Less than a week after opening, Samaras Food Truck's new location at the Continental Pool was hit by a night-time bandit.
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When staff arrived at the site to open on Tuesday morning, they found the food truck's $6,000 generator missing.
Using 15 amps of mains power provided as part of the business's agreement with Wollongong Council, the food truck was able to open for breakfast but owner Omar Nemer had to quickly secure a back-up to continue operating throughout the day.
"I dropped off a generator, and then they were able to operate correctly for lunch."
The food van opened on December 28 at its new location as part of a trial with council to have more location for open air dining around Wollongong.
Mr Nemer said that while the food truck has been left overnight before, this is the first time the food truck had operated without fixed power.
"I hoped for the best [but] was expecting potentially vandalism or theft."
Overall, however, Mr Nemer said the new location has been a success.
"It's been absolutely amazing to be able to have the beachfront location and the feedback from customers has been phenomenal," he said.
Opening over the New Year period, tourists and locals have been taking advantage of the beachfront takeaway pop-up, with beachgoers taking wraps and coffees down to the waterfront for picnics and joggers and those exercising along the Blue Mile stopping for a light bite.
"The customers that have been coming have been really enjoying the experience. It brings a bit of life to the beach [and] to Wollongong," said Mr Nemer.
Currently operating between 7am and 7pm, the food truck offers light meals for breakfast and a more extensive lunch menu from 11am including kids menu items. Wollongong residents would be familiar with the Samaras food truck which has been in action at markets around the Illawarra.
Based on customer demand in the new location so far, Mr Nemer said that the food truck would be looking into expanding its menu to cater to larger groups with the potential to include shared platters.
"One thing I have noticed is people taking food back to their hotel room and feeding eight to 10 people. [The larger platters] is probably one thing we'll implement."
The food truck trial next to the Continental Pool runs until January 27 with the potential to extend if the trial is positive. Wollongong Council is experimenting with a number of other locations for food trucks as part of the draft Mobile Food Vending Policy.
The aim of the program is to create vibrant spaces with diverse food options across the Wollongong council area.
Locations have been picked between Stanwell Park and Windang based on the benefit to the community, distance from businesses and residences and proximity to public places such as parks, beaches and walking tracks.
Locals can give feedback on the council policy online at https://our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.
Three men have been charged over the incident with one man refused bail at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday.
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