Food truck owners in South Florida are facing a tough situation after losing their leased spots. Many of them turned to a company called Trukado for help in finding a location to park their trucks, only to end up losing money in the process.
One such owner is Ronnie Horruitiner, who invested his retirement savings into opening his own food truck, Mr. Chili 305. He paid a deposit of $3,100 to Trukado to rent a space in Wynwood, only to have his business shut down by Miami Code Enforcement a few months later. The violation notice revealed that the lot did not have the necessary permits, something that Trukado should have taken care of.
Despite promises from Trukado’s owner, Andrew Priestman, to return the deposit and resolve the issue, Ronnie was left high and dry. He is not alone in this situation, as court records show that Priestman has a history of setting up food truck lots without the proper permits.
Other individuals, like Meghan Browning and Alexander Ferzan, who were hired by Trukado to provide services at the food truck lots, also fell victim to Priestman’s schemes. They had to take legal action to recover the money owed to them, which had a significant impact on their small family business.
While Priestman claims that he intends to return the deposits to the food truck owners, the damage has already been done for many, including Ronnie, who had to shut down his business as a result of the ordeal. He hopes that Trukado will be held accountable before more dreams are shattered.
The story of Ronnie and other food truck owners serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with trusting third-party companies to secure parking locations. It highlights the importance of conducting thorough research and due diligence before entering into agreements that could have a significant impact on one’s livelihood.
In the competitive and challenging world of food truck ownership, it is essential for entrepreneurs to protect themselves and their investments from potential scams and fraudulent activities. By staying informed, asking the right questions, and seeking legal recourse when necessary, individuals can safeguard their businesses and prevent falling victim to unscrupulous individuals like Andrew Priestman.
As the food truck industry continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and proactive in navigating the complexities of operating a successful mobile food business. While the allure of convenience and support from third-party services may be tempting, the risks involved underline the importance of being cautious and proactive in protecting one’s interests and investments.
