Gone to Market

One of those must-see Downtown attractions, the Grand Central Market, continues to experience the pains of change, reports the Downtown News.

The focus of the market continues to move away from the traditional groceries (fresh produce, etc.) as more eateries -- and even a 99 Cents store -- move in.

Writes the paper: As more people stream into Downtown, Grand Central Market struggles to balance the needs and tastes of the growing residential population with 87 years of tradition. While the market's owners welcome the renewed interest and flurry of leasing activity, some longtime vendors say the landmark's ethnic flavor is slipping away in favor of a more commercial approach.

The Yellin Company, which owns and manages Grand Central Market at Hill and Third streets, is actively recruiting tenants with broader appeal. In the past three months, more than half a dozen new businesses, including a 4,000-square-foot dollar-style store, have signed leases.

A disturbing development to some longtime business owners is the sharp increase in food vendors. Among the new arrivals are a tortilla maker, a Mongolian barbecue, a Middle Eastern pastry shop, a Hawaiian barbecue and a Japanese noodle stall.

The trend has created tension among food vendors, who say the increased competition is causing dwindling profits.

Still, complaints aside, I appreciate the "international food court" appeal of an afternoon at the Grand Central Market. Joseph at Joyrides Without Maps gives you a primer here on how to do the Market with just 20 minutes on the meter.