Hot tubs and food trucks arent common bedfellows but theyll both grace South Hill come September.
VIVA Vancouver and the South Hill Business Association have paired up to celebrate the arrival of a food truck to Fraser Street and the installation of hot tub-style patio seating, which is part of the citys public space project.
SHBA Executive Director Aila Karpio said the association jumped at the chance to bring VIVA to Fraser Street and made the call for food truck applications earlier this year. We dont have any parks within the BIA [business improvement area], no community spaces, no place for people to gather, she said.
The mini-park will be a place for people to enjoy food, coffee and greenery in an unlikely laneway on 44th and Fraser. The semi-circle installation will mimic a wood frame hot tub with seating for 10 to 20 people. While the seating isnt permanent, the city plans to keep it in place for three years.
JJs Trucketeria is a first for South Hill and one of the few food trucks far outside the downtown core. The call for submissions garnered about four food truck applications, Karpio explained, but JJs Trucketeria beat the competition.
Its reasonably priced, healthy food, Karpio said.
The truck will be parked close to a high school and is expected to serve food that isnt available in South Hill, reducing the competition with existing businesses.
JJs Trucketeria co-owner Jordan Oregas said the inspiration for his menu came from the community itselfa cultural mix of people and flavours.
Its a hodgepodge of foods and affordability, Oregas said.
Grilled meat skewers will sell for $2 a pop, sandwiches for $3and theyre not little sliders, its actually a good bun sandwich.
All day breakfasts will be offered and one of the highest priced items and healthiest vegetarian options, the Fraser Bowl, will run for $5. They also plan to serve perogies, tacos and garlic fried rice plates.
Oregas said hes not in it for the money. After working at high-end Vancouver restaurants for 15 years, he was ready to go down a different path. Oregas grew up in Mount Pleasant but has paid attention to the South Hill area for a while. You know when a little neighbourhoods getting up and going and ready to explode? Thats where Fraser is, he said. Main Street is a good place for food already and Frasers itching to do it.
Karpio said that that the SHBA may consider inviting more trucks to the area if JJs Trucketeria proves to be a success. For now, she is looking forward to delicious tacos from the new business.
The celebration and launch party for VIVAs installation and JJs Trucketeria will take place Sept. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. with entertainment featuring folk singer Jim Cook and reggae band Brother Below.
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