Harry Buenger has been serving coffee and snacks from his food truck, Harry’s Cafe, at 5th Avenue Station for 41 years.
Changed the Ordinance
But when the city made a change in an attempt to clean up its mobile vendor ordinance, Harry was worried for his future at the station.
“Inadvertently the approval of that ordinance put Harry’s Cafe out of compliance,” said Mayor Steve Chirico at the meeting.
Unanimous Approval for Harry
City council unanimously approved another amendment to the ordinance, adding in language to allow vending at a commuter train station before 10 a.m.
A public speaker mentioned a potential problem with the ordinance – that coffee and tea aren’t served in a “sealed package,” meaning another change to the ordinance could be necessary.
Harry spoke at the meeting to thank council and the 2,300 people who signed petitions in support of Harry.
“I personally appreciate the time and effort it’s taken for all you guys to get together and get this taken care of,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been down there and I have a few more years until retirement. I was hoping to at least make it until then.”
The city is drafting a contract with Buenger to allow him to continue vending at that location.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
