Mobile Vending Units (MVU), commonly referred to as food trucks, were approved for Gorham in March. To date, only one permit has been pulled for the operation of a mobile vending unit in Gorham. The permit holder’s name is Brian Foudriat and he operates Brian’s BBQ Grill. Foudriat grew up in Gorham and now resides in Standish. He has been in business for four years and has operated in Portland, Lyman, Waterboro and other surrounding towns. Foudriat’s opening day in Gorham was May 22 and he’s excited to be operating in the town.

Currently located at 397 Ossipee Trail in the parking lot of the former Nicely’s Market, he said business has been strong. In fact, he closed early on opening day because he sold out of product. For now, Foudriat plans to be open daily for lunch but suggested people check his Facebook page as his schedule may change.

Tom Poirier of the Planning Board shared some background details about the ordinance’s origination in Gorham. “Mobile Vending Units have seen a resurgence in the Greater Portland area and they feature more than just hamburgers and hot dogs. The Town Council was interested in the possibility of allowing them to operate in Gorham. Previously the only operation of this type allowed in Gorham had been a hot dog stand at White Rock Marina. In November 2017, the Town Council forwarded the idea to the Planning Board. There was a vast discussion on whether to allow MVUs to compete with brick and mortar establishments in the Village. It was decided to allow MVUs to operate in the Commercial and Industrial Districts first with the possibility of adding the Village Center and Urban Commercial zones at a later time.”

Food trucks are required to be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services as well as to be in compliance with applicable provisions of the Town’s victualer’s ordinance. The Town Council recently voted to set the annual food service permit fee at $150 versus the original proposal of $500.