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If you own a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in Matthews to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.
It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.
At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying running your business while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or an entire commercial rewiring project. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.
At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:
If you're looking for the very best electrician in South Carolina, put down the pen and paper and look no further than Engineered Electrical Solutions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular services.
Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.
We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.
A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:
As a business owner, you know first-hand that closing your doors costs money, time, and possibly your clients. That's why, when you have an electrical issue that must be remedied, you need quick, cost-efficient help so you can keep running your business. But trusting the job of a trained electrician in the hands of an amateur can be a big mistake.
Sure, your uncle may know how to flip a few switches on the breaker in your home, but serving a commercial business is an entirely different animal. In fact, trusting your company's electrical needs to just anyone can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to consider hiring an experienced commercial electrical contractor.
Did you know there is a litany of regulations and codes you must follow when servicing electrical components in a commercial setting? From remodels to maintenance, a knowledgeable electrician will know these codes in and out. If they don't, they've got the reference material and support to ensure their work is up to standard. Taking the time to hire a commercial electrical company with vetted technicians means you don't have to worry about legal fines and reprimands for not adhering to regulations associated with common services like commercial lighting installations and upgrades.
In general, a commercial electrical contractor in Matthews, NC, must undergo extensive training and pass more tests in order to practice their trade in South Carolina. Like their counterparts in the residential electrical business, they must both pass exams and complete apprenticeships. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training. They must also prove their knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC, which encompasses safety procedures and building codes in the U.S. The advanced training that commercial electricians complete sets the foundation for services such as:
When you break it down to the basics, commercial electricians in the Lowcountry require more experience because of factors like safety, complexity, and reliability. It's not unusual for a contractor to complete over 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, to learn about complicated topics like voltage and phase balancing, control systems, and phase diagrams.
If you're like most people, you hire professionals like corporate lawyers, helicopter pilots, and commercial electricians to handle the things you don't have the skills to do yourself. Because, if we're being honest, many services provided by commercial electrical contractors are dangerous and even downright deadly. While you can find "How-To" articles that insist that this type of work is simple, taking on an electrical project for your business can have catastrophic consequences - both for your business and for the family you're supporting.
Hiring a commercial electrician for your business safeguards you, your employees, and your business. That's because they're trained to spot commercial electrical hazards and have the tools to fix the problem correctly and according to South Carolina regulations.
Some business owners make it a point to hire non-professionals to handle their electrical work, thinking they'll save money in the long run. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Cutting corners and hiring unlicensed friends or family members creates hazards that will set your company back much more than it would to hire a qualified commercial electrician. Mistakes are costly and often end up with you having to close your business while they're corrected. This downtime will affect your ability to do business and may even affect your brand loyalty and customer base.
Energy mismanagement - it's one of the most common ways that businesses lose unnecessary money every year. Though every business in South Carolina will eventually face some sort of energy waste, that doesn't mean you have to settle for expenses you can prevent. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we're all about supporting our fellow business owners. To help you reduce electrical costs, follow these five tips.
In terms of low-cost solutions, this one is among the best. If you've been using incandescent bulbs throughout your business, try installing compact fluorescents instead. They can last 9x longer and save you money over time. While you're at it, remove any incandescent lights powering exit signs in your building. Replace them with LED alternatives.
Did you grow up in a household where your mom or dad constantly reminded you to turn off the lights when you're done in a room? That same basic principle holds true here. If lights are left on unnecessarily, be sure they're turned off before closing for the day. If you find that doesn't help, you may need to develop a shift-based system to turn off lights. Our team of commercial electricians for your business in cityname, state, have the expertise to help you establish a system to lower energy waste without affecting your company's productivity.
According to the Small Business Administration, HVAC use accounts for nearly 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. It's clear, then, that poor-performing HVAC systems can rack up monthly energy costs quickly. To prevent this from getting out of control, make sure your AC and heating units are well-maintained and free of expensive issues. You may want to also consider installing programmable thermostats, which can automatically control the temperature settings on your property to help maximize your energy savings.
The EPA states that keeping your commercial building properly insulated can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Don't settle for obvious areas like walls and windows. Be sure your electrical outlets, pipes, and HVAC ducts are properly insulated too.
