Reading Terminal Market renovation complete, vendor shifts continue

Since I last reported on Reading Terminal Market’s $3.6 million renovation project and major vendor shifts back in February, so much has happened that it was time to check back in. The overhaul of the market’s eastern edge, designed by Friday Architects/Planners, was completed this summer, and the great stall shuffle of 2011-2012 continues. Here’s an update:

  • The Rick Nichols Room opened next to the new La Cucina demonstration kitchen in June with a display detailing the landmark market’s rich 120-year history. The Rick Nichols Room and La Cucina spaces can be combined – thanks to a garage-like door divider- providing Reading Terminal with a new, flexible special event options.
The new Rick Nichols Room before the lunchtime rush.
(The new Rick Nichols Room before the lunchtime rush.)

  • Flying Monkey Bakery moved into Spataro’s former space in March, and Flying Monkey’s former stall was removed to add more  seating.
The city installed a bike corral outside of Reading Terminal Market on Filbert Street in 2012.
The city installed a bike corral outside of Reading Terminal  Market on Filbert Street in 2012.

  • In September two new vendors joined the market’s diverse mix. After the Spice Terminal opted not to renew its lease, market shoppers were left without a dedicated bulk spice and dry goods store for a few months. As promised, market management went hunting for a replacement and recruited The Head Nut – an Ardmore-based purveyor of spices, nuts, candy, coffee and tea – to fill the void. The Tubby Olive also opened up in a lovely stall near Molly Malloy’s selling olive oils and vinegars on tap. (And, yes, you can taste everything.)
The Head Nut brought bulk spice and dry goods back to the market this month.
(The Head Nut brought bulk spice and dry goods back to the market this month.)

  • Stay tuned for two new vendors set to open this fall: Wursthaus Schmitz, a German food stand by the owners of  South Street’s Brauhaus Schmitz, and cheesemonger Valley Shepherd Creamery, both of which are currently under construction.

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