As April progresses, the longer and warmer days are coming! It's pretty obvious when we start to see a lot of news about food trucks and terraces. Here is a summary of what is coming up.
First, the Quai des Cageux, a popular public space for food trucks offered by the City of Quebec, will not be available this summer. The decision was made by the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec (CCNQ) for a number of reasons, including the fact that the presence of these trucks was irregular and that cohabitation with cyclists and pedestrians was not always easy. In addition, the CCNQ is planning to renovate the wharf in the near future, which will prevent the return of street trucks. Quebec City has not commented on the decision but will update the locations for the food trucks as soon as the permits are issued on May 15.
Many truck owners are disappointed by this decision but will continue to use other locations. They hope that the City will be willing to revisit its formula for on-street food sites in the future.
Second, Stephanie Bouchard, owner of Le Petit Flore café in Montreal, is angry with the City of Montreal for its lack of cooperation, which could result in the loss of the terrace she built during the pandemic. Bouchard received a $10,000 grant from the City to build a $34,000 structure after the bus stop in front of her restaurant was suspended. But the City asked Bouchard to build a walkway at her expense to allow the bus to pass through, which would cost at least $7500. Ms. Bouchard is stressed by the bureaucratic red tape and the end of the terrace could cost the jobs of 10 waiters during the summer months. Councillor Jerome Normand explained that the City wants to maintain the terrace and the stop, but that it would be difficult to cut back on an essential service such as the bus for a private terrace. The administration has had numerous discussions with the Société de transport de Montréal to find a compromise that would mean removing a few metres rather than dismantling a third of the terrace.
Finally, Quebec City's seasonal terrace restaurant QUAI 1635 is opening a second location across the river at the Lévy Marina in Lévis, taking over the former bistro Les Flibustiers. The owners decided to expand after seven successful years in the Cap-Rouge neighborhood. The new establishment will offer the same menu and local microbrews and will have a renovated indoor and outdoor space that can accommodate 100 to 120 people. The Lévis location is scheduled to open on May 15, while the Cap Rouge location will continue to operate and even offer a private space on the second floor for event rentals.