At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we can provide you with an energy audit for your business that pinpoints areas of energy waste and how those areas can be improved. Having an electrical assessment is a great idea for any business owner, especially if you have a storefront where customers come and go because it can help lower your overall operational costs.
Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro Matthews, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.
We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.
Here are just a few of the common electrical issues that we solve for Lowcountry business owners:
Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.
Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.
Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.
Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.
Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than other wiring and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.
The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.
Engineered Electrical Solutions has built its reputation on a simple formula: give our customers the highest-quality commercial electrical services, the most helpful customer service, and the best prices available in town.
As a veteran-owned and operated business, we take pride in good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to our craft. No upselling. No misleading fine print. Only quality electrical work and reliable commercial electricians in Matthews, NC.
We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of a commercial electrician for your business or organization, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.
843-735-2275
MATTHEWS, N.C. — The plan to build another roundabout and widen lanes on Idlewild Road may be getting fast-tracked. Matthews town leaders have voted to enter an agreement with NCDOT and developer Pappas Properties that could speed up the project.One driver called Idlewild Road's traffic, "terrible." Another said, "it's not too bad," except during rush hour.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download th...
MATTHEWS, N.C. — The plan to build another roundabout and widen lanes on Idlewild Road may be getting fast-tracked. Matthews town leaders have voted to enter an agreement with NCDOT and developer Pappas Properties that could speed up the project.
One driver called Idlewild Road's traffic, "terrible." Another said, "it's not too bad," except during rush hour.
"The way to home from work is really bad and the way to work is really bad," said Thomas, a Matthews resident who didn't share his last name.
New neighborhoods being built on Idlewild Road and future large developments like Sante Matthews will add to the congestion.
In NCDOT’s long-term plan for Idlewild Road, lanes will be widened and another roundabout will be built near the Interstate 485 interchange. However, construction wasn't projected to start until 2028.
"The dates that we have in our plan are 2026 to start acquiring property and 2028 to start construction," NCDOT spokesperson Jen Thompson explained.
However, the town of Matthews has approved accepting a $9 million advancement from Pappas Properties, the developer behind Sante Matthews.
The live, work, play community will be next to the I-485 interchange and attract thousands of cars to the area daily. So, Pappas Properties is putting money toward road improvements, which could speed up the project by two years.
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"That'd be perfect, I think that'll help everybody out," driver Jayvion Livingston said.
The road project aims to improve traffic and safety on Idlewild Road.
"A roundabout kind of eliminates the possibility of cars crashing at higher speeds and also at certain angles, and it keeps traffic flowing," Thompson said.
She added that drivers living in the Charlotte area should expect to see more roundabouts being built in the future.
Once agreements are finalized between Pappas Properties and Matthews, NCDOT will spend the next couple of years buying property along Idlewild Road to make room for more lanes.
Downtown Matthews is about 12 miles from Charlotte’s center city. A charming town with its own aesthetic, there’s always something to do in the suburban outpost with a family-friendly vibe.With plenty of locally owned shops, restaurants and activities (we can’t forget about Saturday mornings at the Matthews Farmers Marke...
Downtown Matthews is about 12 miles from Charlotte’s center city. A charming town with its own aesthetic, there’s always something to do in the suburban outpost with a family-friendly vibe.
With plenty of locally owned shops, restaurants and activities (we can’t forget about Saturday mornings at the Matthews Farmers Market), downtown Matthews is the place you visit and want to stay for a while.
When you want to visit a small town that has a rich history, spend some time exploring with these six things to do in Matthews for less than $50 a day:
Location: Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply, 225 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105
Spend the morning on Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply’s patio, which is surrounded by a white picket fence. It’s the place where everyone visits for “slow culture coffee” and to experience a moment of calm during the day. The menu options include classic and signature coffees and shakes, smoothies, ice cream and more. While you’re there, order a 10 oz. The Great Pumpkin Latte, a cinnamon spiced pumpkin drink.
Cost: $4.50+ tax and tip
Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105
Enjoy the scene as you walk through downtown Matthews toward Stumptown Park. Festivals, concerts, events and more happen at this 0.9 acre park. There’s plenty of open grass, a stage, an outdoor grill and picnic area and more.
