Would You Like to See Food Trucks Roll Back Into Sunset Hills?

Just the look of those french fries makes my mouth water.

I had been a St. Louis resident for all of two weeks when I discovered what I'm still calling the world's most magical fries--the California fries from Papa Tom's Fancy Franks food truck. I shared my first order with other Patch editors during the 2012 Route 66 Car Show, and thought they were so delicious that I went home with a second helping just for me.

During my first couple months as Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch editor, food trucks like Papa Tom's made semi-regular appearances at Geyer Road office buildings, particularly near Panera Bread headquarters. However, the Zia's on the Hill food truck was asked to leave during a lunch stop in November because mobile businesses aren't part of a city ordinance. They aren't prohibited, but they aren't allowed, either.

Save a Feast Magazine food truck event at Laumeier Sculpture Park in June, food trucks have been scarce ever since.

The fries are moot now, because Papa Tom's sold their truck late last year, but two members of the St. Louis Food Truck Association are hoping get other food trucks back into Sunset Hills. They've submitted a request to the city's planning and zoning commission for a text amendment that would allow food trucks. Discussion will continue at the committee's July 10 meeting.

The request was submitted by Andrew Simpson, Jr., who owns Andrew's Bayou Ribs. Aaron Edwards, the owner of the Zia's food truck, was also on hand to discuss his experience operating his truck in Sunset Hills. Edwards told the commission his truck would only stop at businesses where it was invited.

If the planning and zoning commission recommends the text amendement, the Board of Aldermen will be responsible for a final vote.