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The market upped the diversity of its business owners dramatically , increasing its Black-owned businesses from just two to nearly half . Female-owned businesses make up about half of the new vendors .
“ Being able to sign onto Lexington Market is an opportunity to be a part of a cornerstone in this city that ’ s been a part of Baltimore ’ s long history ,” says Black Acres Roastery founder Travis Bell . “ What makes our business unique is our desire to make connections and give access to all to have great-tasting coffee . Being Black-owned in Baltimore means a lot as far as connecting with the Black communities that live throughout the city .”
One legacy vendor navigating the transition to the new Lexington Market is Cho ’ s Sea Garden , which the Cho family has operated at the market since 1988 . These days , the seafood shop is run by daughter Arra Cho , who last year also took ownership of neighboring business Krause ’ s Lite Fare ,
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We knew if the Market was to succeed , it needed to be created by the collective conscience of Baltimore City .” – Jon Constable , Development Manager , Seawall Development
known for its hearty roasted turkey . For the new market , both businesses modernized their behind-the-scenes operations while also increasing menu offerings — think prepared meals at Cho ’ s , made from the vendor ’ s fresh ingredients and ready to cook at home , and additional dishes at Krause ’ s , including three new side options , plus roast beef and baked ham off the bone .
While the menu and logistics may be getting upgrades , it was crucial to Cho that the backbone of the business remain consistent . “ The name Cho ’ s Sea Garden is known in
Clockwise above from top left : Faidley ' s Seafood , Taharka Brothers Ice Cream , Black Acres Roastery co-owner Matt Nierenberg ( on left ) and founder Travis Bell .
BALTIMORE . ORG
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