Cost: Free
Location: Royal Cafe and Crêperie, 131 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
For lunch, take a trip to France without having to board a plane. Royal Cafe and Crêperie is where you should go to taste sweet and savory classic crepes with a twist. The menu includes breakfast, entree and dessert crepes. There’s also an option for you to create your own crepe masterpiece (with a little guidance from the chef, if needed). Order the Smoky Chipotle Chicken Crepe ($10), which comes with grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion and chipotle aioli. Coffee and tea are also on the menu, so you can add a Sweet Chai Latte for $3.65.
Cost: $13.65+ tax and tip
Location: Great Harvest Bread Co., 110 Matthews Station St #1d, Matthews, NC 28105
Pop over to Great Harvest Bread Co. and pick out a sweet treat for dessert to top off your lunch. The bakery carries specialty breads and baked goods with a seasonal menu. We’d go for a cookie, with choices including salted caramel, peanut butter, ginger or oatmeal raisin.
Cost: $2.85 plus tax
Location: Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105
Spend the afternoon exploring one of the oldest buildings in the area. Matthews Heritage Museum is located inside the 1879 Massey-Clark House. You can learn about the history of the railroad, see the original bank interior of the Bank of Matthews, listen to telephone switchboard stories and more.
Cost: Free
Location: The Loyalist Market, 435 N Trade St #102, Matthews, NC 28105
End the evening with dinner at a place that’s known for its local and regional cut-to-order cheese selection. The Loyalist Market is more than artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Visitors can try made-to-order sandwiches, beer, wine and more. Order the Veggin’ Out, which comes with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, roasted red pepper, olive oil and pesto. It’s served on ciabatta bread and with kettle chips or organic mixed greens ($9.50). Pair your dinner with a glass of Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California ($11).
Cost: 20.50+ tax and tip
Total cost for your day in downtown Matthews: $41.50+ taxes and tips.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in July 2022 and has been updated. Information was contributed by Heidi Finley.
This story was originally published October 19, 2023, 6:45 AM.
As suburban living has grown in popularity and appeal, the quality and selection of small-town restaurants has risen — and Charlotte is proof that sometimes the best meals are worth the drive.Charlotte-area foodies on the lookout for a place to indulge in new cuisines, purchase fresh ingredients and craft a day filled with flavor can put Matthews on their list of go-to hot spots.The charming suburb is home to a number of locally owned restaurants, markets and more where you can grab a cr...
As suburban living has grown in popularity and appeal, the quality and selection of small-town restaurants has risen — and Charlotte is proof that sometimes the best meals are worth the drive.
Charlotte-area foodies on the lookout for a place to indulge in new cuisines, purchase fresh ingredients and craft a day filled with flavor can put Matthews on their list of go-to hot spots.
The charming suburb is home to a number of locally owned restaurants, markets and more where you can grab a craft coffee, savor a Lebanese lunch or stock up on imported Italian goods and handmade foods.
Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast spot or a fine dining dinner, you’ll want to take note of these spots Charlotte foodies won’t want to miss out on in Matthews.
Location: 225 N. Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina, NC 28105
Brakeman’s pays homage to the railroad running through Matthews and is dedicated to “keeping Matthews slow” — after all, it’s the brakeman’s job to slow down the train. Try one of the craft coffee shop’s LoCoMocha drinks, an iced mocha with coconut milk, or the Queen Bee, an iced honey cinnamon latte with oat milk.
Location: 4420 Potter Rd, Stallings, NC 28104
Rania Tigani and her husband, Greg, have continued to provide all the classic staples and house-made items that Enzo’s Market was known for under original Sicilian-born owner Enzo LoRe. Look for products imported directly from Italy, along with local favorites such as the thin Italian-style pinwheel sausage, broccoli rabe sausage and porcini mushroom and sundried tomato sausage.
Location: 4400 Potter Rd, Stallings, NC 28104
Visit Grand Asia Market for specialty Asian products such as Chinese sausage, along with produce such as daikon, Chinese long beans and more. The bakery cases are filled with fresh pineapple buns and other sweet treats, and the seafood department is stocked with fish swimming in large tanks, along with live eel, frogs and other hard-to-find items.
