Farmers’ market in Chestnut Hill nearing completion

Work on the Market at the Fareway, formerly known as the Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market, is nearing completion. Come September, the market will be home to three additional vendors. Three spaces remain vacant.

 

Existing vendors Tokyo Sushi and and Neidermyers Chicken are moving into new, more prominent spaces within the market.

“This is a huge step forward for us for the interior of the market,” said Eileen Reilly, the retail recruiter in charge of the project. She hopes to have the market at full capacity by early 2014.

According to Reilly, much of the work that remains is on the exterior of the market, including a redo of the facade of the building. A fire pit, two water displays and manicured flower and plant landscaping are also being installed. 

The new vendors include a location of Flourtown’s Cheese Trap, an express version of Mt. Airy’s Bacio Italian restaurant that will make fresh pasta on site, and a third food spot that Reilly would only confirm is a “Northwest Philadelphia food vendor with multiple existing locations.”

Green Soul, a fast-casual restaurant with a location in West Oak Lane, is set to open their second location adjacent to the market in September. The restaurant, owned by Robert and Ben Bynum, will move into the space that was previously occupied by Jonathan Best Gourmet Grocer before the food shop closed in March.

“We are looking for vendors that can add to Chestnut Hill,” said Abby Pete, co-owner of the market along with her husband, Ron Pete.

The duo also own the nearby Chestnut Hill Hotel, where another new restaurant, dubbed Paris Bistro for owner and local restaurateur Al Paris, will be opening in the fall.

Work on the 7,000 square-foot Market at the Fareway began in November 2012 in part to respond to other developments on Germantown Avenue, including the planned Fresh Market at the former Magarity Ford dealership across the street, where work is set to begin within a month. 

“We want it to be a meeting place. A place where people can come get food, sit outside and enjoy the area,” said Pete. 

“As a Chestnut Hill resident, I’m glad I will get to enjoy [the market] when it is done,” said Reilly, adding that she looks forward to special events, such as weddings, being held in the space.