It's best-known for the massive crowds it attracts during the Easter season, but the Broadway Market continues to attract customers throughout the year. The city-owned facility has evolved throughout its history, reflecting Buffalo's changing cultural landscape.As the city enjoys a surge in residential demand, some Market vendors report an uptick in business. Marge Hawkins can review a long history at the Market. She says she worked there for twenty years before opening Marge’s Soul Food three years ago.
"New faces. I see more everyday."
Adam Cichocki shares a similar sentiment. His family's business, Camellia Meats, has been in business on Genesee Street for nearly a century. They opened their Broadway Market location in 2006.
"I have started seeing some growth but I think it's going to be a few more years before we really see a substantial increase," Cichocki said.
"I think this area, the Broadway-Fillmore area, it's probably been neglected more than other areas in Buffalo that we've seen a lot of increase (in business) like the west side."
The many plans floated for the redevelopment of the nearby Central Terminal, he believes, could be a boost to the neighborhood.
"There's a lot of opportunity in this area. It's nice to have the Broadway Market here as well."
As the market manager, it's Kathy Peterson's job to keep business flowing at the Market. A farmers market on Saturdays draws new shoppers, she says. A new commercial kitchen opening soon at the Market could bring new business. The Market's Rooftop Garden offers neighbors a chance to grow their own vegetables and serves as a community center.
"Our neighborhood and our neighbors throughout the area are our number one supporters. Of course, that swells at Easter when our ...good friends come back," said Peterson.
She's been approached recently by restaurateurs exploring the possibility of opening businesses at the Market. One was focused on Filipino food, the other had an interest in Mexican fare.
For the second straight year, Slow Roll Buffalo is coming to the Broadway Market. On September 24th Market restaurants will stay open beyond their normal closing times as hundreds of cyclists make their way through the neighborhood.
