LA's Food Cart Handout Sparks Backlash from Restaurants

Famous chef says city's $2.8 million program to give away free carts shows uneven treatment of brick-and-mortar businesses

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:04am

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Los Angeles officials are launching a $2.8 million program to distribute nearly 300 free sidewalk food carts to vendors, but a well-known SoCal chef says the effort highlights how the city makes it nearly impossible for traditional restaurants to do business. Restaurateur Andrew Gruel argues the subsidies create an uneven system, as food vendors can operate "cash-only businesses" without paying the same fees and taxes required of brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Why it matters

The food cart program is part of a broader equity initiative to bring more street vendors into the "legal economy." However, Gruel believes the city and county have done little to make it easier for brick-and-mortar restaurants, which face heavy regulations and fees that the subsidized food carts can avoid.

The details

The city and county of Los Angeles announced in January they would distribute at least 281 health-code-compliant carts to sidewalk vendors. The carts, built to meet California's Compact Mobile Food Operation standards, will be provided free once vendors complete the required permits. The program is waiving the county's $604 sidewalk vending registration fee for the first two years, and the fee will only be $100 in the third year. Vendors can also receive a 75% subsidy for health permits and grants of up to $5,000 to cover additional startup costs.

  • In January 2026, Los Angeles officials announced the launch of the food cart initiative.
  • The program is expected to take at least 3 months for vendors to receive a cart in most cases.

The players

Andrew Gruel

A well-known SoCal chef and restaurateur who built his Slapfish brand from a single food truck to over 55 restaurant locations across three countries. Gruel now serves on the Huntington Beach City Council.

Hilda Solis

Los Angeles County Supervisor who championed the launch of the food cart program, saying it supports small business growth and economic stability.

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What they’re saying

“If you're allowing [food carts] to operate and you're actually encouraging them financially by subsidizing them to operate under the radar, without the regulations, then subsidize brick-and-mortars and decrease their regulations as well.”

— Andrew Gruel, Restaurateur (nypost.com)

“This is more than a program — this is a chance to support small business growth, economic stability, and even generational wealth.”

— Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.