Food
The Lot, a growing mobile vendor hub in Downtown Richmond, has shifted its weekly schedule to Tuesdays and Thursdays to better meet demand from weekday lunch crowds, organizers announced this month.
Aaron Coleman, who manages The Lot, said the change was driven by customer patterns, particularly from workers at nearby Social Security offices and Kaiser Permanente.
“We’re seeing a large influx of people during the lunchtime hour, especially on Thursdays,” Coleman said. “It’s not just great for The Lot, but also for the other restaurants in the area.”
Richmond launches mobile food vendor program to support local businesses
The City of Richmond, in partnership with the Richmond Farmers Market, unveiled its new Mobile Vendor Program on Saturday, Macdonald Avenue near the Richmond Bart Station.
Soren Hemmila
The first Tuesday service launched on September 16, with food vendors now open from roughly 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Coleman said the weekday schedule is intended to provide vendors a more consistent base of customers compared to Saturdays, when turnout fluctuates.
“Saturdays were okay, and we’d have an influx from time to time, but you can’t run a business ‘some time to time,’” Coleman said. “If you lose all your vendors because the day is so slow, that doesn’t help anybody.”
Vendors have noticed the difference in operating during the workweek. Tana, who runs Cooking with Tana, said she often sells out well before the end of the day.
“On Thursdays, I’m done. Everything is gone,” Green said. “The more I bring, the more people come over from the Social Security building and Kaiser hospital. They [Social Security] don’t have a cafeteria, so they really look forward to it.”
Coleman said the previous Saturday schedule will end for now, though special Saturday events could still be held occasionally.
Richmond celebrates community at annual Spirit & Soul Festival
The heart of downtown Richmond was filled with music, color, and community pride on Saturday as the Spirit and Soul Festival returned for its 2025 celebration. The free event, organized by the Richmond Main Street Initiative, took place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Macdonald Avenue, between
Soren Hemmila
The Lot also participated in Richmond’s Spirit and Soul Festival on Saturday, September 20, drawing families and community members for food, music, and entertainment.
“This is all about the community and making sure it works for everyone, the vendors, the workers, and the families who come out,” Coleman said.
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