In the midst of the midsummer heat, eager swimmers from Skellefteå gather at Falkträskbadet. Soon, they will be able to purchase simpler meals here.
Sunbathers bask on the grassy slope leading down to the jetty at Falkträskbadet, soaking up the early summer warmth. But for Devrim Oktay of Pizzeria Viking, it's not a day for leisure. He's stationed here with a specific mission – awaiting a shipping container.
– We're expanding! Devrim announces.
– We'll be opening a new grill right here, offering hamburgers, fries, fresh salads, drinks, and ice cream. Maybe even some pizza by the slice.
It's Pizzeria Viking venturing into new territory with this grill. The initiative came from Devrim's father, Salih Oktay, who reached out to the leisure committee to take over operations at Falkträsket.
– We're hoping to offer more food options, Salih Oktay admits.
– But space in the container is tight. We're doing our best!" A hearty laugh escapes him. "Challenges are what keep things interesting."
Oktay has grand ambitions for his venture at Falkträskbadet.
– Any profits we make will go directly towards supporting young athletes, he explains.
– It's a cause I'm incredibly passionate about. For the past 20 years, my pizzeria has been helping out local sports clubs and their members, especially those struggling to pay membership fees or buy equipment.
Devrim and Salih Oktay at the pizzeria Viking. "I like challenges," says Salih Oktay about fitting as much as possible into the small container.
Mikael Wiklund, representing Skellefteå Municipality's leisure department, is also on-site at Falkträskbadet. The previous kiosk selling refreshments at the beach had become a target for break-ins, prompting a search for a more secure solution.
– We closed the kiosk and opted for a container instead, Wiklund explains.
– This approach has thankfully deterred any further break-in attempts.
Pizzeria Viking is aiming for a swift opening, serving beachgoers as early as next week. They anticipate being fully operational by June 6.
– My sister, Melissa, will be running the show, Devrim says.
– She's a first-year high school student but already shows a real entrepreneurial spirit.
Soon, a summer café will open at Falkträsket – in a blue shipping container. Devrim Oktay from Pizzeria Viking was on-site to see when the container was put in place on Wednesday.
Anticipation hangs heavy in the air as a truck rumbles into view, hauling a bright blue shipping container. The tractor carefully lifts it from the truck bed and deposits it with precision next to the parking lot. Devrim watches, excitement radiating from him.
– It's a thrilling moment, he admits.
– We're hoping for a sun-soaked summer, bustling with children and adults enjoying the beach. That would be fantastic!
The news of the new grill has already generated positive buzz.
– We've received a lot of enthusiastic responses, Salih says, a smile gracing his face.
– It's incredibly rewarding.