Late April Launch Projected for SoMa Streat Food Park

 Two months ago a flurry of reports (well, at least three reports) about a proposed food truck “pod” breaking ground South of Market excited the street foodie in me. It was to have permanent amenities such as an open roofed structure, picnic tables and restrooms, and was inspired by the now-renowned street food pods in Portland. Having heard nothing about it since, I had nearly forgotten the dream until a friend (thank you, Amanda!) informed me that a big new sign, visible from the freeway, drew her attention to construction activity at the site. The site is adjacent to Costco, so I resolved to check it out on my Costco run today.

Carlos Muela of  SOMA Streat Food Park

Sure enough, the signs were up, the roofed shelter was up, and work was underway on some light stanchions. I was fortunate enough to be greeted by Carlos Muela, the genial force behind the project, and was able to ply him with questions. Muela, whose restaurateur parents (they own Picaro and Esperpento in the Mission) hail from Madrid, Spain, confirmed that the plans revealed in the January SF Weekly interview cited above were still operative, although the beer garden component is still a question mark, due to a maze of regulations which he is attempting to navigate. Most of the “difficult” construction work (e.g. the utilities infrastructure) has been completed, he said, and he foresees a launch by late April.

SoMa Streat Food Park, to recapitulate, will have space for 10 trucks at a time, which Muela plans to host in some form of consistent rotation. What he hope to emulate is the sense of community he felt at the Portland street food pods with their fixed locations, regular vendors and regular customers. He anticipates having no trouble filling slots, and plans to host some carts as well as trucks. He promises some vendors never seen before. The park will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The site has one thing money can't buy: one of the best microclimates in the city. Assuming he vets his vendors well, the project looks like a winner.

Follow the event at @SoMaStrEatFood