"The Cost of Street Food: Uncovering the $18,000 Permit for a $10 Chicken Over Rice"

New York City's mobile food vendors, like Mr. Mousa of the Halal Plates cart, face a daunting challenge in obtaining permits due to a longstanding cap and a lengthy waiting list. With almost 9,500 people on waiting lists and only 71 new permits issued so far, many vendors resort to renting permits for exorbitant amounts, such as the $18,000 paid by Mr. Mousa every two years. This situation highlights the difficulties faced by small businesses in navigating city regulations and the high costs associated with operating food carts in New York City.