The new vendor at Garry Point Park in Steveston said he was waiting for a chance to open up in his home town – and now he has it.
Elango Palani, who owns and operates Organic Villa Catering on Garden City Road, will open Garry Point Grill & Fish ‘N’ Chips on Thursday, May 4.
Palani is taking over from the much-loved Pajo’s, following their controversial departure from the park location after they lost out in the bidding process, despite being there for 23 years.
The new vendor, however, is “very excited” about the opportunity and said he has been working night and day to get Garry Point Grill up and running by Thursday.
“We saw the bidding process (last year) and just went for it, as we were trying to expand…so why not do that here in Richmond,” said Palani, who runs the Tornado food truck, as well as several concession kiosks at Vancouver parks and beaches.
“We wanted to do something in the community and develop our own brand at the same time.”
Outcry prompted letter from the mayor
When the news broke that Pajo’s – which still has its main location on the boardwalk at Steveston Harbour – was not getting its contract with the City of Richmond renewed at the park, there was an outcry from many residents and tourists alike.
Even the city’s mayor, Malcolm Brodie, had to send a letter to the Richmond News, pointing out to readers that the selection process was fair and in the best interests of the community.
Asked about the prospect of taking over the coveted spot from Pajo’s, Palani, a Richmond resident himself, said he wanted to simply “serve locals with (a) much more competitive and diverse menu for every kind of population in our community.”
As well as the pre-requisite fish ‘n’ chips, Garry Point Grill’s menu features burgers, vegetarian options, a sockeye salmon burger and New England clam chowder. Poutine and mushy peas are also on there.
In its news release earlier this week, the city said the new vendor “has experience delivering similar services for the Vancouver Parks Board, operating concessions at Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach and food truck services at Stanley Park during large events.”
