We were pretty devastated to hear that the Pittsburgh Public Market was losing their Strip District space at the end of the month, not only because the market has been an incredible incubator for local food products and small restaurants, but also because it’s been a great community space for neighborhood events (including our seasonal food swaps).
But happily, most of the vendors have found new homes in spots scattered throughout the city.
The market’s final day will be Sunday, February 28. As far as the future of the market, general manager Rich Westerfield isn’t terribly optimistic. There are no concrete plans to move the market anywhere right now, so PPM fans only have until the end of the month to enjoy the space.
Until that date, though, the PPM has a number of events planned, including a Pet Care day, a sourdough workshop, and a final Pittsburgh Public Market food truck roundup.
PPM vendor updates:
BullDawgs – The gourmet hot dog and sausage spot will continue rolling their BullDawgs truck around town, with regular Tuesday hours at Coffee Buddha, Thursday hours at EDMC and various locations each weekend. They’ve also announced plans to move to a location on the first floor of North Side’s Nova Place this March, and will be serving lunch and dinner daily.
Gluten Free Goat Bakery – After the market closes, the gluten-free bake shop will continue to do wholesale deliveries, making their products available at locations throughout the city, including Biddles Escape, Commonplace Coffee, Espresso A Manno and Tazza D’oro. They’re also planning a new full-scale gluten-free bakery and vegetarian/vegan café, slated to open in May.
La Palapa Mexican Gourmet – A La Palapa location is open in the South Side at 1925 E. Carson Street, and the Mexican restaurant (known for their crazy delicious tacos), is also operating a trailer daily at 7th and Penn downtown.
Caffe d’Amore – Caffe d’Amore is currently operating out of their new location in Lawrenceville (5400 Butler Street), serving up coffee, tea, and house-made syrups and shrub. They also still operate a coffee catering business, serving corporate and private clients alike.
Lengel Brothers Farm & Market – Lengel Brothers Soup and Bread CSA will continue through May, and they are currently taking orders for summer produce CSA shares.
Ohio City Pasta – The fresh-made pasta emporium will be opening in two new locations after the Pittsburgh Public Market closes. In the second week in March, they’ll be taking over space in Nova Place, in the building next to PNC Bank. Ohio City Pasta will also be staying in the Strip District, and opening a location in the 26th Street Market and Café.
The Pittsburgh Po’Boy – After the market closes, Pittsburgh Po’Boy’s Ben Dougherty’s main focus will be getting the New Orleans-inspired restaurant’s food truck up and running, and is currently fundraising for a new engine (you can donate on Kiva). He says that they’re aiming for an April 1 launch, just in time for spring. In the meantime, he’s booking small private dinner and catering events throughout the city. A permanent brick-and-mortar location could happen, but Doughterty says that it’s at least another year away.
Steve’s Deli – Steve’s Deli will continue to serve up fresh sandwiches, plus drip and iced coffee from former PPM-er Caffe d’Amore, until the market’s closing day. While no plans are currently in place for a new location for the deli, owner Maggie Matela says she and co-owner Ed Hyp are hoping to establish a permanent location in the first floor of their home in Bloomfield by this fall.
The Olive Tap – The gourmet olive oil shop will be opening this spring in the Pennsylvania Building at 102 19th Street.
Warrior King Pastries – The French-inspired small-batch bakery will be re-opening at their flagship location at 114 S. Market Street in Ligonier.
Red Star Kombucha – The only Pennsylvania kombucha producer will be moving to a retail space at 33 Graeme Street downtown, and is set for a March 1 opening.
East End Brewing – East End Brewing will be staying in the Strip District, and opening a new taproom at 102 19th Street, in the Pennsylvania Building. The taproom will feature a bar with 12 drafts, East End bottles, cans and Growlers. Plus? They’re serving food (see below). They’ll continue to serve up drafts at the Public Market until February 28, and are hoping to have the new taproom open sometime in March.
Eliza’s Oven – Eliza’s Oven, the booze-infused bakery, will be teaming up with East End Brewing Company at their new taproom location. Pittsburgh Craft Beer Network’s Breaking Brews broke the news of the matchup, reporting that Eliza’s will be providing a rotating menu of seasonal sandwiches, hand pies, pot pies, pretzels with beer cheese, soups and more.
We’ll keep updating this list as more plans are announced.
Pittsburgh Public Market (2401 Penn Avenue)
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