The Sunset Slush cart selling Italian ice will likely be back for a second summer on the streets of Glen Ellyn after questions on where and how the cart will be stored were answered.
The Glen Ellyn Plan Commission unanimously approved a special use permit allowing the cart to sit under an outside stairwell behind Tap House Grill on Main Street. Village trustees still must sign off on the plan.
Eric Anderson, president of Sunset Slush and a Glen Ellyn resident, told the plan commission last week that he anticipates the cart will open in the middle of May, depending on the weather. Anderson, a college basketball referee, said the cart will sell from the same spot as last year, in front of Citibank, 444 Main St.
Plan commissioners were supportive of Anderson’s business, only raising concerns about how the cart would be secured at night and if it made excessive noise while the cooling generator charged. Commissioner Jim Ozog questioned if the 600-pound cart was locked while stored so no child could somehow climb inside. Anderson assured him that not only were the lids to the cart sealed, but the cart itself was locked to the metal stairwell by a bicycle chain.
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Commissioner Lyn Whiston said he and other members of the commission tried to determine how to get to the rear of the Tap House property, but found it difficult, which means the cart will be well hidden when not in use. Flavorings and other products used by the cart will be stored in a separate location.
Anderson, who owns the cart with two other Glen Ellyn families, started the business last year after learning of the company while on vacation in North Carolina. He said the business has supported numerous community organizations such as the library, chamber of commerce and downtown business alliance and donated hundreds of free servings of Italian ice to them.
“In our first year, we really established a connection with the community,” Anderson said, drawing praise from Whiston.
“I’m really glad you do that, it’s neat,” he said.
In February, village officials amended regulations governing downtown food carts that require operators to pay a $150 permit fee plus a $50 criminal background check on each employee over 18. Anderson said last year he provided part-time employment to eight teens and expects to do the same this year.
The ordinance limits the number of downtown food carts to three a year, prohibits music, balloons and similar advertising, and allows for one additional attachment, such as a cooler. Carts can only sell food and drink, but not any type of merchandise.
Anderson said a second cart will be operating on Liberty Street in Wheaton, beginning in May for three days per week.
Keown is a freelance reporter.
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