Although I applaud all that you’ve written, I love to play devil’s advocate so that I can firm up my own beliefs. Having that said, I am wondering if it is the case that renting or owning property is really a major facet as to why there aren’t more street stalls / mobile food vendors in America. Despite my searching on the Internet, I can’t find a documented, outright reason as to why food stalls / mobile food vendors are banned or highly regulated. My feeling is that it probably comes down to money and politics that is translated as some food hygiene concern. Maybe larger food vendors pushed for such a ban so to establish their market share.

Regulations can vary from city to city or state to state, but overall there is a common blanket of food stall non grata in America. Only things I can think of that are accepted are hot dog stands, pretzel stands, portable vending at carnivals and fairs, and the ever-loved ice cream vendor (who doesn’t make the ice cream on the spot). I’ve never read about a famous bison jerky vendor in some Wild West town in America’s history. Could I grab some pheasant on a stick off the street in colonial Boston?

Perhaps the huge interest in the “food on the go” festivals is because 1) Bay Area food culture; 2) Such food is a novelty, hence high demand for that particular instance.

Regardless of my random thoughts, having unique, ethnic food sold on American street corners seems a stretch in realistic political terms, although a sizable population would embrace it. I can just hear the fast-food lobbyists button-holing various members of congress with their “keep the meat off the street” slogan. Perhaps areas like California can utilize more street vendor appreciative communities to push legislation in those areas so that a foothold can take place. Until such a day comes, I’ll be getting my BBQ ribs from Fat Matt’s restaurant in Atlanta, not Fat Matt’s Food Stall on Peachtree Street.

Check these websites for live crayfish:
http://www.crawdads.net/
http://www.cajungrocer.com/fresh-foods-crawfish-live-c-1_15_19.html
http://www.farm-2-market.com/products/crawfish.html

Also, large Asian supermarkets, like 99 Ranch, stock tanks of live seafood, and crayfish will be among them.

Good luck!