Text Julian Lucas

Wendy Guardado, director and founder of Street Vendors United, based in Los Angeles, explains that, unfortunately, nimbyism exists and street-vendors are often the targets. She maintains that they are constantly exposed to harassment and physical attacks, and that she founded Street Vendors United in 2017 to shine a positive light on street-vending. Many street-vendors are currently working under conditions where they feel stressed and/or invisible. Many report that they feel like they are talked down to. All this sparked Wendy’s organization to come together with community members to create a space for street vendors to exist without all the stressors.

Currently, her organization will host the 1st Annual Street Vendors Market at Mariachi Plaza in the Boyle Heights district of Los Angeles June 27th 2021. The market will include over 15 street vendors with all types of food and drinks. There will also be performances and talks by Royal Roots, Mr. Paine, and many other artists.

After a short interview Ms. Guardado explains that in spite of all the difficulties and obstacles - involving city and private regulations - her organization was able to create a space for them by obtaining all the proper permits. She reports that creating this platform for them took away much of their stress and they were grateful for all the support they received.

In an article published last year there was mentioned of having street vendors move into an open lot along with other food entities such as food carts:

(Lucas 2020) I have seen, heard, and read many people complain so much about the street vendors. Ok, so here is a plan of action: let’s lower the fees, making it fair for them to be in business, have the street vendors purchase or use their food carts, and allow street vendors move into a space in an open lot, along with other food carts. This will make the complainers of street vendors happy since we should be focusing on community. The Pomonan

HISTORY
In the later part of the 19th century, after California became recognized as a state in 1850, street vending grew widespread amongst Mexican and Chinese immigrants. Of course cities sought to limit its mobility by 1890, but the food was always too appealing to patrons.

Street vending has a long history that stretches back to the ancients when food was prepared on the streets as part of the beginning of civilization, and it is unlikely to disappear any time soon. Ancient Greeks mentioned the practice of Egyptians frying fish and selling it on the street at the Port of Alexandria between the Mediterranean Sea and Mariut Lake. In the later part of the 19th century, after California became recognized as a state in 1850, street vending grew widespread amongst Mexican and Chinese immigrants. Of course cities sought to limit its mobility by 1890, but the food was always too appealing to patrons.

In an article published by Fee.org stated, street vending prospered in American since the 1600’s. “By 2007, street-vending businesses throughout the country generated revenues in excess of $40 billion. Vendors in Atlanta alone brought nearly $250 million to their local economy.” Street vending boomed after the 2008 recession with new regulations following thereafter. Fast forward to 2021, the US market size for the street vendors industry is $1.7 billion.

Today we are seeing more and more street vendors, in part, because people have lost their jobs or they can only find low-paying ones. It's a work-around for entrepreneurs who don't have the financial means to operate out of a brick-and-mortar.

Some of these street vendors work in poorer neighborhoods, but some “foodie pop ups” can be found in neighborhoods that have flipped as a result of gentrification. These pop ups mostly cater more to the younger generation who may not have the financial means to go to a brick and mortar. Or it can be a life-style choice - 'grab and go' as opposed to 'sit-down.'

LINKS
Street Vendors United
IBIS World
Fee

Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, photojournalist, and creative strategist. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking homeless veterans to housing. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.