Vancouver Station Food Carts soft-opened two weeks ago and boasts space for 44 food carts.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — It’s being hailed as the “largest food cart pod in America.”
Sitting off Southeast 164th Avenue, Vancouver Station Food Carts is in its soft-opening phase.
Vancouver Station has room for 44 food carts, which sprawl outward from a central indoor hub.
“Live bands, DJs, trivia nights, bingo, we’re going to have something every night of the week,” Vancouver Station general manager Ryan Biornstad said.
The two-story central hub has a full bar operated by Vancouver Station, but the rest of the venue will be run by outside businesses, including an interior coffee bar and ice cream parlor.
“The concept really came from wanting to bring people together and also offer an opportunity for entrepreneurs to come in and support their families,” Biornstad said.
Entrepreneurs like Angela Naranjo have already moved in, relocating her “Bobablastic” franchise cart to Vancouver Station.
“I think it’s a good area here and it has a lot of potential,” Naranjo said. “I’m excited to see a lot of people here. I’m excited for it to be full, and I’m ready for the sun to come out. Once the sun comes out, I know it’s going to be busy here.”
Only eight carts are currently stationed at Vancouver Station, but Biornstad said it will be much fuller in the coming weeks.
“We have more coming in,” he said. “They are waiting on approval and permitting, which has been a long, drawn-out process. Anyone who has tried to open a business in Washington probably knows about this process.”
He said most of the spots are spoken for, but a few are still available.
People KGW spoke with are excited to have the new spot in the community.
“It’s so close by where we live,” said Dave, a nearby resident. “It’s going to really change Vancouver’s complexion, I think.”
“We see this as a tremendous asset for families visiting the area, maybe here for sporting tournaments, because it gives them a lot of variety,” said Cliff Myers, president and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA. “We also see it as a great place for local residents. I live not too far from here. I’ll probably be back for dinner tonight.”
Biornstad expects the grand opening to take place this spring.
Dining and Cooking