tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post1270673275363860344..comments2024-03-29T07:05:16.832-05:00Comments on The Grumpy Economist: Local news: Food trucks and movie theatersJohn H. Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842601651429471525noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-78291450184658387082013-01-04T15:00:10.878-06:002013-01-04T15:00:10.878-06:00Or the federal tax code. Or the federal tax code. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-77533021260031915232013-01-04T12:03:32.246-06:002013-01-04T12:03:32.246-06:00"I don't know where this idea of burdenso..."I don't know where this idea of burdensome Washington regulations and red tape came from, but it certainly hasn't been the case in my lifetime"<br /><br />There's a man who never read his OSHA manual or had to bill Medicare.JB McMunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15468282698533043544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-4053415730478060112013-01-03T13:49:32.764-06:002013-01-03T13:49:32.764-06:00I think that your first sentence misplaces a lot o...I think that your first sentence misplaces a lot of blame. I was a business owner for seven years, before becoming an economist. I faced hassles from township, county, and state levels all the time, just like what you describe here. Never once faced any hassle of any kind from the federal government. <br /><br />For the most part, the federal government doesn't care what businesses do until it really becomes a problem they can no longer ignore. Local governments are another matter; they cultivate personal relationships with incumbent businesses, and endlessly harass newcomers.<br /><br />I don't know where this idea of burdensome Washington regulations and red tape came from, but it certainly hasn't been the case in my lifetime.Matthew Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10254244795963585737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-18090144196870345192013-01-03T13:48:47.227-06:002013-01-03T13:48:47.227-06:00Excellent posting. I just linked to it on Google+....Excellent posting. I just linked to it on Google+.Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14284740086611662820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-30420283889875015912013-01-03T11:35:31.701-06:002013-01-03T11:35:31.701-06:00In San Francisco we have seen a proliferation of f...In San Francisco we have seen a proliferation of food truck, largely because the red tape to open a restaurant is extensive and there is litte red tape to clear to start a group of trucks. <br /><br />While we have had a growth of new and different food truck choices recently, the trucks have been around for a long time. Traditionally, they serviced the industrial zones, construction sites, and locations with few eating options. What do people do in Chicago if they work in a "restaurant desert?"<br /><br />I have an economics puzzle regarding the trucks. New entrants do not steal business from the existing establishments. As the diversity of food offerings increases, more people seek out the trucks. The truck operators have regular meet-ups and encourage new trucks to join the circuit. This is a case were supply actualy does create demand.<br /><br />If restaurants "got with the program", they may realize that the trucks are not a threat. A truck on the same block as my restaurant will attract diners to my front door.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-9525026902502261452013-01-02T20:54:51.062-06:002013-01-02T20:54:51.062-06:00So, if we can't get food trucks and movie thea...So, if we can't get food trucks and movie theaters to work, how can we hope for "clear and simple" rules you advocate?<br /><br />btw, I live in Chicago and there are at least 5 food trucks parked outside of the building I work in during lunch hour. The last thing I want is for them to start cooking the food on their trucks instead of in a proper kitchenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-60597119419831465062013-01-02T17:56:42.093-06:002013-01-02T17:56:42.093-06:00At least they haven't infringed on your soda c...At least they haven't infringed on your soda cup rights. Yet.<br /><br />I can't read the Trib story. It's behind a paywall.<br /><br />The theater deal is just stupid. The comment period should be held before the building permit is issued.<br /><br />I'm conflicted about the food trucks. The food trucks are "new" businesses in the sense of opening 3 Chik-fil-A's even though the demand for fast food is level. They cut up the pie into smaller pieces (pardon the food analogy). It's not like they're opening a food truck factory.<br /><br />These new businesses might not really help the city's revenues. If the food trucks drive restaurants out of business you kill off part of your tax base. Unlike restaurants, food trucks pay no property tax. If restaurants are supplanted by food trucks then property tax revenues will decrease. Since food trucks are less labor-intensive you'll probably lose jobs which also lowers tax revenues and increases social safety net costs. <br /><br />Could we level the playing field by assessing taxes on the food trucks? They'll still erode the restaurant customer base.<br /><br />Help me out here. I find myself arguing for protectionism. <br />JB McMunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15468282698533043544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-582368152716771238.post-25851752319669236892013-01-02T16:12:17.261-06:002013-01-02T16:12:17.261-06:00But we all already knew that Chicago is endemicall...But we all already knew that Chicago is endemically corrupt and has been for a long time. Maybe it's the water ...Absalonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09131268683451462949noreply@blogger.com