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A property on Cesar Chavez which has become a flashpoint for Austin's gentrification debate might be seeking a new identity: food trailer park. Food Trailers Austin tweeted that a representative for the property formerly home to the Jumpolin piñata and party rental store requested their help booking food trucks. The property has been the site of protests since the landlords demolished the piñata store with merchandise and other goods still inside.
Eater spoke with Food Trailers Austin's Tony Yamanaka, who says an agent for the property wanted to hire him to book two food trailers rent free for South by Southwest and several months after. Yamanaka says the trailers would be designed to compliment the property's transition to a co-working space and event center. He declined to work with the group.
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A protest sign next to the site
The controversy surrounding the property was sparked when the Jumpolin building was torn down without warning according to the business owners, though their landlord contests this. The site was originally slated to host an event during SXSW, but the sponsor has since pulled out due to protests from Jumpolin supporters. The Jumpolin store now has a temporary location 4926 E. Cesar Chavez, and food trailer Veracruz All Natural will host a fundraiser for the Jumpolin owners this Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
Just received an email to book trucks for the site of the demolished piñata store on Cesar Chavez. Not sure how to respond to this one.
— food trailers austin (@FoodTrailersATX) February 27, 2015
