Thurston County shuts down unpermitted food vendors following complaints
Thurston County health inspectors have closed multiple unpermitted street food vendors this year amid an increase in their activity.
Unpermitted vendors have recently been found next to the ARCO gas station and Hobby Lobby parking lot at 402 Sleater Kinney Road SE in Lacey, according to a Friday news release from Thurston County.
The county said the closures were warranted because the vendors were operating “unsafely” and without valid food permits. Inspectors visited several sites after people submitted food safety complaints. The affected vendors have reportedly operated under several names, including Tacos Los Prohibidos and Tacos Gardenias.
Now, the county is telling the public to avoid buying and eating food from these vendors.
“Not only do these businesses pose a public health threat, but they also impact our local economy, primarily the businesses that are regularly inspected and permitted to operate safely within the County,” the release states.
The county’s stance mirrors the position held by the Washington State Mexican Restaurant Coalition, an organization that represents more than 200 licensed Mexican restaurants.
Earlier this month, the coalition called on officials to crackdown on unpermitted taco tents and stands across the state. To that end, the coalition has filed complaints with various county health departments, KOMO News reported.
“Our members are hardworking, tax-paying business owners who meet every inspection and permit requirement,” Coalition Chair Josiah Gaytán told KOMO News. “These illegal operations not only undercut legitimate restaurants — they threaten public health and erode trust in local government.”
It’s unclear if the coalition’s complaints have been received in Thurston County. The county’s release states there’s been an increase in unpermitted vendors this year and there was an uptick in complaints since August.
Inspectors have reportedly observed the following health hazards at unpermitted vendors.
- Foods appeared stored at room temperature for unknown periods of time.
- Foods were left unattended on the ground.
- Vendors did not check cooking temperatures or have thermometers on hand.
- Handwash stations are not always been present.
- It was unclear where the vendors were sourcing water.
- Vendors did not have any food worker cards as required.
Street vending is allowed in the county provided vendors obtain a mobile food unit permit and complete a variance request.
A variance allows vendors to use a temporary-style set up, such as a pop-up shelter, insulated cooler or handwash station, without being at a public event, according to the county.
The application fee for the permit is $540 and the variance form has a fee of $460, according to county documents.
Applications and more information about requirements can be found on the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Food Safety website.
As of Friday, county officials says there are six permitted street food vendors operating in Thurston County.
- Birrieria Los Primos, located at 6125 Pacific Ave. in Lacey
- Bulgogi Hustle, found at various locations.
- Citra Pizza, found at various locations.
- Hot Dogs San Jose, located at 728 Fourth Ave. in Olympia
- K&E Snacks and More, located at 9525 U.S. Highway 12 in Rochester
- Tacos La Chinta, located at 2319 Fourth Ave. in Olympia.
