Red Hook Food Vendors
Overview
The Red Hook Food Vendors have been a staple of Brooklyn summers for the past 33 years. The Vendors have provided incredible cuisine and a unique market atmosphere in Red Hook Park, selling empanadas, pupusas, grilled corn and other Latin American dishes from tents at the northwest corner of the park.
In 2008 year the Vendors were awarded a six-year permit to continue this tradition. However, due to health code restrictions they were required to prepare and serve from concession trailers parked along Bay Street at the northern edge of the park. While concession trailers provided a solution that allowed business to continue, the cost associated with renting the trailers was prohibitive for some vendors. Also, the trailers detracted from the charm and appeal of the former open-air market environment.
Phase I - Open Call for Ideas
In autumn 2008 AFHny held an Open Call for Ideas, asking designers to generate concepts to create healthful cooking and vending spaces in a vibrant marketplace.
Competition entries were reviewed by the Food Vendors and design professionals, with five entries selected as finalists and four as honorable mention.
Phase II
Designers for the five selected entries were asked to continue developing their concepts in collaboration with AFHny and the Red Hook Park Vendors.
The refined designs were unveiled in September 2009 at a gallery event in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
