Buffalo has become the home to numerous popular food truck companies. One of them, however, is about to join the ranks of the brick-and-mortar establishments.
On Tuesday, owners of Lloyd Taco Trucks were given permission by the City of Buffalo's Planning Board to renovate a storefront on Hertel Avenue between Sterling and Wellington, where they're hoping to open their new eatery by June.
"I think Hertel's on the up-and-up," said Lloyd co-founder Peter Cimino when asked about their choice of location. "We've been hunting on Hertel diligently for about the last year or so. There's a lot of exciting things going on, new projects, new restaurants, new bars. We're happy to be part of that."
They made their name and gained their following through their fleet of bright green trucks, which move from location to location and use social media to reveal their whereabouts daily. Cimino and his partners recognized the need for an established shop as well.
"The most common complaints we get are that they either can't find the truck, or that the lines are too long, or that it's not conducive to their schedules," Cimino said. "So we're happy to have a spot here where we can plant our flag and people can come at any time that's convenient for them."
City planners approved the project, but added conditions such as no garbage receptacles in the outdoor seating - garbage would be collected and disposed of inside. No outdoor music will be permitted, as well.
Customers such as Aleem and Sarah, who were in line at the Lloyd Taco truck near Roswell Park Cancer Institute on Tuesday afternoon, were happy to hear of the food truck company's expansion.
"I come to Lloyd's about once a week, so I'm excited to go somewhere where they're going to be constant," Aleem said. "I know I always have to look on the website to catch them, which is nice with mystery, but going to the brick and mortar is definitely going to be a plus."
Sarah also admitted having a known established location creates convenience. When asked about the appeal of Lloyd, she said, "The food! It's awesome! I can't wait."
There's also a desire by many to support locally-owned eateries, whether it's behind walls or on wheels. Neha is one such customer.
"They're so much better than chain restaurants," she said while waiting in line.
Cimino and his partners are hoping to open the new location by late spring but couldn't pinpoint a start date.
"We're shooting for June 1 but dare I say anything and it gets pushed back," Cimino said. "A lot of things are out of our hands when it comes to construction and permitting."
