Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced a series of exciting developments for Chicago’s growing food truck industry, beginning with the welcoming of food trucks into Taste of Chicago for the first time ever this summer, July 10-14, 2013 in Grant Park. Each evening’s concert at the Petrillo Music Shell will offer additional food options for concert attendees served by some of the City’s best food trucks.

“Chicago’s small businesses are the backbones of our communities and are a vital part of what make our city a thriving place to live, work and visit,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The food truck industry continues to build in strength and numbers, and my administration is committed to creating the conditions and opportunities that will allow this industry to thrive, create jobs and support a vibrant food culture across Chicago. This will be a great way for many Chicagoans to get a sense of the excitement of this industry and sample some great food.”

The City of Chicago will welcome seven new food trucks, this summer, to serve Chicagoans – including the first three cook-on-board trucks in the city.  These expanded food truck operations were made possible by reforms passed by City Council last summer.

Highlighting Chicago’s efforts this summer, the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race hosted by Chef Tyler Florence will film an episode in Chicago this June.  The show follows food truck competitors across the country competing to be the winning truck. The Great Food Truck Race will shoot for 3 days at various locations throughout the City. 

At Taste of Chicago, food trucks will park on the centerfield concrete path just east of the lawn seating at the pavilion. Food trucks will begin vending one hour before each evening concert and serve patrons for the duration of each evening concert. The trucks will accept the same food and beverage tickets as the other booths at the festival and will vend 3-4 regular size items as well as two Taste of portions (smaller servings for fewer tickets.) Taste tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8.

Applications to participate at the Taste of Chicago will be sent today to all those licensed to serve on food trucks.  Deadline to participate is May 15, 2013. There is no application fee, however all food trucks will be charged a 25% commission on their revenues. Applications will also be available online at the Taste website, tasteofchicago.us.

Taste concerts are every evening and seating is available for $25 per seat; lawn seating is free. The opening night concert is the band fun. Tickets go on sale mid-May.

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