One of the best parts of traveling to a new city is finding authentic, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. For Flint, the list of enticing new food spaces is growing.
The Kickback is a new pop-up that adds a little spice to Flint’s collection of street food vendors. And what really makes it unique is that it also empowers vendors to navigate new business obstacles.
The chef and entrepreneur behind The Kickback is Tony Vu, a proud first-generation Vietnamese-American. Through his nonprofit, Flint Social Club, he has been working to create a food movement — a social enterprise in Flint that creates opportunities and provides real support to small business owners and emerging chefs.
In 2023, Vu wanted to launch a space where multiple vendors could be creative, meet goals, and feel supported while developing their small businesses. He purchased the location of what was a former coffee shop and has transformed it into a perfect location for up-and-coming chefs to succeed.
“The Kickback is special because it’s more than a place to grab lunch,” Vu said. “It’s where food, culture, and entrepreneurship come together in the heart of downtown.”
What started as a handful of pop-ups has evolved into a thriving community hub, powered by Flint Social Club’s Streetfood Readiness Program and Flint Micro Business Support. Vendors are trained on how to sign up for bank and Square accounts, as well as how to complete temporary vendor applications.
Through a partnership with the Latinx Technology & Community Center, vendors can obtain ServSafe training and certification. This partnership enables vendors to build their businesses gradually while gaining capital and exposure.
“The Kickback gives food vendors the chance to build their business, share their traditions, and create something beautiful in a prime space that belongs to all of us,” Vu said.
Hours, Location, and Menu
Pop-up tents are located on South Saginaw Street between The Shops on Saginaw and The Ferris Wheel building. Each vendor offers a variety of options to choose from. Hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors are also often out during special events like Art Walk downtown.
These are the vendors currently rotating in the space and their menus:
Sweet Home Argentina
Alfajores de Maicena – delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies joined by a creamy dulce de leche filling.
Alfajor de chocolate – imagine those cookies, but dipped in creamy chocolate!.Chipa – small, savory baked cheese rolls made with cassava (tapioca). Gluten Free (GF)
Choripa – grilled, seasoned pork sausage wrapped in soft chipa bread, and chimichurri sauce on top for relish. (GF)
MCBO House (Venezuelan)
Tequenos – a popular Venezuelan snack made of white cheese wrapped in a pastry, deep fried until golden brown.
Empanadas – baked or fried pastry turnover with savory or sweet filling.
Patacon Zuliano – thick, twice-fried plantain slices served as a crispy, savory sandwich base filled with meat, cheese, and/or vegetables.
Vitamin T (Mexican)
Tacos – homemade, authentic, traditional tacos with various options for meat!
Tostadas – flat, toasted, or deep-fried corn tortillas that serve as a flat base for various savory toppings.
Tamales – masa (corn dough) filled with meat or vegetables and wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf, and steamed to perfection. (GF)
Pupusa Veronica (El Salvadorian)
Pupusa – thick, griddle-cooked flatbreads made with corn masa or rice flour, stuffed with ingredients like cheese and beans, and served with curtido, a simple cabbage slaw. (GF)
L&M Helados (Mexican)
Helados – Ice cream! Who doesn’t want a scoop of all-natural ice cream on a sunny afternoon downtown?
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