Vendor Highlights

For a lot of people hit by the recession, they end up pursuing a completely new career and taking a chance at a new business. That’s exactly what Don Vang, 39, did. After working as a mechanical engineer for 15 years, he was laid off due to a company merger. But that did not stop his determination or drive. Instead, he took advantage of it to start a new business, Jane’s Fresh Icy Boba – named after his wife and co-owner. Boba, a popular Asian drink known for its tapioca pearls, has been reaching popularity in the Fresno market for some time, according to Vang. Their booth has been at the Market for about a year and is located at Market on the Mall every Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vang said they chose to sell at the Fulton Mall because they noticed a lot of food stands, but not enough beverage stands. “We wanted to bring boba to the people and the market lets us do that. It’s very convenient.” They also sell at the River Park farmers market every Tuesday.

The eccentric and lively sounds of Keith Adkins can be heard from across the way on Wednesdays and Fridays at Market on the Mall. The 73-year-old has been selling various nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, and jerky for Pacific Grain & Foods since last April. With his friendly attitude and warm smile, patrons can’t help but stop and take a bite out of the various samples Adkins provides.  In fact, he said that is the key to his successful selling technique. “If you give them a sample, 9 times out of 10, they will buy it. But you have to get them to sample it first before they buy it.” Adkins said he enjoys meeting people and cares about their heatlh, which  is why he sells at the Market.  It is that vibrant attitude that makes Pacific Grain & Foods come alive at the Market.

Where are you located at the farmer’s market?
I am here every Wednesday. As soon as you walk out of the 1900 building, I am South West portion of the market in front of LA Mora Barber Salon.

Do you have any other locations outside of the farmer’s market?
We are part of several other farmers markets in the following cities: West Oakland and Mo Better Food Farmers Market.

Where are you located at the farmer’s market?
As soon as you walk out of the 1900 building, I am the first stand on the right hand side.

Do you have any other locations outside of the farmer’s market?
We do have other locations. We have a farm (The Lee Farm) on Belmont and Brawley and our field is located on Belmont and Cornelia.

Where are you located at the farmer’s market?
As soon as you walk out of the 1900 building, I am the first stand straight ahead with the red linens at my booth.

Do you have any other locations outside of the farmer’s market?
We do have other locations. We also sell at some of these market.
1. Fowler’s Farmers Market
2. Madera
3. Oakland
4. Benecja

Where are you located at the farmers market?
Once you exit the 1900 building, I am located on the left hand side.

Do you have any other locations outside of the farmers market?
We are part of several other farmers markets in the following cities: Hanford, Fowler, and Clovis. We also have a website: www.crewdistributing.com