Some food vendors on campus object to Temple plan for vending district

Some Temple University vendors are up in arms about regulations proposed for the new academic year. 

Vendors who sell food on Temple University’s campus came to Philadelphia City Council Monday, complaining about establishment of a university vending area, similar to other districts in the city.  

Virginia Apostolopoulus runs a crepe truck at 13th and Norris.

“I’m a new owner, I bought the truck two years ago,” she said. “I’m scared, I’m a new owner and I’m afraid they are going to throw me out.”

Matthew Craig, who operates a coffee truck on the campus, said he’s also worried that seniority rules would shut him out.

“I’m concerned about seniority, I’m concerned about the heavy-handedness in the bill, the lack of clarity and specifics,” Craig said. “I’m fine if everyone gets to stay, and there’s no assurance of that.”

Temple officials want to delineate a district where trucks can operate, as well as implementing safety rules — such as banning trucks from running on generator power — for that district.