Food Truck Owners Claim Company Promised Them a Spot, Stole Their Money
Heather Walker investigates the case of food truck owners who were left stranded after a company promised to find a spot for them, but instead stole their money.
A Dream Turned into a Nightmare
Ronnie Horruitiner, a former firefighter, turned to the food industry, opening his own food truck, Mr. Chili 305. He signed up with a company called Trukado, which promised to help him find a spot to sell his food. However, just months into his new business venture, Miami Code Enforcement shut him down, citing the lack of a temporary use permit and valid business tax receipt.
A $3,100 Loss
Horruitiner paid a $3,100 deposit to Trukado, believing the company would secure a spot for him. Instead, he was evicted from the lot and claims the company owes him a refund. "I found out that he was leasing the property from the owner, the actual owner, so that’s when I realized this doesn’t look good," Horruitiner said.
A Pattern of Deceit
Investigations revealed that Trukado has a history of deceit. Court records show that the company also set up a food truck lot in Fort Lauderdale, which was cited by the city for not having the proper permits.
Victims’ Stories
Horruitiner is not the only victim of Trukado’s schemes. Meghan Browning and Alexander Ferzan, who were hired by Trukado to install and service portable toilets at food truck lots, sued the company after they claim they were never paid.
A Loss of Trust
The loss of faith is detrimental to small businesses like Horruitiner’s. "It’s disgusting. There are people that are working just as hard as we are, that also need their money, that need to be paid, that need to know what’s going on," Browning said.
Conclusion
Trukado’s actions have caused irreparable damage to the food truck industry. The company’s promises of securing a spot for food truck owners turned out to be empty. As for Horruitiner, he is left with a huge financial loss and a shattered dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Trukado?
A: Trukado is a company that claims to provide a platform for food truck owners to lease lots.
Q: How many food truck owners have been affected by Trukado’s schemes?
A: Two owners, including Ronnie Horruitiner and Meghan Browning, have come forward with similar stories of deceit.
Q: What is the current status of the lawsuit against Trukado?
A: Meghan Browning and Alexander Ferzan won their lawsuit, and Trukado owes them a significant amount of money. Horruitiner, however, could not afford to go to court.
Q: What is the response from Trukado’s owner, Andrew Priestman?
A: Priestman claims that the city sent them approval, but the permit was retracted due to more information being needed. However, the City of Miami states that the property did not have the proper paperwork.
Q: What is the next step for food truck owners looking to secure a spot?
A: Food truck owners should research the company thoroughly and ensure they have all the necessary permits before signing up.
