The Tokyo metro government’s efforts to bring new life to the city’s green spaces are starting to bear fruit: the first privately run restaurant to open inside a Metropolitan park was announced late last week, with the organic veg-focused Mr Farmer beating out fierce competition for the right to set up shop on the west edge of Setagaya’s Komazawa Olympic Park in spring 2017.
Trumpeting a new form of cooperation with private businesses, the city opened a contest for restaurant and café operators in May this year, inviting them to submit plans for an eatery worthy of representing the 1964 Olympic park. The promise of a prime location and access to the masses of students, sporty types and moneyed Setagaya locals frequenting the well-loved oasis attracted a total of 18 applicants, with Create Restaurants Holdings, the Shinagawa-based firm behind Mr Farmer, eventually coming out on top.
Pledging to serve up voluminous, protein-rich salads, soups and sandwiches to please the health-conscious crowd, the restaurant will also feature a spacious terrace and wi-fi connectivity, and will even serve as a temporary evacuation centre in the case of a major earthquake or other disaster. We’re also happy to note that the planned opening hours are from 7am to 9pm – figure-friendly morning treats, anyone?
Can’t wait for this new public-private poster child of a restaurant to open? Check out what’s in store by paying a visit to Mr Farmer’s original location in Omotesando.