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FeedMarket Shift
Big changes hit city’s indie food hub
One of many recent North Market changes: The space vacated by Clever Crow will become a larger home for next-door neighbor Brezel.
Tessa Berg Photo
North Market lost one of its most recognizable faces with the January retirement of 12-year executive director David Wible.
His announcement coincides with the departure of several vendors as well as an already-in-the-works summit to determine a vision for how the market should adapt to changes including an influx of Downtown dwellers and a proliferation of specialty and farmers markets. That perfect storm could usher in some noticeable changes for a public market that’s been relatively stable for years.
Wible helped establish the market as a city landmark and destination for foodies. Under his leadership, it cultivated a customer base that’s just as heavy on Downtown residents and workers as it is on out-of-state visitors lured from the convention center.
“I think we’re at the top of the mental shopping list for fun and interesting and cool things in Columbus,” says Wible, who plans to spend more time with his family following a few health scares over the past year.
The market’s staff—including director of operations Peggy Outcalt, director of marketing Mary Martineau and office manager Amy Summers—is running the market while a search committee takes on the daunting task of hiring a new executive director.
Matthew Hall, president of the North Market Board, said the board hopes to have a new director in place by May.
A top concern is positioning the North Market to stay competitive in a changing retail scene. Hills Market is set to open a Downtown location just a mile from North Market this spring, and many Columbus neighborhoods host farmers markets.
“We’ll need to look at more fresh produce, more prepared foods for the folks who live Downtown,” Hall says.
The director acts as a liaison between merchants, board members and the community. The position also oversees daily operations of the market—from leasing and general upkeep to organizing fundraising festivals, including the annual Apron Gala.
“It’s a very tough position,” says Marty McGreevy, whose Market Blooms opened in 1990, when merchants worked in a nearby Quonset hut. “You’re in charge, supposedly, of 35 people who think they’re in charge. The new director really has to be kind of a symphony director.”
Brittany Baum, owner of Brezel pretzels, joined the North Market board this year as one of two merchant representatives. Baum would like to see the market grow within its footprint, including looking at ways to better use the market’s second floor.
“When you’re not getting as many merchants in and out, it’s hard to continue to evolve,” Baum says.
Whether merchant turnover is a good thing depends on who you ask. Open spaces mean opportunities for new businesses to come in, of course, and departing businesses often go on to bigger and better things. Brezel will move into the space vacated in December by Clever Crow. North Market Spices doubled its existing space by moving into the stall that once held Candy Shack. And a booth left vacant by Mozart’s has remained empty, filled temporarily with tables and chairs.
“A little turnover is good for everyone, it brings diversification, and it’s always healthy to have something new,” says Rodney Wasserstrom, whose company runs The Source by Wasserstrom at North Market. “On the other hand, the market itself enjoys repetitive customers, and repetitive customers come there to see particular vendors they have been shopping with for many years.”
