Charlotte commissary?

Hello all,

Looking to take my cart to Charlotte and was wondering if anyone knew of a commissary up that way. Also looking for some advice for setting get set up in that area. I know a couple of our fourm's posters operate in the area. I would love to get set up there, possibly one of the big construction sites. Seems like they are building everywhere up that way. I am licensed in South Carolina, but I am sure I would have to get a North Carolina one too.

Anyone with any insight would be greatly appreciated.


dw

CC, there's quite a bit involved. If you want a sidewalk spot anywhere in the Uptown area, you have to go through Center City Partners, a sort of Chamber of Commerce for the Uptown area. If they approve your application, with I think a $50 non-refundable fee and a photo of your cart, they forward it to the city manager's office. But first you need 2 inspections of your cart, one for the construction/design and one by the Health department....after you submit your application. You can only operate on Tryon Street from MLK (2nd) to around 9th and on Trade, from College to Church, nowhere else. You need to pay $150 for the spot and I think the business license is also $150.

Most of the decent corners are already taken and Center City Partners will not accept any applications until March, which means you'd be lucky to get your cart out by April or May...if there are any vacant spots or decent ones.

I don't know how Zoning governs things outside the Uptown Area. I haven't checked into it yet. There is another way to set up in Uptown, and that's to find a spot on private property. I doubt because of liability concerns that a cart would be allowed onto a construction site. One site wouldn't sustain you anyway. Not enough workers. You'd need to move around to numerous construction sites. Unless you can push your cart, you'd be out of luck also. Parking is a royal pain Uptown, and expensive too. Plus there's a crew of carts in Uptown within walking distance of most construction sites. There are 2 carts at 3rd and Tryon, kitty-corner from each other. Vic is at 4th and Tryon. There's another at Trade and Tryon, one at College and Tryon and one at the Belk Theater at 5th and Tryon. Green's sets up during the summer at Wachovia Plaza between MLK (2nd) and 3rd. Two large construction projects have recently been cancelled in Uptown, one at 3rd and Tryon due to funding, so it's not all roses.

I have a brick and mortar joint in Uptown and inquired about putting out a cart. This is why I know the details involved. There is a commissary somewhere near Uptown, but I don't know what they charge. You'd have to ask one of the sidewalk guys.

Hey Carolina!!

Sorry it took so long to get back. Ken's response is chock full of great info! Another avenue you may want to pursue is Business parks. Initially they can be a pain in the butt, as they need lots of info, insurance, etc. and can take a little while to make a decision, but in the long run, they can be cash cows. I spend two of my days uptown Charlotte, one day at the Charlotte School of law (where I am the only option other than leaving campus!) and two days at a Wachovia office park. Those two days at the office park are generally my two best of the week. They can get a good lunch at good price and don not hae to leave the premesis! I would say that the uptown of Charlotte is not the best bet right now unless you can convince the folks at Center City Partners that you can get up to the north side near the O'dell building (where, unfortunatly several vendors have already crapped out) You need very good food, very good service and ALWAYS be there when your supposed to. Charlotte folks can be right persnickity if you do not show up.

Ken, I believe that the lady at the Belk theater is gone. Inconsistantly showed up. She was very nice and tenacious as hell (she yelled at a drunk one night and made him sit in time out!). Actually, that could be a good spot for the right vendor, though.

Good luck CArolina, stop by uptown some Wednesday or Friday and shoot the breeze between customers!

Vic

Hey Vic,

I only noticed someone outside the Belk once, and that was several months ago, and I'm seldom up that way. I understand there's a cart at Trade and Tryon by the clock, but I've never seen anyone there. I met a mini-donut guy at Trade and Tryon a couple times, but he must be a warm-weather gig only. Haven't seen him in awhile either.

Was talking to Uptown Donny the other day, and he said he was once at the Square at Trade and Tryon, but Center City Partners made him move to 3rd and Tryon. That seems weird that there are 2 carts at that corner and then in the summer, Green's sets up about 100 feet away on Wachovia Plaza. And then, there I am in the Latta Arcade, just across the street from Green's.

Vic, what's the scoop on setting up outside Center City's Kingdom? I guess zoning handles that. Can you set up on a sidewalk anywhere as long as you let them know where you're setting up, or is it more complicated than that? Do you have to stick to private property?

Saw KT today. He stopped by to chat for awhile. I guess he's the one that runs the Uptown commissary. I think he said he charges about $100 per month. That the one you use? Later.

Hey Ken,

The center city vending is run by Center City Partners through the city manager. They are the ones to dole out spots. If you are in their realm (2nd through 10th, I think) you are under their thumb. They begin making spot decisions in March. You need to get your licenses, menu and a photo to them with the application and $35. They reserve the right to take 45 days to make a decision. If you volunteer for one of the more northern spots, you would probably do well. I had a guy walk down from the O'dell building (on 10th!) Wednesday, because there is little in the world of quality dogs down there.

As far as KT goes, I don NOT use his place. I commissary out of Pineville (kind of a pain to drive it, but the price is right and I love my spot.) The donut guy (Todd) is interesting. He also runs an editing suite for church related video productions. He is a great individual and we get along real well. I think he decided to wait until spring after working several days uptown that I bailed out on due to severe cold and wind. I expect he'll be back very soon, though.

Hows it going in front of the BOA? I've seen your guy but haven't had the chance to talk at any length.