They have vendors. They have customers. And now they have a name.
Beginning this month, the name
Capital City Food Court began scrolling on the electronic sign that borders a 2.4-acre lot on Oakland Avenue between N. Cedar and Larch Streets, proclaiming the momentum of Lansing's first-of-its-kind outdoor food court.
"We've had at least 40 calls," says Anne Ganakas who co-owns the former site of Nationwide Gold and Silver Exchange where a growing number of mobile food carts are setting down daily roots. "We've had calls from all food genres, and from people wanting to sell produce, too."
On June 9, Nick Sinicropi rolled his food truck into the lot to begin cooking up a fusion of homemade tacos, craft burgers, wings, house-smoked pork and chicken, French fries and deep-fried Oreos. The professional chef joined pioneering members Frank Tignanelli of
Detroit Frankie's Wood Fired Pizza and smoked meats and sandwich artist Donald O'Polski of
Michael O's Food Truck. Together, the three create a mobile smorgasbord where patrons can pull in, grab a quality alternative to fast food, and sit and enjoy their mobile eats at picnic tables and outdoor seating.
"It's been a long time coming," says Sinicropi of the open-air food court. "Bigger cities have food truck courts. It's convenient. It's different. And it's also a lot better than fast food."
As a veteran of restaurant industry, Sinicropi says he loves preparing authentic cuisine in his newly purchased 24-foot Freightliner that includes a fryer, griddle and stove. He's also excited about being part of the street food movement in Lansing.
Ganakas supports the sentiments she hears on both sides of the food court issue. She says mobile operations give food entrepreneurs a way to realize their dreams without the investment of a brick and mortar storefront.
And her dream? Ganakas says she would like to have about six to eight vendors onsite during the warmer months and a vendor or two inside the building during the cold and snowy season.
"If this works, it will bring some additional life to the city," says Ganakas. "We also see some potential for car shows and other events. We're going to give it a year or so and see if we can get the right mix."
Source: Anne Ganakas, Owner, Capital City Food Court
Nick Sinicropi, Owner, Good Truckin' Food
Writer: Ann Kammerer, Development News Editor
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