The news hit me hard… I was reading through my Google+ page late Friday night and saw a link posted by my friend Edward Jensen that said, “The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is closing.” My first thought was that this was a mistake, maybe a bad joke. Was it April Fools Day? I clicked the link and read the article in disbelief. From there, I went to Facebook and found more information and more confirmation that the Market is indeed closing its doors May 12th.
Within hours of the news, there has been an outpouring of love for this downtown gem. The new “Save Downtown Phoenix Public Market” Facebook page already has people looking for answers and looking for ways to save the market. Natalie Morris from the Market left the following comment:
“Hi guys- its Natalie Morris from the market. Everything is true- the Urban Grocery is indeed closing its doors on Saturday May 12th at 5pm. The outdoor market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights is still going strong and will remain open ALONG WITH ROYAL AT THE MARKET inside. Community Food Connections, the non-profit we operate under, will also continue to remain strong and aid in our community.
I would like to say to the community that the grocery has been a wonderful place to work. I have met so many people, created so many new relationships and established so many, many friendships.
I love the idea of this page- please, if you have ANY way of supporting the market whether via direct funding, crowd sourcing or whatever- we absolutely welcome them. Our staff, our dedicated fans and the entire community would appreciate it and all would benefit.
In the meantime, please remember to support the outdoor market and Royal Coffee. And, more than that, always always always support local through food and small businesses. It cannot be said and practiced enough.
Thank you again…”
A couple of years ago, Verde closed its doors after a short time in business, many remember that well. It sucked, it hurt and it brought about many questions about the entire area. As bad as losing a few downtown places has been, there have been some great spots open up and many are doing fine. The loss of the market seems to be different than a restaurant or place of business. While the Market IS a restaurant and a business, the Market really does mean a lot to loyal followers and to fans of the entire downtown Phoenix area.
More Than Food – A Symbol:
Doors to the Market are scheduled to close on May 12th at 6PM. People are wondering what went wrong, what they can do, how they can help, how they can Save The Market.
The chicken and the egg discussions continue. Everyone I’ve ever talked to about the Market loves it. They love the idea, they love the “local” flavor and many people know that Cindy Jensen and Natalie Morris have put countless hours along with their blood, sweat and tears into the Downtown Phoenix Public Market. Unfortunately, there may not be enough people in the area to support the cost of operating the Market.
Please note! The Wednesday and Saturday outdoor markets will continue and the super-awesome Royal at the Market coffee bar will still be open!
It is Saturday and I hope to see a BUNCH of people at the Market this morning. Please join me and a bunch of cool people to celebrate this community treasure.
We don’t yet know what is next, but it is time to pay attention.
Sad. Loved shopping there when I lived downtown!
This place is awesome – not happy about this news.
The “chicken-and-the-egg” argument is overplayed. There is LOTS of demand for downtown housing, both condo & apartment, but for a few economic reasons that the City isn’t dealing with well, the supply isn’t coming. There is no chicken and egg: people DO want to be here, and THAT will support the businesses. The sequence is clear.
Actually, I am glad you pointed this out. I probably mis-spoke as I do agree that there is enough demand in the area. Look at how fast 44 Monroe filled, look at how many cool neighborhoods are close by, the number of students etc. There should be PLENTY to keep this place going. The market was packed this am. I guess I have used the chicken / egg thing in the past but that was not a good fit for this post. Thanks!
I really do enjoy going to the market but it seems like some changes need to be made.