Food Park News

South Dallas food park debuts at Fair Park with new name and vendors

Vendor Bri's Bakes specializes in brownies and bundt cakes.

Courtesy photo

A food park for and by South Dallas is making a comeback. Now called The Sunny South Dallas Food Park, it's debuting at Fair Park on November 13 with a lineup of Black-owned food trucks and trailers, with plentiful options including vegan and non-vegan foods.

Previously known as MLK Food Park, the event first debuted in April 2022 as a month-long pop-up park on 1611 Martin Luther King Blvd. In June, it relocated to Fair Park, where it held court through the end of July.

Now it's rebranded by Do Right By The Streets (DRBTS), its organizer, to highlight its representation of the South Dallas community, paying homage to its nickname, Sunny South Dallas. DRBTS is a Black-owned urban planning and place creation group founded by urban planner Desiree Powell that focuses on land use, zoning, and placemaking in communities of color.

"The name change represents a new chapter of the Food Park's growth as we continue expanding the vision of a permanent safe space at Fair Park," Powell says in a statement.

"The MLK Food Park began as a temporary pop-up park collaboration between TREC (Texas Real Estate Council), Better Block, and DRBTS,” Powell says. "The shared goal was to bring South Dallas residents together to gather in fellowship, all while supporting local Black and Brown-owned food trucks and vendors and providing a space for economic mobility."

Vendors include Dallasized Cookies, The Confectionist Factory, Bri's Bakes, Banomnom Pudding, Candles By Mezique, Smith Spot BBQ, Happy Vegan, Moe's Delights, Royalty Soy Candles, Khristian's Lemonade, Sunshine's Wings & Catfish, Sacred Instruments Jewelry, The Cat Shack, Read with Dr. Wade, and more.

"The food park is way more than bringing a bunch of food trucks and vendors out for a singular event that brings a lot of attention then leaves," DRBTS' website notes. "We're dedicated to building trust through this space that respects the past to build the community South Dallas' Black residents truly deserve."

The schedule for The Sunny South Dallas Food Park will be monthly, with a break in the winter, running from November 2022 to July 2023, on the following Sundays from 12-4 pm:

Sunday, November 13
Sunday, December 11
Sunday, March 26
Sunday, April 16
Sunday, May 21
Sunday, June 18
Sunday, July 30

Parking is free at Gate 6/Lot 6 at Robert B. Cullum and MLK Jr. Boulevard.

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Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

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