To operate their carts on Library Mall or Capitol Square next year, food vendors will have to impress a squadron of taste testers working with Madison's Vending Oversight Committee.
Committee members and other city officials began tasting samples from every vendor's cart Monday, scoring them on food quality, originality and cart appearance.
The committee will decide by next Monday who will receive one of the 14 spaces with electrical service on Library Mall.
\This time of year definitely keeps vendors on their toes,"" said City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, a member of the Vending Oversight Committee for eight years. ""It encourages the operators to spruce up their carts.""
The judging has led to a flurry of repairs and fresh paint jobs.
""I spent a little over $2,000 just to renovate my food cart,"" said Markos Regassa, owner of Buraka, who has sold his African cuisine on Library Mall since 1992 and expanded to a State Street restaurant in 1999.
While their carts can be a big investment, vendors do not need to prepare much food for the judges, who have plenty to eat.
""They told us over and over again that portions were too big,"" said Megumi Lohrentz of Zen Sushi, which is in its first year on Library Mall. ""This year, the portions are certainly going to be smaller.""
Carts that receive an average grade of at least 70 percent from the judges are eligible for spots, Verveer said, and the highest-scoring applicants are given their preferred positions.
The most valued spots tend to be on Library Mall, where business is better than on Capitol Square, said Beth Fatsis of Athenian Garden. Her cart is in its third season on the mall.
The judges award bonus points for seniority, but that is not a guarantee for established vendors.
""One of the most popular vendors got booted last year,"" said Don Helley, who has sold fresh produce at The Fruit Stand on Library Mall for 16 years. He was referring to Asian Foods, which he said was a ""real consistent vendor.""
With 13 new carts vying for positions, Verveer predicts there may be more eligible carts than spaces. He said the process is fair and encourages competition. But the vendors are anxious.
""Every year you worry if you'll get another spot,"" Regassa said. ""It's a very scary way of doing business.\