Location: 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105
Kabab-Je is known across the Charlotte area for its Lebanese take on Mediterranean food. Head there for a falafel plate, kibbeh or your choice of lamb, beef, shrimp, salmon, scallop or chicken kabobs. Before you go, make sure to grab a piece of baklava.
Location: 435 N. Trade St. #102, Matthews, NC 28105
Charcuterie, cheese and sandwiches are what it’s all about at The Loyalist Market, which is also known for taking steps to take care of its staff. In 2021, the market raised prices on its prepared food by $1 per item solely to boost wages. “I want to be here, so I’m going to continue to take care of the people who help me realize my dreams,” owner Christopher Sottile said at the time.
Location: 2332 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews, NC 28105
The recently opened Nonna Maria’s Italian Deli & Market in Matthews offers a new spot to pick up fresh pasta, Italian deli meats, wine and more — including New York-style bagels. Owners Rich and Enza Pilla moved to Charlotte from New York and opened the store after searching for staples and comforts from back home.
Location: 11136 Monroe Rd., Matthews, NC 28105
Oaklore Distilling Co., a distillery and tasting room in Matthews at the southernmost tip of the MoRA neighborhood, makes whiskeys with North Carolina grains. The distillery owned by Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan also makes craft spirits including gin, rum and vodka — and there’s a slushy machine behind the bar. Who can resist that?
Location: 131 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
For breakfast, lunch or a mid-day treat, Royal Cafe and Creperie is the place to be. You can go Greek with the Greek Isles (egg, feta, spinach, mushrooms, onions and Kalamata olives) — or go sweet with Bananas Foster (bananas, pecans, caramel sauce, cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream). Gluten-free crepes are available, as well.
Location: 165 N. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
For fine dining in Matthews, make reservations at Santé. The French-inspired restaurant sources fresh ingredients straight from the Matthews Farmers’ Market and offers high-end options such as escargot, roasted duck breast and gnocchi with pork sausage, goat cheese and mushrooms in a truffle cream sauce to pair with a wine off its extensive list.
Location: 131 Matthews Station St #1F, Matthews, NC 28105
Open in Matthews since 2005 (and in Charlotte since 1988), Thai Taste is renown for its authentic Thai food. Stop in for lunch or dinner for a heaping portion of Pad Thai, or go for the Gaeng Panang, Panang curry in coconut gravy with lemongrass, peas, carrot, snow peas, mushroom, chili and basil leaves.
For the 31st year, the annual Matthews Alive Festival is back for the Labor Day weekend.The popular event runs from Friday through Monday with entertainment, vendors, food and many activities for visitors.Chris Melton, board chair for the nonprofit that runs the festival, called it a generational experience for the area. “There are folks who show up to Matthews Alive who came with their parents 30 years ago,” he said. “Now, they’re ...
For the 31st year, the annual Matthews Alive Festival is back for the Labor Day weekend.
The popular event runs from Friday through Monday with entertainment, vendors, food and many activities for visitors.
Chris Melton, board chair for the nonprofit that runs the festival, called it a generational experience for the area. “There are folks who show up to Matthews Alive who came with their parents 30 years ago,” he said. “Now, they’re bringing their grandchildren.”
The festival is managed by a group of volunteers, and the nonprofit uses the revenue generated from the event to support other local non-profit organizations in the greater Matthews area. The festival has donated more than $2 million over the past three decades.
“We are putting on a Labor Day party this weekend and it embodies 125,000 of our closest friends and neighbors,” Melton said, referring to the expected attendance.
Here are some other things to know about the Matthews Alive Festival.
Carnival festivities will kickoff a little earlier, at 4 p.m. Friday with an All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Night for $25. Exhibits, inflatables and food vendors will open at 6 p.m.
Melton said changing the time was a good idea, especially with Matthews Elementary being close by and school ending a few hours before the start of the carnival. That will give families with younger children more time to enjoy the rides before more people come in the evening.
“For years, it’s been a packed area, we’re hoping to extend those hours and spread out the wealth of those huge crowds,” Melton said.
