new guy with questions

I've been watching for awhile now. There is allot of great info on this site. I've been trying to follow some of your advice and am still in research mode. I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck putting a cart on Goverment property (Tampa Fl). It sounds like location, location, location and I think I found one. But it's all Goverment property. Can you get a permit for this. I think I remember seeing one at the court house, but I could be wrong.
I'm planning to going over on Tue to talk to the people running the site, but am worried they will say no, beacuse no is easy. Should I go to a central site for permission before I go to the site I want.

Thanks,

Could you clarify government property?

Do you mean military base? Government meaning US or State of Florida property? I assumed you meant military base until you mentioned the court house as an example.

Are you a veteran?

To be honest I'm not sure what branch it falls under. It's part of Homeland security. I'm not a vetran, but my son's in the Navy, does that help? LOL

Does the property require you to pass a security gate or provide security credentials for access, or would your potential location just be in front of a government building, with civilian traffic?

I would, and do in my current job pass through the security. My question is really about just how much red tape there is in this kind of location. It's in the city of Tampa, the county of Hillsborough and the state of Florida. I assume that everybody has there hand out, the fact it's Government property just makes it harder. I know they have vending machines inside the building (coke, juice, water) But that's it. I'm just not sure if the people on site get to make this decision or does it have to be made downtown.

Many things to consider. Your specific questions as to who & how will be answered on Tuesday. It is really a unique situation, dictated by the rules, regulations, and policies of this exact location. Results and protocal vary depending on many factors, and rules can (due to heightened security procedures) and do change in a moments notice.

I am sure that there would be a greater degree of red tape involved, just based on the fact that you would be serving food in a very secure location. Your customers would be employees of Homeland Security, and with that comes alot of security procedures which does not come into play, for the average food vendor.

In a perfect world where there is opportunity for a cart at this kind of location, still many factors to consider.

Since we are talking about unpackaged, prepared food , you would most likely be subjected to a very through background check, the STRICTEST of inspections (your person, cart, equipment, food) on daily basis, and your customers will be limited to only those who have credentials past the security gate.

I agree with everything you said. It may very well be why there is not anyone serving food now. I guess I will know allot more on Tue. It's a captive clientele, to say the least. It's also very hard to get food now, so given just one choice (me) it would be nice.
I have an unrelated question. I found a used cart, but the owner has no paper work. Is there a VIN# on the cart if it's made by one of the bigger manufactures?
Ps. should I have posted this as a new topic?

You hit the nail on the head, CaptZeek.

Captive!!!

Pros and cons while being secured off.

You are the only game in town, which would be good.

You customer base is VERY limited, and with no pedestrian traffic, not good.

I would start the other question in form of a new topic. It sounds VERY important, and might get overlooked, in this thread.

GOOD LUCK and welcome to Roadfood!!!

Thanks for your help, and support. The customer base is limited, but not small. Thousands of individuals pass through this area every day. It"s a big place with people moving at all times. The deal will be the red tape. But I'm also sure you have heard this form excited newbies before. "I know just the spot" only to find out later it wasn't anywhere close to a good spot. We all start somewhere, so why not the hardest place to get into first. If that fails, I guess it's the car wash for me!! :)))
Thanks again for the advice

CaptZeek, check out the vending machines for a sticker that usually says who to contact if you have any problems with the machine and want a refund. Contact them and ask how they got in. Of course food is a more complicated operation, but at least you may find out where to start. It might be an easier process than everyone is surmising. Many government agencies have a "fast-track" program to assist small business people. Tell them your great-great grandfather was a minority transvestite and that you're planning to have a sex-change operation. You'll probably start next week.

First off I'm not sure how you know so much about me and my family. Secondly that's a great idea about looking for the sticker.
Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by CaptZeek

I would, and do in my current job pass through the security. My question is really about just how much red tape there is in this kind of location. It's in the city of Tampa, the county of Hillsborough and the state of Florida. I assume that everybody has there hand out, the fact it's Government property just makes it harder.

If it is a federal base, then the State, the city and the county have no jurisdiction while operating on the federal site unless there is a joint operation agreement. The other local jurisdictions will have jurisdiction with any food preparation off-base. IOW, only the federals will inspect your cart during the times you are selling. The county or city will inspect your commissary.

With your Nick name, I can only guess its a military base and your best bet would be the chain of command. RJF

MCCS = Marine Corp Community Services
Afees = Army Air Force Exchange Services
MWR = Navy Morale Welfare Recreation Services
And
Navy, Marine, Army, Air Force Exchange/PX


Good Luck Stewburner

Thanks for everybody's input. I'm meeting with them today. Wish me luck.
I sometimes wonder if I have the Newbie glasses on and see this as the greatest spot that no one knows about. I'm trying to stick with the numbers, but not sure what are, and are not good numbers. I've heard large construction sites are good, but what's large?? How many do you need to have good daily dog sales??

Thanks again

Oddly enough, it may be LESS red tape, because this happened to me while searching for a site in my hometown. The town itself was kind of a pain in the ass, but it turned out that my site at an airport was actually under the control of the state DOT. As a result, while I did have to comply with basic town licensing and state tax forms and such the local authorities had limited zoning control of it. As such I never had to apply to planning and zoning or go through approval but instead was able to file information with them as a "courtesy". When they tried to limit my signage I sympathized but was able to refuse to reduce it. In short dealing with a higher authority muzzled (somewhat) the local crowd. Just my two cents...

Thanks for all the input. I've met with the folks (civilians not law enforcement} that run the place today. As I have been working with these people for awhile so it was easy. I asked Ms Elizabeth what she thought and she just said "call Betty, shouldn't be a problem" It turns out that all though it's a Homeland security location it's owned by the county. Betty was very helpful and is sending me the paper work. She said she didn't see any problems. I will need all the regular paper work, but location shouldn't be a big deal. Wow, allot easier than I thought.

Excellent!! Congratulations CaptZeek!!