cravin Cookies (Brownies!), Corned Beef King (Corned Beef Hash!), Toasted Truck, Sub Urban Bros. (Meatball sub!)... all have been to Bethesda. Let's keep them coming back, and maintain or improve conditions that will tempt some of the popular DC trucks to finally cross the border.

So, feel free to post your ideas and arguments for or against food trucks here, but make sure you get heard in this survey, because the results may impact future decision-making by the county.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY