Siesta Key organizations oppose food truck

Sarasota County commissioners will decide the fate of a food truck in Siesta Key Village next Tuesday, when they consider an island couple’s plan for a business home-base close to home.

Tony and Cheri Bonasto spent nearly $24,000 to outfit a mobile restaurant called GumboMojo, which serves Cajun-Cuban fusion cuisine. The two Texas transplants are currently open for limited hours at a haunted house near the Siesta Key south bridge, but want a more permanent location within the community, they said.

But, the Siesta Key Village Association, Siesta Key Association, and Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce all inked letters of opposition this week, and commissioners will decide Oct. 23 whether or not to approve permitting for a spot on the corner of Canal Road.

Tony Bonasto, a retired police officer from Houston, said they would cite benefits of the truck, and discuss nearby cities with food truck-friendly ordinances, like the city of Tampa. Also the couple said they are prepared to appeal the decision if the County Commission denies the permit.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Oct. 25 issue of the Pelican Press.