The Holiday Band, members of the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, will perform on the mainstage at 6:30 p.m. Friday followed by Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot at 8:30 p.m. In 2021, Gary Lowder of Smokin’ Hot was the Male Vocalist of the Year by the Carolina Beach Music Awards.
“That’s the caliber of entertainment we’re bringing to Matthews Alive,” Melton said.
The Matthews Alive Parade through downtown Matthews is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday. According to event officials, it is the largest Labor Day Parade in the Southeast.
More than 100 participants will start on Matthews-Mint Hill Road at McLeod Street and continue to Trade Street. Some of them include local marching bands, floats, performers, and local celebrities.
Later on Saturday, Brass Transit will perform at 8:30 p.m. The Chicago tribute band performs music honoring the musical legacy of the group. The live entertainment will continue at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, with the Classic Stones Live, a band paying tribute to the Rolling Stones.
“They never played in this area before,” Melton said. “We try to shy away from someone that you can just go see anywhere that has appeared around Charlotte and Matthews time after time.
In between the lineup of performers, festival-goers can also visit the small shops at the event. More than 130 people signed up to be vendors.
For a full list of activities, go to matthewsalive.org/festival-activities/
Matthews Alive will be held in the downtown area. According to organizers, GPS users should search for “Stumptown Park, Matthews, NC” for directions for the festival area.
Matthews will have several road closures during Labor Day weekend.
Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, South Trade Street will be closed from the intersection of East John Street to McDowell Street. Around 3:30 p.m. Friday, the closure will extend to Main Street for the remainder of the festival. The streets will reopen at 11:30 p.m. Monday. Town officials are asking the public to prepare for delays.
For the Saturday parade, be aware of these road closures and times during the event:
Streets closed for the parade route (with the exception of South Trade Street) will reopen by noon Saturday.
Free public parking is available by the train tracks at North Trade Street and Charles Street. Matthews Station will also have parking at town hall, along with many businesses and churches on John and Trade streets.
People with disabilities may use the “horseshoe” parking area by Matthews First Baptist Church off Sadie Drive, town public parking areas and nearby businesses that are closed during the festival.
This story was originally published September 1, 2023, 6:10 AM.
Businesses like the Carolina Beer Temple, which do not have a parking lot of their own, do not have a place for food trucks without using public parking spots.MATTHEWS, N.C. — The fight for food trucks in downtown Matthews is on.A town ordinance that's been in place for years does not allow food trucks, or any business on wheels, to take up space on public roads, right of ways, or parking spots. They must be on private property.The ...
Businesses like the Carolina Beer Temple, which do not have a parking lot of their own, do not have a place for food trucks without using public parking spots.
MATTHEWS, N.C. — The fight for food trucks in downtown Matthews is on.
A town ordinance that's been in place for years does not allow food trucks, or any business on wheels, to take up space on public roads, right of ways, or parking spots. They must be on private property.
The Carolina Beer Temple on Trade Street has been hosting food trucks near its business without problems for years because the ordinance went unenforced. Without a parking lot of its own, the Carolina Beer Temple's visiting food truck would park in public parking spots.
That changed on April 17 when the town began strictly enforcing the rule.
Not just the Carolina Beer Temple is concerned. Neighboring Matthews businesses have signed its petition to allow food trucks in public spaces.
"The businesses are getting exposure and they’ve told me that,” president of Carolina Beer Temple Rob Jacik said, adding that the food trucks generate around 30% more revenue a day for him and create foot traffic to neighboring shops.
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The town's planning staff said it's working on a proposal that would allow the trucks but with limited hours and pre-established guidelines. Officials are considering concerns the trucks would take up the already-limited parking available downtown.
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Commissioner Mark Tofano told WCNC Charlotte he supports food trucks because they help create a thriving local economy, however, he has concerns about them taking business away from restaurants close by.
"For every dollar that the people spend on food at this food truck is a dollar that they're not spending at a restaurant that is really, literally 200 feet away,” Tofano said.
Food trucks have also been allowed during special events.
The town council is set to vote on the staff's proposal in May.
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An online petition has been started in support of allowing the food trucks to return to public roadways. As of the publication of this article Friday, the petition had nearly achieved its goal of 500 signatures.
