A popular Mexican food truck in Hoover has closed after city officials notified its owners that its operations no longer complied with updated zoning requirements.
Taqueria Juárez Announces Closure
Taqueria Juárez, a Hoover-based Mexican food truck, announced that August 10 would be its final day serving customers at its current location. Owner Jorge Juárez shared the news on Facebook after receiving a notice from Hoover officials outlining changes to the city’s rules for mobile food businesses.
The closure comes after Hoover approved updates to its zoning ordinance in June. The changes were made as the city saw more food trucks operating for longer periods in places such as roadside areas, gas stations, and commercial parking lots.
Where Food Trucks Can Operate
Under the revised ordinance, Hoover allows food trucks to operate in several specific situations. These include city-sanctioned special events, such as farmers’ markets, HOA gatherings, and events on public property.
Food trucks can also operate in office and industrial areas when invited by a property owner or business, as long as the host business is open and operating. Another option is an approved food truck court located in a commercial area that has been specifically designed for mobile food vendors.
Food truck courts must include amenities such as restrooms and public seating and receive conditional-use approval from the Hoover City Council.
What Happens Next for Hoover Food Trucks
Hoover officials said similar notices were given to eight food truck operators that were found to be operating in locations that did not comply with the updated zoning ordinance. The city has not publicly identified all of the businesses that received notices.
There are currently no approved food truck courts operating in Hoover. However, city officials said they have already received inquiries from people interested in learning about the requirements for developing one.
Juárez thanked Taqueria Juárez customers for their support and asked the community for recommendations on a new location where the business could continue serving customers.
Sign up for the Homely Birmingham newsletter to stay up to date on Birmingham.
