Three food caravan vendors have joined forces to present to Ashburton its own mini outdoor food court each Friday.
Johnatello’s Pizza Inferno, Azteca Tacos and Bangkok Wok open alongside each other on East St at the Ashburton clock tower, Baring Square East, from noon to 8pm.
They say the square is a picturesque spot, in front of the newly completed Te Whare Whakatere, for their customers to sit and dine if they wish.
There is even music, as one of them has a track of songs quietly playing through a bluetooth speaker nearby.
Johnatello’s vendor Jon Peneycad said the three caravans had been opening alongside each other since the beginning of this month.
‘‘We have gone all right, it gets busier in the evening, that’s when it takes off,’’ Peneycad said.
He said outdoor food courts created by food caravans opening alongside each other was growing in popularity worldwide. Food caravans did not have the overheads of restaurants, so could offer cheaper meals, and when they opened together there was the advantage of a wide range of cuisine being offered in a small area.
The Friday Food Court would hopefully become more popular with longer days and warmer weather over spring and summer.
‘‘The aim is for it to become a bit of an event in itself.’’
Azteca Tacos vendor Ben Heaton said the number of customers was increasing as more people got to know about it. ‘‘The three varieties of food go well together.’’
Nic Koster, who operates Bangkok Wok with his partner Prew Pastan, said the district council was ahead of other councils in that it had allowed a maximum of three vendors at any one time in the area. ‘‘We are getting a lot of feedback, people are loving it,’’ Koster said. ‘‘Food caravans connect with customers, you get a following.’’ Baring Square East was a great location, and would become even nicer as flowers bloomed from its gardens in spring. ‘‘It’s a lovely spot,’’ he said.
There is the possibility of a marquee and seating being set up nearby in the square, as one of the vendors has applied to the district council for permission to install this.
However, a district council spokesperson told The Ashburton Courier whether this would be possible would have to be looked at in line with the relevant bylaws.
Meanwhile, the three food vendors are among about 20 preparing for the annual Hakatere Noodle Festival in the square from 3-9pm on September 7, which will also feature live music.
