Jennifer Karres, owner of Hawaii Ice, stood before Vermilion City Council Monday night and shared what she called her “five-year fight” to keep her dream alive. Despite being the only food truck permit holder in the City of Vermilion, Karres says the red tape — especially during festivals and Third Thursdays — has made it nearly impossible to operate during those times.
Karres, who sells shaved ice from her brightly colored food truck, asked council to take another look at the city’s mobile food vendor ordinance. She said the rules are too strict and have kept her from parking in the places where she can actually reach customers — especially during busy downtown events like Third Thursdays.
“The only reason I’m still in business is because I have enough grit to keep going,” Karres said. “No other person should have to go through this to do what they love.”
What’s the Problem?
Under current rules passed in 2024 (Ordinance 2024-43), food trucks are not allowed to operate in the downtown business district (B2) — except for a limited area in Victory Park. Even during festivals and events, trucks must get approval from event organizers and are still banned from Main Street and public parking spots near restaurants.
Karres says this policy is hurting small businesses like hers.
“I have a business license. I follow the rules. But I have to fight just to have a place to park,” she said. “There were times I was unplugged, kicked out, even voted out. I’ve lost time, money, and even my social media accounts because of this.”
She told council she has operated in over 11 cities across two states because it’s been so difficult to operate consistently in Vermilion — the very town she lives in and wants to grow her business.
A Unique Offering, Not Competition
Karres emphasized that Hawaii Ice isn’t in direct competition with local restaurants. She sells drinks and frozen treats, not meals, and said her truck adds variety and fun to events. In many cities, food trucks and brick-and-mortar businesses work side-by-side — especially at festivals where people want quick options and unique snacks.
“Nobody else downtown sells what I sell,” she said. “There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to participate in community events.”
She also raised safety concerns. At a recent Third Thursday, she was assigned a space she had to fight for, saying it was unsafe to park and back in while pedestrians were walking through the area.
What Council Said
Several council members responded with sympathy and interest.
Councilman Greg Drew, who helped revise the food truck ordinance last fall, said the rules were originally written to protect local restaurants — but noted that with only one active vendor, the balance may have shifted.
“You’ve been consistent,” Drew said. “And I think we can take another look at this to make it work better.”
Clerk of Council Gwen Fisher confirmed that only Victory Park is open to food trucks in the B2 district unless the mayor or parks director grants special permission for up to three days — which isn’t ideal for small businesses trying to plan ahead.
A Break in Decorum, and a Pointed Perspective
During Karres’ remarks to council, former Ward 4 Councilwoman Barb Brady was recognized and allowed to speak — not during a formal public comment period, but as Karres was still finishing her presentation. While public comment rules are more flexible during committee meetings and no sign-in is typically required, it is unusual for a citizen — even a former official — to be invited to speak during another speaker’s time, especially without clear procedural pause or transition.
Brady, who helped establish Third Thursdays, spoke passionately in defense of the event’s original mission: to protect and promote brick-and-mortar businesses in downtown Vermilion. She described her role in the event’s creation and emphasized the importance of preserving its local-first focus.
Her comments were seen by some as a direct counter to Karres’ request for food truck inclusion. While she did not mention Karres by name, Brady’s comments addressed the ordinance under discussion and the concerns raised by the Hawaii Ice owner.
Council did not address the procedural break during the meeting, but the exchange underscored ongoing tensions between evolving mobile business models and traditional downtown commercial interests.
What’s Next?
The Legislative Committee will likely revisit the ordinance in an upcoming meeting. There was no formal vote Monday night, but council seemed open to further discussion and possible revisions.
Karres, meanwhile, said she’s not giving up.
“This business was built not just for me, but to inspire others. I call it the ‘dream truck.’ And I just want the chance to serve my community the way I know I can.”
For those who want to show support, Hawaii Ice is open Monday through Friday from 6–9 a.m. in the South Parking Lot at Vermilion High School. Karres offers drive-thru service with a menu that goes beyond shaved ice — including Kona cold brew, rotating teas, hot cocoa, and pastries. She also runs a school supply donation program for local students, providing essentials like paper and calculators, thanks to contributions from area businesses.
A 2006 Vermilion High School graduate, Karres launched Hawaii Ice in 2019 after living in Hawaii — her 49th state on a journey of exploration, conservation, and adventure. Inspired by the islands’ flavors and culture, she returned to her hometown to share what she had discovered. Her business reflects her passion for sustainability, using biodegradable cups and spoons while skipping plastic straws. Karres hopes her story inspires others to follow their dreams — just as she did when she set off across the country, eventually leading her to Hawaii.
“It’s more than a treat, it’s a way of life,” she says. “I call it the Aloha Spirit — relax, spread kindness, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.”
For Karres, the hope is simple: to be able to serve her community with the same heart she puts into every cup — without having to fight for the space to do it.
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