Chicago Food Truck Meetup Will Offer Networking, Samples

Legislation forbidding on-board cooking has slowed, but not stalled, Chicago's growing Food Truck movement, and the number of restaurant-based and independent mobile eateries in circulation is on the rise. Circumventing the laws by cooking off-site has allowed for a growing renegade fleet, and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce is hoping to encourage more growth with a networking event Dec. 12.

"This will be a unique forum where food truck owners, operators, restaurants, individuals who want to start a food truck, and fans of food trucks can meet, socialize, and learn about the obstacles and opportunities in this new industry," Linda Dao, Managing Director of Technology Marketplace Development at the Chamber of Commerce, wrote on the event site.

Chicago foodies and chefs have long-lamented the absence of food trucks, which have become an increasingly popular phenomenon in other cities considered major food destinations. Rick Bayless has said that he dreams of serving "surprise tacos" roadside. Flirty Cupcakes, arguably the city's first gourmet food truck, says the demand is so great they sell out of their pre-made sweets daily.

The event will be hosted at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on 200 E. Randolph St. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Current food truck operators are expected to talk about their experience and advise aspiring mobile chefs, and owners are encouraged to bring samples for a "food truck pot luck."

H/t to Eater Chicago.