Since operating under new ownership six months ago, Market on Main has taken a shift in focus, but continues to feature all things local and Appalachia.
“We’ve kind of flipped the footprint of the store,” said Co-Owner Lily Kunning. “The smaller portion that used to be the farmers market is now our artisan store the bigger side is being filled out with grocery, supporting local farmers, not the typical offerings of a grocery store.”
Market on Main is building on three tiers, Kunning said.
“Everything sourced from Harrison County and anywhere that touches it is the first tier, followed by the state of West Virginia and all of Appalachia is the third tier,” she said.
There are a variety of featured artisans.
“We have crochet, pottery, quilts and artwork of local artists – wall art, as well as t-shirts, aprons, mugs and other things,” Kunning said. “We have herbal products and body care items, as well as dog treats made from local farm products. There are also candles, plants and air plants.”
In addition to the farmers market local grocery, Market on Main is revamping the kitchen to expand unique offerings.
“We received funding to buy some new equipment to build up the business,” she said. “Among projects is a soda fountain we are building. We will be crafting sodas from scratch with our own syrups, which goes along nicely with our ice cream.”
Hand-dipped Millie’s Ice Cream is now being served year-round.
The kitchen is also being utilized to wholesale food items – including cookies, muffins, pepperoni rolls, Sicilian pizza and other baked goods.
The in-house professional chef also crafts salads, sandwiches and even mezze plates with farfalla and homemade hummus, all available for retail purchase on the spot.
Bringing all resources together for the good of the community also includes various classes offered at Market on Main.
An herbalist, Kunning teaches herbal classes and DIY body care. Crochet, water color, plants, autumn space beverages, and cookies are also the focus of classes and workshops. The business also hosts monthly book club and Stitch n’ Bitch events.
“If you’re doing any kind of handicraft – crochet, knitting, sewing, quilting or cross stitch, etc., some hang out with others working on their own projects,” Kunning said.
Offering yarns, records, and books respectively, the Yarnery, Roundabout Records and Woodward Books are all located inside Market on Main. Coming soon to the upper floor are the Bump and Beyond maternity shop and Catchoo tatoo parlor.
Market on Main will host a Trunk or Treat 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31 at the parking lot behind the building. The store is also hosting a Halloween Costume Drive.
“Bring in new and/or used costumes and we will later host a free store when kids can come in, try on costumes and take one for free,” Kunning said.
The drive is open through Oct. 20. Between Oct. 21-31, the store will welcome kids who wish to pick out free costumes.
Market on Main is located at 103 West Main Street, Bridgeport.
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