Last week’s Food on Franklin debut was a modest but genuine success. A reasonable crowd attended — City economic development officer Richard McIntosh figures that “close to 200 people showed up” — and the long-neglected square of pavement at the centre of downtown bustled with activity. Members of the street community — the most frequent users of the site — watched curiously from the fringes before some of them gingerly mingled with attendees. Alison McCreesh‘s drawing workshop drew a tent-full of aspiring sketch artists. “It’s great to be out in a public place,” McCreesh told EDGE, “and to offer something that’s free of charge and that functions on a one-time, drop-in basis. It’s casual and accessible. Of course, the drop-in aspect offers its challenges, but that’s part of it.”
The food-centric event’s first evening was let down only by a lack of actual food options. Food trucks Curbside Treats ‘N Eats and Saffron showed up and attracted healthy line-ups, while Sushi North moved its outdoor sandwich stall across the avenue to the lot, but that was it. Tonight, McIntosh says that at least six vendors will be on site, including new participants One of a Thai (second-place winner in our recent Food Truck poll), Fresh Squeeze and Southern Comfort. “We are anticipating an increase in food vendors each week,” said McIntosh adding that the City is “reaching out to downtown retailers to participate as well.”
