Zac Wooden expected there would be interest in his idea to create a court for food trucks on Fayetteville’s Dickson Street.
Just maybe not this much, this quick.
Wooden has fielded what amounts to a couple of calls or Facebook messages per day from potential tenants since word began circulating late last month about his plans for the patio space at 402 W. Dickson St.
Property records show that Wooden’s Dickson Street Renovations Inc. purchased the building and patio in October for an estimated $1.5 million. After contemplating several options over the past few months, he settled on creating a space for mobile vendors that is tentatively scheduled for a May opening.
A couple of factors played into the decision, including a recent change to Fayetteville’s mobile-vendor ordinance that makes it easier for restaurants and other retailers to operate out of a nontraditional structure, as well as a desire to “get out of my comfort zone and try something new,” the soon-to be 33-year-old said.
Wooden owns Rogers Rec and 21st Amendment, two bars that are Dickson staples, plus Los Bobos, a taqueria that opened in February of last year. Success branching out from the bar business with Los Bobos piqued Wooden’s interest in a new venture on what is arguably Fayetteville’s most recognizable street.
Dickson, a popular spot for college kids and families, locals and tourists alike, seems like the perfect place to take advantage of the revised mobile-vendor rules. Similar venues in towns like Portland, Ore., and Austin,Texas, have thrived.
A conditional-use permit for property owners now allows for the establishment of a court for mobile vendors and doesn’t require repeated requests for permit extensions. Previous rules meant mobile vendors received a 90-day permit, then had to frequently petition for extensions.
It’s understandable why owners of businesses started in a more traditional, costly and regulated manner would object to their mobile competitors. Still, these changes are worthwhile for the city as a whole because when the system is maximized, we’re talking about a way to incubate new business (and tax revenue) for the town.
Fayetteville’s Yacht Club on College is a prime example of what a mobile-friendly environment can mean for business development in the city. Established in 2012, the Yacht Club went from being a vacant lot to popular option for startup businesses where owners didn’t have the capital to buy a building or enter into a long-term lease. Instead they operated out of126-square-foot trailers until they could find a more permanent option.
Alumni of the lot, which is at the corner of College and Trenton avenues in Fayetteville, have opened bricks and-mortar stores throughout the city. Hawaiian Brian’s restaurant has even branched out into Springdale for a second location. A vintage clothing company, multiple restaurants and an upscale florist all got their starts at the Yacht Club.
Frickin’ Chicken isn’t a Yacht Club alum, but is another example of what can happen for a small business when given time to develop before launching on a larger scale. It recently opened a bricks-and-mortar operation on Spring Street after months of operating out of a trailer on College Avenue.
Granted, not all mobile vendors turn into success stories. Not all of them want to open a dine-in restaurant, and - let’s be honest - some just aren’t equipped to operate even with the low overhead that comes with serving food or other products out of a trailer.
Finding ways to encourage those who do want to grow is an important undertaking for the city.
Wooden said he has no preference on how long his tenants stay. He’d like to establish some continuity to attract repeat customers. Additionally, Wooden’s plans to create a beer garden - pending alcohol permit approval - in the space featuring local products will likely help that cause as well.
Look for a variety of food styles to be offered in the six available spaces. Don’t count on tacos or similar fare, since Wooden owns Los Bobos and is hoping to “keep the products and concepts fresh and unique to what’s already” on Dickson.
Judging from the response Wooden has received so far, it seems likely finding that right mix of tenants won’t be a problem. It also would seem to indicate the city made a smart choice in taking a more mobile-friendly approach.
If you have a tip, call Chris Bahn at (479) 365-2972 or email him at cbahn@nwaonline.com
Business, Pages 71 on 04/06/2014