Readers Respond: We would eat at multiple food cart pod locations in Sherwood

SHERWOOD, Ore. — Would you eat at a food cart pod in Sherwood?

More than 174 readers weighed in on our unofficial survey to let us know what they thought about multiple food cart pod development proposals possibly coming to town.

This comes after a zoning amendment was requested of the Sherwood City Council to allow the development of a food cart pod along Tualatin-Sherwood Road, but a competing project is gearing up to develop a food cart pod in Old Town.

Over 56% of readers who responded said they would eat at food cart pods in both locations. About 28% said they would eat in Old Town; 13% said they would eat along Tualatin-Sherwood Road; and 2% said they would not eat at food cart pods.

Nearly 44% of respondents said Sherwood can maybe support more than one food cart pod. 42% said yes, Sherwood could definitely support more than one food cart pod; and 14% said no way.

Both the Old Town and Tualatin-Sherwood Road locations are seen as viable, but they would attract distinct audiences, according to survey respondents. Old Town is considered ideal for walkability, community gathering, locals, and families, while the Tualatin-Sherwood Road location would attract commuters, the working crowd, and people traveling through due to its mass visibility.

Some readers said for two pods to succeed, the offerings must be unique at each location to avoid competition. Many said Sherwood needs more variety and food choices, which could draw customers from neighboring communities like Tualatin and Newberg.

Some respondents suggested that for maximum success of all Sherwood food businesses, phase in the food cart pods instead of over-saturating the market or straining pre-existing brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Many readers said they love the variety that food cart pods offer, accommodating families of all ages, dietary restrictions, friend groups who like different cuisines, and supporting local food businesses over chains.

Some readers say they leave town to seek out food cart pods; others say they would specifically come to Sherwood for food cart pods.

Here's what readers have to say about food cart pod developments coming to Sherwood:

"Food cart pods are a wonderful way to offer low-barrier entry points for entrepreneurs as well as increasing the variety of dining options and creating flexible social opportunities for the community. People with dietary restrictions (Celiac, vegan, etc.) are especially underserved in the Sherwood area, which means that families/groups that would otherwise be willing to spend time in local establishments instead have to travel outside of Sherwood to find dining options that can facilitate the dietary restrictions of all parties."

"I travel of town once a week to have this experience. It is easier to meet with friends who want to eat something different. The vibe is great when they have trivia night or musical talent happening — a third space, per se."

"Old Town would be more walkable, but I would drive to both options."

"We need more food options in Sherwood that are in walking distance to Old Town."

"I think the space along Tualatin-Sherwood Road is the best option because traffic and lack of parking in Old Town are already at an extreme."

"Sherwood needs more food options, we usually eat out of town. Bringing more foot traffic to Old Town will help all of the businesses in the area. The area has so much potential but is currently pretty sleepy. The proposed area along Tualatin-Sherwood Road is a bit of an industrial eyesore now, which is a shame because its the first thing a lot of people see when they are driving into town. A well-designed food truck pod would leave a better impression and would also be a good lunch spot for the many people who work in the area. I'd also imagine it would have better parking than an Old Town location. I'll be happy with whichever solution they settle on."

"I'll go to where there is good food and drink no matter where it is. I often go to food carts outside of Sherwood (Beaverton, Newberg, Woodburn, Portland, West Linn) so I would go to Sherwood for sure."

"We need variety in town. We have far too many bar food type places."

"We need more in old town, it’s such a great location. Food trucks would bring in many people!"

"Old Town is safer for children to walk around and would bring more interest to the Old Town area. It’s also closer to parks, where you can take your food to eat and let kids play. While it has its charm, Old Town really needs more options and points of interest as well."

"Food carts are awesome and can offer great options."

"The more food trucks, the more variety. With all my health stuff, I have to be careful of what I eat, and I have the most success with food trucks."

"I love the variety of food that my family can choose from when I go to food carts. Plus, I love supporting small food businesses."

"We need variety!"

"Sherwood needs more food options."

"My family and I love the variety and atmosphere food cart pods bring."

"I would hope for better parking than is available in Old Town, but would frequent both."

"Food carts will definitely wake up the area and get people out and would create a place for all of ages to hangout and eat good food."

"Support small businesses and eat yummy food."

"Food carts are fun and convenient for easy and good meals — something I've missed since moving to Sherwood."

"I'm slightly worried about the increase traffic it would bring at the old church. We live in the area and walk right past that spot with my young kid. But I love food trucks and would love to visit them on Tualatin-Sherwood Road."

"I think there would be better parking at a pod along Tualatin-Sherwood Road."

"Food carts are great for groups and kids. Everyone can get what they want."

"My family and I love visiting food pods in nearby towns. The community aspect and variety of options is what we love most."

"Food brings community together and our community is desperately lacking food options that aren’t chains."

"Tualatin-Sherwood Road is most convenient for me and my co-workers who work at FedEx, and I’m sure the Lam research facilities would appreciate a place to stop to eat during breaks. We’re just hoping for a food truck that opens early, like 4-5 a.m."

"Old Town would bring community as in people which we need more of It would become a gathering place, great for summer socializing."

"I live in King City — it would be great to pop down to food carts."

"I believe that Tualatin-Sherwood Road is more viable and would receive more traffic, but Old Town could use some revival and I think food trucks could enhance that."

"It’d be great to get more local restaurants that aren’t chains in Sherwood."

"It's stupid and displaces legitimate restaurants."

"Having food pods in Old Town would support the walking-distance businesses."

"I believe in supporting start-up companies and my palette at the same time."

"We go far to eat at food carts, so it will be nice to have them in Sherwood."

"We need this in our community. We have very few restaurants."

"I'm thinking that the two locations would draw in different customers. The Old Town location is appealing due to being able to walk there for a lot of folks. The other location would not only attract Sherwood folks ,but also people traveling through the area. Lastly, it's a great opportunity for people to get into the restaurant business or move their cart to Sherwood."

Comments have been edited for clarity.