Vendors regularly share tips on sourcing
everything from farm-fresh ingredients to
cost-effcient cups. "It's a way for a small
business to slowly and carefully ramp up,"
says Caroline Mak, co-founder of
Brooklyn Soda Works.
Our
Signature
Favorite
more healthful options or responding to requests for gluten-free
goods. "We keep a balance so that there's something for everyone,"
he says. Savvy vendors often help with those needs, he adds. "They
can add to their menus so that they fill the void themselves."
Available in
3pc & 7pc
Vendor Mix and Loyalty
As the variety keeps growing, so does the number of vendors and,
in turn, attendees. "We used to think there were only a certain
amount of vendors that could coexist at a single location," Demby
recalls—too many, they thought, ran the risk of spreading sales
too thin. Testing those waters has instead revealed a happy result.
"We're finding that more volume actually just brings more people
in—somehow, they eat more too."
This freedom to grow has led to a vast, eclectic mix of prepared
and packaged foods—savory and sweet, hot and cold, indulgent and
healthy—as well as representation from both small-scale producers and beloved restaurants in the borough. Chicken burgers from
Bossa Nova, fried fish from Handsome Hank's Fish Hut, pork
sandwiches from Porchetta, Japanese-inspired Mexican food from
Takumi Taco and many more offerings cover meat cravings. Global
cuisine abounds, from the likes of Bombay Sandwich Co., Lumpia
Shack, Taste of Ethiopia and others. And dietary wishes are granted
with Home by the Range (organic), Chickpea & Olive (vegan) and
Krumville Bake Shop (gluten-free), to name a few. Thirst quench-
franschocolates.com
Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 4213
Award Winning
HUMMUS CHIPS
with olive oil
A Delicious Healthy Alternative to Ordinary Chips
All Natural • Gluten Free • Non-GMO • Certifed Kosher
PHOTO: EVA MESZAROS
Brooklyn Wok Shop's fried crab rangoon
800.372.6808 | Seattle
Product
USA
of
Celebrating 25 Years
Visit us at 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo Booth 1786
info@plockys.com • 630/323-8888 • www.plockys.com
Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 461
MAY/JUNE 2013
51