PHOTOS: In L.A., a different sort of truck stop

Eric Rivera, 41, of Downey eats a pulled-pork taco he purchased from a food truck near South Alameda Street and Traction Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. “I’ll be back,” he said. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

March 6, 2014 11:09 PM PT

A group of mobile food vendors opened in a lot in downtown L.A. “We don’t want to make waves,” said Matt Geller, vice president of the SoCal Mobile Food Vendor’s Assn. “We’re trying to keep things on an even keel.” (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Molly Taylor, who sells everything from cookies to cupcakes from various L.A. bakers out of her Sweets Truck, said the mobile food courts are an added element to the success of the industry -- which, for her, is all about people. “It’s definitely an opportunity for community,” said Taylor, known on skid row as the “sweet lady.” (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Tyler McClain, center, takes orders for the Barbie’s Q food truck near South Alameda Street and Traction Avenue. Vendors hope that concerns about the trucks -- such as parking, littering and confrontations with restaurant owners -- will be allayed. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Eric Rivera digs into his pulled-pork taco. A spokesman for the California Restaurant Assn. said restaurateurs are concerned that customers have a positive experience when purchasing from a mobile vendor. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)