On the Fly by tablehopper

On the Fly by tablehopper features a monthly interview addressing the monumental changes the food and beverage industry is experiencing in this age of the coronavirus pandemic. Your host is Marcia Gagliardi of tablehopper.com, speaking with San Francisco Bay Area chefs, restaurateurs, and other members of the hospitality industry—from the big names to the tiny neighborhood joints—as they struggle to adapt and survive. We'll listen to their stories: how are they pivoting, what’s working, and how we can help, along with inspiring stories of how the industry is trying to change, and rallying to feed many communities in need. Prospective guests for On the Fly can submit their story at bit.ly/ontheflyguest.

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On the Fly by tablehopper

Christine Farren: CUESA

May 29, 2020 • Christine Farren, executive director of CUESA • Season 1 • Episode 13

Today’s episode of On the Fly is with Christine Farren, the executive director of CUESA, the visionary nonprofit organization that operates San Francisco’s world-renowned Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and Mission Community Market.

Christine is a well-known and beloved face of the market, a shining contact point for all the farmers and vendors, the chefs and bartenders who frequent the market, many regular customers, plus everyone who's part of all the community and educational programming they do.

It also means that she’s operating at the center of this crisis, having to make swift adjustments for the market's shifting customer base and revenue model, institute safe shopping practices for customers and farmers and her incredible team, while simultaneously trying to take care of the many communities CUESA is so close with.

To that end, she tells us about the Feed Hospitality initiative developed with the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, which is distributing fresh produce boxes to unemployed hospitality workers while providing vital income for local farms—it’s a great thing to contribute to since your donation will be matched.

We learn more about how farms are adapting and operating through the crisis, and why some of the smaller farms CUESA works with directly who grow year-round present the best model for sustainability and quality of life for their farm workers—you’ll hear some staggering stats. It’s a lot to think about.

Since we're good friends, we also go a little deep on the human experience right now, and what this all means for the future.

CUESA: https://cuesa.org/

Feed Hospitality: https://cuesa.org/feedhospitality

Market box: https://cuesa.org/cuesabox

Two-Top:

1. Incubator Series: https://www.hineighborsf.com

Order from Junju, Schmaltz, Ines, AttaGirl Hospitality: https://incubatorseries.square.site

15% discount on your total order (code: HOPPER15), or you can opt for delivery instead and get a special cocktail (the Ode to Jerry) for free—it requires a $20 minimum order, while supplies last.

If you’re a Bay Area business or individual and want to be featured in On the Fly, please fill out the form at bit.ly/ontheflyguest.

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