Deleted Comments
Ladies and Gentlemen, when taking down the article stating my thoughts on the topic I accidentally deleted the comments from those who had interest and took the time to express their ideas and opinions. I believe in free speech. So, I can at least copy and paste them here.
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Author : Wade Kwon
Comment:
Thanks for sharing your story, Jason.
What’s the next step for you? Are you planning to fight it?
Next step is forgiveness, then legal research, and finally follow the process.
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Author : Charlotte
Comment:
Hey!
I left a message yesterday for Michael Calvert within minutes of seeing your first tweet. I never heard back from him. When I got home this afternoon and saw that no statement had been issued by ONB in response to this blog post, I called their of VP of Communications, Robert Emerick (324-8797, ext 19). (Well, I posted a few fussy tweets, then I called him.) We had a great conversation. He listened to my concerns and I listened to his. They had a right to complain to the city about your parking spot, but I think it would have been best for Michael to contact you first. If he had done so, it would have become clear to all parties that you and ONB have common goals. Also, if they were engaged with the local twitter and facebook scene, they would have realized pretty quickly that others in Birmingham were surprised that you weren’t being welcomed with open arms.
You and ONB (and a bunch of other folks) want good things for Birmingham. I really hope y’all have the opportunity to meet and talk about ways you can work together and support each other. Then you can tweet about your meeting and let us know that all is well. 
I actually have never eaten at Spoonfed Grill. (Every time I’ve looked to see where you’re parked, you’ve been somewhere on 280.) I live in the city, am passionate about the city and want to do what I can to make it a great place to live, work and play. Thanks for trying to do that, too. If you’re able to bring your truck back to the city, let me know. I’ll be there.
Good luck & keep us posted!
Charlotte
Thanks for your support.
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Author : SW
Comment:
Jason, while I too have not had the pleasure of eating from your truck, I do agree that there seems to be an underlying issue going on here other than just a parking problem. I’m one of those who also can ‘read between the lines’ and I see interference in your seemingly legally operated business from an organization whose main intent is to fill empty spaces in Birmingham-proper.
I appreciate your support and thoughts.
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Author : John Morse
Comment:
I’m really sorry to see it come to this, and I agree with you about what Mr. Calvert’s best course would have been. As the figurehead of the most visible organization charged with promoting and energizing the downtown area, I would have expected him to be one of your biggest cheerleaders. At the very least, if there are legitimate concerns from other stakeholders, I would have expected him to try to facilitate negotiations toward a consensus that benefits everyone. For him to stoop to petty insinuations and scheming behind your back is truly disappointing. I will pass these thoughts along to him, his board, and the mayor and council as well.
Those are my sentiments as well.
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Author : Rob
Comment:
I work in the Wachovia building and love your food. As a crimson-blooded American capitalist, I also loved your business idea and the execution of that idea. I must admit, I’m really not surprised at the way this was handled by the various officials. keep up the good fight and the good food. Please keep us informed on what happens and where you end up setting up shop.
The Spoon will try and keep you updated.
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Author : mb123
Comment:
I agree, please let us know how we can help. I am disappointed in Michael Calvert. Seems obvious to me that he has been heading up “Operation Dead Downtown Birmingham”.
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Author : mb123
Comment:
One more thought – I don’t see how a food truck competes with these restaurants. People who visit Brick & Tin for example go inside and sit down to eat. Folks who are crunched for time want take-out and thus patronize a spot that can provide take-out such as a food truck. Also, when Linn Park had a farmers market that was an outpost of the Pepper Place Market, there was a table there from Little Savannah that sold lunches to go. So why didn’t Operation New Birmingham have a problem with that?
Good question, the closest restaurant to Spoonfed was Chick-fil-A on an opposing corner of the block. Spoon didn’t sell grilled or fried chicken sandwiches, drinks, shakes and has a much higher price point than the fil-A.
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Author : Allison
Comment:
What can we do as citizens? I have never eaten from your truck. You used to come to corp pkwy on 280…not sure if you still do. However, I am all about promoting business! I love that fact that one of the hottest food trends in LA is being duplicated here in Birmingham! It is great for the economy! What can we do to help you get your spots back?
Call the Mayors office and demand designated food truck locations that are not within a hundred feet of an established restaurant. And, not placed on the outskirts of the city center.
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Author : Haisley
Comment:
What a shame. One step forward for Birmingham and two steps back. How dissapointing that Mr Calvert (calvert2@bellsouth.net ) is the one responsible for setting us back when he’s charged with moving Birmingham forward.
I hope it works out soon. I am sending Mr Calvert an email and I hope others will to.
Thank you
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Author : Yvonne
Comment:
Here are some good city planning related resources:
http://www.planetizen.com/node/42815
http://www.good.is/post/los-angeles-s-food-truck-revolution/
http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/07/the-food-truck-economy/60109/
Thank you for the information. I hope all parties interested take note.
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Author : Patrick
Comment:
If Calvert runs you off the street, try getting a spot in a private parking lot – that lot at 4th Ave N and 20th Street would be ideal. I’m sure the lot owners would be thrilled to have the revenue, and you could probably work out a deal with them.
If Calvert wants to be a punk about enforcing street parking, then go private for a bit while you try to get City Hall on your side. Here in Atlanta, one of the main supporters of our Street Food Coalition is a representative from Lanier Parking who is hoping food trucks can support his parking lots.
Great idea and one that popped into my head during this process. I think I will give Lanier a call. I know ya’ll are getting some great street food over there.
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Author : trip
Comment:
Wow, that’s pretty much bulls**t. Any chance of using/leasing space in a privately-owned parking lot downtown? Do you have any good lawyer friends? I bet somebody would take this case pro-bono.
I have many attorneys, friends and family, that I can contact. The truth is this will be an issue of getting a government contract for parking metered sales or find ways to designate food truck areas.
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2 Responses 
Spoonfed Grill owner Jason Parkman was the first entrepreneur to bring the fast casual burrito shop to Birmingham. The Lunar Coyote Mexican Grill was the forefather to Chipotle, Moe’s, Qdoba and other same-style restaurants in the area. Read more about Jason 
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Just wanted to say that I will miss visiting you at the 5th ave location. Please keep me updated on where your new stops will be. Thanks for providing a delicious new lunch option for our area.
I work in the Social Security building on the corner of 8th Ave North and 15th St. I have seen you out front along with the Hot Dog Lady and the Golden Rule Truck. A while back, both of those folks were run off by the city. A week or two later they both reappeared…with new “permits” of some kind and have been there every day since. If the law says, the permits are only to allow pushcart business then let ONB or Michael Calvert explain to you why neither of those folks have push carts. You have seen them so you know what their vehicles are.
There are over 2000 people in this building, no outside lunch options near buy and a truly awful cafeteria. I wish mobile food vendors would line that side street out there. Golden Rule showed up for the first time about a month ago and they sold out twice in one day.
BTW: that lot across the street with all cars parked in it is private. Air Gas I believe owns it.