Asian food vendors banned from Fresno farmers market reinstated after backlash

River Park shopping center in Fresno, California announced Friday that Asian food vendors will be welcomed back to its popular farmers market and food truck events, reversing a controversial decision that banned them earlier this month. The reversal follows mounting public criticism, protests from vendors and widespread calls for accountability from Fresno’s Asian community.

The controversy began last weekend when several Asian food vendors received a sudden notice from a Fresno Street Eats organizer that they were no longer permitted to participate in River Park events. The reason, they were told, was due to complaints from onsite businesses prompting River Park to eliminate “all Asian food from our events effective immediately.”

River Park later justified the decision by citing its responsibility to “honor” commitments to its brick-and-mortar tenants and reduce direct competition. But that explanation quickly drew fire. Only one of River Park’s tenants — P.F. Chang’s — offers a similar cuisine to the food trucks, while other Asian restaurants on-site, such as Spicy J’s and J-Pot, publicly denied filing complaints.

The ban led to community outrage, with critics calling the move discriminatory. Three Filipino-owned businesses publicly called for an apology, transparency, and an open dialogue. The Filipina-owned community space Maarte stated the decision was “disrespectful,” while Hapa California Coffee commented directly on River Park’s social media: “Why is it so hard to say you’re sorry to the people you actually hurt?? ASIANS!!!”

In a joint statement Friday, River Park, Fresno Street Eats and the California Fresh Farmers Market Association walked back the ban and announced a plan to review all vendors through a new selection process. “This is the next step in a truly collaborative process between our organizations with the aim of showcasing small mobile businesses… which complement River Park’s brick-and-mortar tenants,” the statement read.

Natalie Sakkakhanaune-Simmavong of Sticky Rice on Wheels, a Lao food truck previously barred, said the news was “great” but left critical questions unanswered. “Can we get an idea of what we can and cannot sell?” she asked. “That will determine if we can go back or not.”

While River Park’s statement included an apology for “communication missteps” and acknowledged the community’s frustrations, many found the language insufficient. Christine Rose, founder of Maarte, said the apology lacked sincerity and cultural awareness. “There was no acknowledgement of the willingness to learn more about the cultures we represent,” she said. “Until it feels right and sincere, my energy will be spent on developing ways to support my community.”

Brandy Alcoseba, co-owner of the Filipino food truck El Jabalito, also questioned the sincerity behind the reversal. “There were still not the words ‘We’re sorry to the Asian community,’” she said. “To say it in that way, it’s so discriminatory. We should be beyond that already.”

Some vendors — including those who were not directly affected — have chosen not to return to River Park in protest of how the situation was handled.