Rocky Mount food trucks asked to leave prominent location

The owner of Bruno’s Burger Bar has been setting up his food truck in front of Hobby Lobby in Rocky Mount for two years. Two weeks ago, he was told he can not do that anymore.

Joshua Robinson has been cooking burgers for the Eastern North Carolina community since 2021. He said one of the best spots for business is in front of Hobby Lobby. He said trucks have been setting up there even before his time after getting permission from Hobby Lobby’s management.

"We post up here, and in 3-4 hours, we always sold out,” he said.

On Dec. 14, Robinson received an email from a representative of the landlord for Rocky Mount Town Center. It stated that Robinson could no longer set up in the parking lot.

“It has been reported that your food truck has been on location. The Landlord would not permit this at this time. If you would please promptly relocate we would greatly appreciate your quick response to this matter,” the email reads.

WRAL reached out to the number provided in the email several times but never got a response.

Robinson said it’s a huge loss for the entire food truck community.

"This is not just going to impact me. This is going to impact other business owners who don’t travel outside Rocky Mount as much as we do,” he said. “This is going to hurt their income for the holidays."

The people who set up at the location just want to know why they were to leave.

"It lasted as long as it lasted, and nobody said anything. People come in and go out. Everybody lines up nice and neat. That’s what they do. That is what food trucks are licensed to do,” said James Arrington, a food truck employee.

For the time being, some of the truck owners have moved across the street and to other churches and businesses that welcome them. In the end, the owners want their spot back.

"There should have been some answers to our questions, and there wasn’t,” Robinson said.

After making a social media post about the change, Robinson said he received an outpouring of support from the local community. He said many community members have offered their own spaces for setup instead.

"We have official brands that we have built and worked hard for. We are a big part of the community," Robinson said.