Hmmm...where would I find an empty lot in Midtown...?

Hmmm...where would I find an empty lot in Midtown...?

lolololol

Hmmm...where would I find an empty lot in Midtown...?

Now that's funny.

I think I have been looking at the same lot in Midtown for a development and they are currently working with someone else...If I have to lose the property to another development, this one is a GREAT one to lose out to!! I am so happy for them!

I think I have been looking at the same lot in Midtown for a development and they are currently working with someone else...If I have to lose the property to another development, this one is a GREAT one to lose out to!! I am so happy for them!

What is your proposed development??

As someone that has eaten out if more than my fair share of food trucks I love the idea. The reality is the location is terrible.

Did anyone ever make it out to the Taco Tuesdays on the south side (off of 25th?). I would think the turnout at those would be a good indicator of interest.

From The Journal Record


OKLAHOMA CITY – After a trip to Atlanta, Taste of Soul food truck owners Cerese and Ricky Bly decided to start their egg roll and rice food truck, which has quickly grown in popularity around the metro.

They use social media to market their business and tell fans where they will be setting up each week.

“We have a really great following,” Cerese Bly said. “Our customers truly are the best. They come in snow, sleet, or rain. Wherever they are, they come.”

Cerese Bly said hopefully customers would follow them to The Bleu Garten, a proposed food truck park that is still awaiting approval from the Downtown Design Review Committee during its April 17 meeting. She said having a central spot for the trucks would be a plus for all of them.

“It’s always good to have an official location so (customers) can go and find the food trucks,” she said.

Bleu Garten will have a maximum of six trucks at once around the edge of the lot at the corner of NW 10th Street and N. Harvey Avenue, with picnic tables in the center for seating. Bleu Garten is the work of OKCentric LLC. CEO Hunter Wheat said the company’s plans for the site range from offering cult movie nights on Mondays to making it a central spot for community organizations to offer services.

For example, around the winter holidays, Wheat would like to line up sponsors for an event where people in need can receive food while shopping through pop-up shop igloos that would be filled with donated coats, hats, and other warm items.

“That will let them feel normal for a bit so they can get stuff off the racks,” he said. “It will let them know people still care about them.”

He said he also plans to allow animal shelters to host adoption days or art galleries to have outdoor art exhibits. He is looking at teaming with a gym and hosting outdoor workout sessions, such as boot camps or yoga, in the space.

Whether the space helps someone get in shape or find a new friend, Wheat said, it will be a positive development. He wants to help young entrepreneurs, such as food truck owners or musicians. Those seeking to park their truck sat the site will have to pay a fee. That fee is still being determined. The site will be zoned for outdoor vendors, and any other permits or licensing will be handled by the OKCentric.

“Most food truck parks charge 10 percent of gross sales,” he said. “I think we’re going to be able to do that a lot cheaper.”

The trucks will be able to hook into an electrical outlet, rather than having to run off a generator that can be loud.

Taste of Soul said the cost will determine if the truck becomes a regular visitor.

“We’re just small business owners,” Cerese Bly said. “At the end of the day, cost will be a factor for sure. But we’re really excited about it. We’re glad to see food trucks making a positive impact on Oklahoma City.”

Keeping the noise down has been a consideration since the area is around residential developments built by Midtown Renaissance Group.

The park will have a bar operated by Bleu Garten. However, Wheat said alcohol sales must not be more than 50 percent of the total sales at the park to keep it open to all ages. Off-duty police officers will be hired to make sure no alcohol is taken from the premises or given to minors.

Wheat said he is open to any other ideas for the site once it is approved by DDRC.

- Bleu and beyond: Food truck park would nurture community, organizer says | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2014/04/08/park-and-dine-food-truck-park-would-bring-meals-events-to-midtown-real-estate/)