Local Business Upset Over Seasonal Vendors

The battle over where portable businesses can operate heats up in Fayetteville.

Shave the Planet sets up shop every summer on College Avenue in Fayetteville. The business operates out of a portable green building. Across the street sits a permanent dessert business called Maggie Moo’s ice cream.

Maggie Moo’s is trying to block the city’s decision to let Shave the Planet stay there through the summer. “They feel that it’s an unfair advantage that we come and set up and sell shaved ice,” said Eric Siebert, co-owner of Shave the Planet.

Maggie Moo’s says it is unfair Shave the Planet does not have to provide landscaping and other amenities.  “They should have to be subject to the same rules and regulations or at least a variation of those rules and regulations of the permanent bricks and mortar businesses,” said Tracy Hoskins, with Maggie Moo’s.

Maggie Moo’s argues their products are similar, but Shave the Planet disagrees. “The shaved ice company also sold ice cream and sorbet and heavily advertised those items,” said Hoskins.

“It’s pretty much a crushed up popsicle. It’s not the same,” said Siebert.

Fayetteville city council members tabled the issue until September. Both sides plan to attend the next meeting.

Shave the Planet says they have been in the same spot since 2009.