Officials at River Park have responded to social media reports that a food truck was barred from serving Asian food at its farmer's market events. File photo

Following social media reports Friday that Asian food could no longer be served at its food truck events, River Park broke its silence Monday with a statement saying it values multi-cultural communities and would review all event participants.

The statement was shared on social media in collaboration with food event promoters Fresno Street Eats and the California Fresh Farmers Market Association.

The controversy flared up online after food truck Sticky Rice on Wheels announced it would no longer participate in the River Park farmer’s market Tuesday and Saturday events after being told Asian food could no longer be sold at the behest of a tenant restaurant.

River Park officials said the farmer’s market events are designed to complement their tenants, and not directly compete with them.

“River Park has commitments to its tenants that it must keep and honor with integrity,” according to the River Park statement. “This includes, for example, fostering loyalty to their brands and striving to cultivate an environment within which they can thrive.”

Lin’s Restaurant Group, which owns J Pot, O-Iza sushi, and Spicy J’s Chinese food at River Park, shared on social media over the weekend that they had no involvement in the decision to ban all Asian food from events and that they have never raised concerns about food vendors in the area. 

The statement concluded with a plan for River Park events going forward. 

“Accordingly, Fresno Street Eats, River Park and California Fresh Farmers Market Association will be engaging collaboratively to review all participants and their individual offerings, regardless of background.”