There were some mixed reviews to Samara's getting the green light to operate a mobile food van at Wollongong's Belmore Basin on a trial basis.
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Many Mercury readers loved the fact the popular restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine, had been granted a licence by council to operate a Samara's van across from the Continental Pool from December 28 until January 27, with a view to extend their stay if all goes well.
Others readers queried whether the move would act as a deterrent for nearby cafes and restaurants.
"Where there is established businesses with overhead costs, why not set up where you are not stealing established customers? Why not Mt Keira Lookout or Bald Hill," one reader asked.
Though there was nothing but love and praise for Samara's "big win" from Barry Pearson, who operates two food vans in the Illawarra.
Mr Pearson along with Ashley O'Neill and Andrew Juskiw run Papi's Burgers Thirroul and Papi's Thirsty Merc burger bus in North Wollongong as well as Hank's Fried Chicken food van in Fairy Meadow.
Both food vans operate in conjunction with a brewing business, the latter with new beerhouse Principal Brewing.
"Congrats to [Samara's owner] Omer [Nemer]. He deserves this. He has been in the game a long time and has put himself in the frame to get this type of reward," Mr Pearson said.
"With the way the world is at the moment, especially with COVID restrictions for restaurants, it makes sense people want to be outside more and are choosing to buy food more from food vans around the region.
"It's a good business to be in at the moment but it is a lot of work. Omar and his team have put in the hard work and are now reaping the rewards."
Mr Nemer told the Mercury he had been working with councillors since 2016 for the city to allow more spaces for mobile food vendors to operate.
It precedes another food truck trial which will see food options spread between Stanwell Park and Windang from the end of January.
Mr Pearson said while he was aware of this trial he was happy staying put in North Wollongong and Fairy Meadow.
"I can see how this is great for Samara's and other similar food vans but moving around different venues doesn't make a lot of sense for us.
"We work in conjunction with brewing houses and are able to use their space and seating, which is a big bonus.
"And of course our customers have the added luxury of being able to get an alcoholic beverage or two while they visit one of our food vans."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
