DeKALB – As one of the first vendors to operate a food truck in DeKalb, Veronica Garcia-Martinez, owner of Tinez Tacos, at first thought she might have bitten off more than she could chew.

“It has not been easy,” said Garcia-Martinez, who opened her truck in April 2013. “It took me a year of research to open, and since we were first, it was a lot harder for us than it was for everyone else.”

Over the past few years, however, food trucks have become more common in DeKalb County. As of July, there are 29 mobile trucks or trailers, 10 of which operate throughout the year.

Although there has been an emergence of food trucks in the area, Garcia-Martinez said there really isn’t competition between vendors, and she has even assisted business owners who are just starting out.

“I try to guide [owners] as best as I can such as by giving them a list of permits they need,” she said. “It’s really just about providing good food for everyone to eat.”

Mike Chamness, owner of Mike’s Empanadas, which operates during DeKalb’s farmers market and at various festivals, said he relied on Garcia-Martinez when he decided to transition from a food tent to a food truck a couple of years ago.

“I saw Tinez Tacos at Cornfest before they had their trailer and they were so efficient, and they were big in helping me get off the ground,” Chamness said. “They helped out with the health department and how we should set up, and I think we’ve both grown together.”

Although Chamness sells his signature empanadas, baked or fried stuffed pastries originating in Spain, only during the summer so it doesn’t conflict with his job as food service supervisor for DeKalb School District 428, he still purchases a full-year permit to be able to to serve at local events.

Garcia-Martinez said the cost of a seasonal permit is about $280. This allows the vendor to operate from April to November, since food trucks are not allowed to be on the city streets during the winter, she said.

Since Tinez Tacos also operates in Kane and Cook counties, Garcia-Martinez said she also pays for separate permitting for each county and must comply with their individual fire codes. DeKalb County does not have a special fire code, but does require a truck to have a fire extinguisher, she added.

“It’s costly, but not as expensive as having a restaurant, which is one of the advantages of a mobile unit,” Garcia-Martinez said.

Slow Smoke BBQ, which has operated a food truck six days a week at the parking lot of the Farm and Fleet in Sycamore, recently moved into a restaurant at 265 W. Peace Road and restricted its food truck services to catering and special events.

Co-owner Joe Dietz said one of the benefits was less work than having to take out and prepare a food trailer each day.

“We’ve been taking it slow, but the health department has been good with us, and we try to make sure we’re doing the best we possibly can,” Dietz said.

While Chamness and others have opened food trucks based on the popularity of their food, Mediterraneo Grill owner Omar Musfi opened one to keep his loyal customers as he searches for a new location.

Musfi’s restaurant on East Lincoln Highway was demolished in May, part of the $7.5 million Cornerstone project, but he partnered with a longtime friend to operate his Ford Econoline RV with a converted kitchen in the parking lot of 105 N. First St.

Musfi said business has been good so far, but could be better. He added that he will now be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Musfi added that his truck is also available for catering and the truck will be accepting credit cards next week. Residents interested in Mediterraneo catering or who have any questions can call 815-995-8500.

“We set up for the Fourth of July at Hopkins Park, and we’ve been doing marketing on Facebook and Instagram,” Musfi said. “We’ve had very good feedback from those that have tried the food.”