Argyle planning and zoning commission approves food-trailer concept on US 377

A new food trailer restaurant concept could make a residence in Argyle after the planning and zoning commission recommended approval of the site plan at its March 4 meeting.

The site plan was recommended for approval 4-2 with Commissioners David Snell and Marilyn Lewis in opposition.

“I don't think that US 377 is the proper place for food truck development,” Lewis said.

The overview

The food trailer and restaurant building, Akshya Foods, could be located at 606 US 377, Argyle, and would offer Indian-style foods, co-owner Pavan Damarapati said.

The site plan included constructing a parking lot beside an already existing building in Old Town Argyle, according to town documents.

“This parcel had been vacant for about 18 months prior to these new property owners acquiring the property,” Community Development Director Harrison Wicks said. “I've talked to many people interested in this property over the last 18 months before they bought it, and the single biggest thing that killed any deal was the parking because there [is] no parking on this site.”

A 32-foot permanent food trailer will be placed at the rear of the site, and customers would order food from the trailer, sit down in the building, and the food will be delivered to them, Damarapati said.

The 1,300-square-foot building currently on the property would not have a kitchen but would have seating, restrooms and storage space, per town documents. The food would be prepared inside the food trailer.

Diving deeper

The site plan initially had space for outdoor seating, but planning and zoning Commissioner Paul Kula noted that the parking spaces listed in the site plan didn’t accommodate the size of the food trailer, so more spaces would need to be added. This means the restaurant owners must either remove the outdoor seating or add more parking spaces.

The site plan initially had 17 parking spaces, but now needs 21 spaces to meet town standards, Wicks said.

Commissioner Kenton Miersma brought up concerns of people having to back out of the parking lot onto US 377 if all spots are filled. He suggested a shared parking agreement with the next door property or that something be developed with the adjacent barber shop so cars can have access to Denton Street.

Commissioner Matt Nelson questioned if the business would be viable during the extreme hot or cold temperatures.

“I think it would be good but only during certain times,” he said. “There's many times that nobody's going to care about it.”

Since the town has no definition of a food truck in its ordinance, town officials decided to categorize Akshya Foods as a restaurant, meaning it is permitted on the property, Town Attorney Brenda McDonald said.

“Town staff probably needs to hunker down and get some standards put in place around food truck services,” Commissioner Jody Johnson said.

Looking ahead

The site plan will be considered by the Town Council at the March 23 regular meeting.

If approved, Damarapati said it would take around 15 days to finalize preparations and install the parking lot before the restaurant opens in mid-April.