Bull Street late-night food van trial off without hitch

The man in charge of one of Bendigo's new late-night food vans says he doesn't want to stir up any trouble with other businesses. The controversial six-week trial began on Friday night with Chef Tony and Bills Fish & Chips from Eaglehawk setting up at the Rosalind Park end of Bull Street.

Chef Tony is a Golden Square-based company specialising in gourmet foods.

Director Tony Worland said he was looking forward to trading in the entertainment precinct.

"We've got a very pretty spot overlooking the park," he said.

"We haven't done much marketing because we didn't want to cause any trouble."

Bills Fish and Chip shop owner Koula Petta said the atmosphere of their first night was good and they had no trouble.

"Everyone was nice and happy because the food vans were there," she said.

"We try to give the best food we can to the people."

Bendigo council raised the ire of other late-night food retailers in the area when it approved the six-week trial in May.

Many were angry they weren't consulted and said if food vans were allowed to trade they wouldn't be able to compete.

Mr Worland disagreed and said setting up a van was an expensive process.

"I set my van up from scratch and we've been doing festivals around the state," he said.

"I think there's plenty of business to go around. I can't see it's any different to just another cafe opening."

The trial conditions allow the food vans to operate from 10pm to 4am, Thursday to Saturday.

A review of the trial is planned at the end of the six weeks.

Source: Bendigo Advertiser, 25 June 2012