Fulton taproom can't have food trucks; Rybak to the rescue

Apparently, the popular downtown brewery sits outside of the designated food truck zone. But Mayor Rybak and company are hoping to expand the zone.

By tomhorgen

May 9, 2012 at 8:52PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

If you've visited the Fulton taproom this week for a pint, you probably noticed something different. Since Monday, no food trucks have been stationed outside of the downtown Minneapolis brewery.

Apparently, a couple mobile food vendors were told by city officials that Fulton actually sits outside of the designated food truck zone. In downtown, the zone ends at 3rd Ave. N., while Fulton's brewery is at 414 6th Av. N.

Twitter began buzzing Tuesday night about the loss of food trucks at Fulton. Even Mayor RT Rybak responded with a tweet (presumably after being inundated with anxious Fulton/food truck fans). He basically said he'll try to help fix the issue. The brewery has been a hot spot for beer fans ever since the taproom opened in March. Fulton also sits two blocks from Target Field, making it a frequent pre- and post- gathering spot for Twins fans.

I talked with a couple of city officials this morning who said beer and foodie fans shouldn't worry too much. City spokesperson Matthew Lindstrom said City Council Member Don Samuels (whose Ward includes the brewery) and Mayor Rybak "are working to expand the Downtown zone to allow food trucks in the North Loop neighborhood."

Fulton co-founder Ryan Petz thinks the situation might have gotten blown out of proportion on Twitter and Facebook. "The city isn't cracking down or hassling us about it," he said, adding that it appears the issue is moving quickly toward a resolution. But until they get the go-ahead, Petz said Fulton won't schedule any food trucks.

Lindstrom said whatever changes end up being made will not have to go through the full City Council, which might speed up the process.

Stay tuned for more updates.

(Photo by Joel Koyama)

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