Food truck owners often face challenges finding the right spots to park and operate their businesses. For many, the struggle doesn’t end there.
In South Florida, several food truck operators found themselves out of pocket after trusting a company that promised to secure prime locations for their trucks, only to be kicked out without a refund.
One such operator, Ronnie Horruitiner, was eager to start his new business venture after years of working as a firefighter.
His dream of running a food truck finally came true when he launched his business, Mr. Chili 305, in August 2023.
To help him secure a good location, Ronnie hired a company called Trukado, which promotes itself as an online platform connecting food truck owners with available parking lots for lease.
Ronnie, like many others, paid a hefty deposit of $3,100 to secure a spot in Wynwood.
Things seemed to be going well until the City of Miami Code Enforcement suddenly shut down the lot where the trucks were operating.
The trucks had been parked on a lot that didn’t have a temporary use permit or a valid business tax receipt. This lack of proper permits was something that Ronnie felt Trukado should have investigated beforehand.
The closure came as a shock. Ronnie and other food truck owners were told they had just one day to remove their trucks or risk having them towed at their own expense.
Despite the sudden closure, Trukado’s owner, Andrew Priestman, promised to return the deposits within 30 days, but that promise went unfulfilled.
Ronnie has not heard from Priestman since and still hasn’t received his refund. This financial hit has been devastating for Ronnie’s business.
His dream of running a food truck has been shattered, and Mr. Chili 305 has since closed.
Unfortunately, Ronnie’s experience is not unique. Court records show that Trukado has had similar issues in Fort Lauderdale, where another food truck lot was cited for operating without the necessary permits.
Several business owners, including Meghan Browning and Alexander Ferzan, have sued Priestman for unpaid services. They were hired to install portable toilets at the food truck lots but never received payment.
Although they won their lawsuit, many food truck operators cannot afford the legal battle.
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Despite the ongoing legal issues and growing complaints, Priestman maintains that he plans to return the deposits.
However, for people like Ronnie, the damage has already been done. His business is closed, and his trust in companies like Trukado has been shattered.
He hopes that no one else will have to endure the same fate as him and lose their dream of running a successful food truck.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.