Sticky Rice on Wheels is one of the Asian food vendors told they could no longer participate in the farmers market at River Park. River Park management said Friday some would be reinstated. Photo via Natalie Sakkakhanaune-Simmavong

One week after it was announced that Asian vendors would no longer be allowed to operate at River Park events, the north Fresno shopping center released a statement on social media announcing that they have reinstated several vendors, including those that serve Asian cuisine.

Mike Osegueda, the president of food truck event promotion Fresno Street Eats, shared on Instagram that some of the vendors will be back this Saturday. He said he has had several meetings with River Park management about the matter.

He noted that Fresno Street Eats is always considerate of the relationship between vendors and brick-and-mortar restaurants. 

“We believe there is room for both in our vibrant local food scene, but striking the appropriate balance is important,” he wrote. 

River Park noted that the situation “should have been handled better and communicated differently, with greater sensitivity for long-standing market participants.”

“It understandably caused confusion and frustration for many,” according to the statement. 

River Park cited the concerns raised by both vendors and the community as reasons for the reversal. Over the weekend, news erupted on social media that due to a complaint from an unknown brick-and-mortar restaurant, that Asian food vendors would no longer be invited to participate.

Earlier this week, River Park released a statement saying it had an obligation to its tenants.

Natalie Sakkakhanaune-Simmavong, the co-owner of Sticky Rice on Wheels, a regular vendor over the last five years, was asked to no longer operate at River Park events. She said that is where they attract the most business, adding that she was surprised and disappointed by the decision. 

Over the next few weeks, River Park and food event promoters Fresno Street Eats and the California Fresh Farmers Market Association will implement a process for reviewing vendors’ “product mix.” 

“We sincerely apologize for these communication missteps and going forward are developing a process responsive to the concerns raised,” according to the River Park statement.