Visitors to Wolverhampton city centre will be able to experience a taste of Mexico with the opening of a new street trading business.

Type=image;ImageID=4036;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Cabana Mexican Grill;TitleClass=strong;

Reena Raj will operate her El Cabana Mexican Grill selling a range of treats such as burritos and tacos from a unit opposite Primark in Dudley Street.

This is the first new trade line to be introduced following the implementation of Wolverhampton City Council proposals to broaden the variety of food stalls, ensure units are of a high quality and attract more visitors to the area.

A consultation exercise showed that, while there was strong support for street traders, people stated that the offer wasn't diverse enough and suggested more international food, healthy and vegetarian options.

The new policy will see the introduction of a more diverse offer, 3 year licences to give traders more security and set out new unit conditions to ensure they are of high quality.

All existing traders were given the first option on setting up new trade lines.

Reena, who took over the pitch from a previous hot dog van trader, said: "I am very excited to be setting up my business in Wolverhampton city centre.

"When I heard about the council's plans to bring in a wider variety of food businesses in the area, I thought this is the perfect opportunity for me.

"I know people in Wolverhampton support street traders in the city centre so I am thrilled to be adding to their choice."

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "We are delighted to welcome Reena and her business and wish her well with her venture.

"The public told us they wanted to see more diverse food stalls to add to the existing quality in our street trading offer and this is the first step to achieve that.

"This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the street trading offer as part of our overall plans for the city centre, increasing footfall and providing security and confidence for the businesses."

  • released: Tuesday 27 May, 2014