Long Beach City Begins Sidewalk Vending Cart Giveaway

Long Beach, CA – In an effort to support small businesses and bring more diverse food options to city streets, Long Beach has kicked off its Sidewalk to Success program by awarding free vending carts to local entrepreneurs. This week, the city presented its first carts to Ladie Kakes and Lucky Bees, marking a milestone in the program designed to help vendors comply with regulations while reducing financial barriers.

Mayor Rex Richardson celebrated the launch, emphasizing the city’s commitment to small businesses. “Here in Long Beach, we want small businesses to thrive,” he said.

For Ashley Arnold, owner of Ladie Kakes, the program is a game-changer. Since 2021, she has been operating as a cottage food business, selling brownies, whoopie pies, and cookies from her home and at farmers markets. With her new cart, she can now bring her sweet treats directly to the streets of Long Beach.

Meanwhile, Anita McCoy, owner of Lucky Bees, will use her cart to sell hot dogs and pastrami while also piloting a program to employ individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. McCoy, who gave away free hot dogs to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, sees this as an opportunity to combine business with community service.

A third vendor, Paletas Murillo, owned by Juana Murillo, is also set to receive a cart once manufacturing is complete. Murillo, who previously faced challenges with an aging cart, will now have a fresh start selling traditional paletas (Mexican popsicles) throughout the city.

Since launching in August 2024, the program has received 36 applications, with three vendors fully approved and another 12 nearing completion. The city has allocated $429,500 for cart purchases, issuing them on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out.

In addition to providing carts, the city is offering financial incentives, such as covering business license and health permit fees and reimbursing vendors for their first year of insurance. So far, 28 vendors have benefited from these financial supports.

While city officials see the program as a win-win for vendors and consumers, some residents and business owners may have concerns. Is this initiative truly benefiting the local economy, or will it create more competition for brick-and-mortar restaurants?

Health and Human Services Director Alison King argues that the program balances economic opportunity with food safety. “We want businesses to thrive and for diners to have options while ensuring that people are protected from foodborne illness,” she said.

However, some critics might question whether the Sidewalk to Success program will add strain to public spaces, lead to unfair competition, or present enforcement challenges for the city. How will officials ensure compliance with health and safety regulations? Will brick-and-mortar restaurants see this as a threat to their business?

Additionally, the program is funded through the Long Beach Recovery Act, which focuses on economic and public health initiatives in response to COVID-19. As funding is limited, what happens when the money runs out? Will vendors be left struggling to maintain their businesses without continued support?

For more information on the program visit this link here