There are no fewer than six fast-food chicken restaurants in a 1.6-mile stretch of U.S. 72 in Athens.

While the population adores chicken, some fear it may be getting out of hand. They would like to see Athens leaders allow food trucks to sell full-time in the city.

Currently, they can only sell at special events.

Food trucks, which are basically restaurants on wheels, are popular in Huntsville and other cities. They can bring all kinds of foods to the populace — Greek, Korean, Chinese and Bavarian, as well as the already popular Mexican and barbecue cuisine.

They typically stop at different locations on different days, and those stops are announced in advance.

Food trucks also serve places like Redstone Arsenal, where there is a congregation of workers who may not have much time to leave for lunch.

Mayor Ronnie Marks said Wednesday he hasn’t seen much interest in food trucks from potential vendors, so he and the City Council have not pursued the matter. So, he offered the following challenge:

“If there is any interest from potential vendors, if they contact me during the next 30 to 60 days, I will be willing to look at it — from my office and the City Council.”

The mayor said he has only one requirement of would-be food trucks, that they do not attempt to hurt business at existing restaurants by locating too closely.

The issue of full-time food trucks in Athens was raised in  June when Joe Carlucci of Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria asked council members to consider allowing them.

Council member comments have ranged from open to the idea to excited about the idea. Marks said he could envision them selling at the industrial park in Athens.

Vendors can reach the mayor by calling 256-233-8730.