Marketplace at Avalon Park celebrates its One Year Anniversary Party this Saturday September 17, 2022. I will be there as a judge at 4pm -5pm – come on down! There will be a live band, DJ, All-day specials, face painter, balloon artist, giveaways, foodie contests and great family fun all day long.

We spoke with Marketplace At Avalon Park’s General Manager Derek McCracken about the upcoming event and how everything went so far this past year!

Interview with Marketplace at Avalon Park’s Derek McCracken

Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps: What are some of the biggest changes that you have gone through over the past year?

Derek McCracken: Over the past year it has been very satisfying to watch the Marketplace evolve from concept to concrete. Watching the facility grow and become not just a place to eat and drink, but to be a true part of the Avalon Park community. We’ve hosted charitable event for folks in the community struggling.

We’ve cultivated a relationship with the first responders in the area and particularly the new fire station, Station 87. We’ve been a part of holidays, back to school, sports programs, etc. It’s provided employment opportunities for many of the families in Avalon. It’s providing a place for folks to gather with each other.

What are some challenges that you have overcome and successes that you remember the most this past year?

Opening a first of its kind food hall in east Orlando was a challenging undertaking. Many of the vendors were new to the food hall concept and even to the restaurant game. It’s been amazing to watch vendors like Pico de Gallo and Brazas start in the Marketplace and quickly grow into new brick and mortar establishments. It’s been inspiring to watch folks cultivate new food concepts from the ground up. It’s been exciting to welcome new vendors into the facility like Spoletos and Dusty Dogz.

What has feedback been like so far from local residents and the greater Orlando community?

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. From the food, to the events, to the Sunday afternoons, the community seems to really enjoy the variety, the atmosphere and having something unique so close to home.

If you could pick one signature dish/product from each tenant at the Marketplace what would that be?

Rosso’s – Cookie Latte
Sip – Ice cream tacos
Cheese to Share – Signature Cheese Board
Spoleto’s – Ravioli Lasagna
KBBQ – Spicy Pork
Nola – Big Easy Grilled Cheesy
Dusty’s – Double Smash Burger and Onion Rings
Lemon Shark – Poke Bowl
Bowigen’s – Avalon Park Amber Ale
Cantina – Flautas with a Spicy Margarita and Weekend Brunch
Avalon General-Wine Slushie
Avalon Kitchen-Meatball Slider

What can people expect at the upcoming 1 year anniversary party?

Folks should expect a fun day with lots of different opportunities to participate in our 1st anniversary. We’ll have live music, special promotions, drink specials, people’s choice voting, and of course great food and good times!

What are some new things coming up for the Marketplace at Avalon Park?

In the upcoming year we are looking at some exciting new things. We are looking forward to welcoming our newest vendor who we should be able to announce soon. We are looking to bring curb-side-to-go online. The vendors are exploring new collaborations and pairings that should be available throughout the next year.