WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Developers in Worcester will unveil a new retail space to the public next week—a project several years in the making, opening its doors not far from the future location of Polar Park.
Worcester Public Market is set to hold its grand opening next Thursday, February 6 at 5 p.m.
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On Friday, WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe got a tour of the facility, and spoke to several business owners renting space inside.
Developer Alan Fletcher compares the Worcester Public Market to a smaller version of the Boston Public Market at Faneuil Hall.
"I just like the hustle and bustle and human interchange of a marketplace," he said. "To me, it's the essence of civilization."
Tina Zlody, Director of The Market Pantry, said her store features locally-made items and focuses on hosting goods from "small businesses, women-owned businesses, immigrant-run businesses."
"We have Martha's Vineyard sea salt, Duxbury sea salt," she said. "We have TeaQuinox, which is made right in Worcester, Nutty Bar Granola made in Worcester."
Venice Fouchard runs One Love Cafe, featuring jerk chicken and Jamaican flatbreads.
"I am so excited to have all the other choices around," she said. "It's a nice eclectic mix, mixed with arts, handcrafts, cheeses, and beer. It is awesome."
Bill Laudon, owner of leather and handmade goods company Alan James Co., said he's wanted to change his hobby into a full-time business for some time, but after his little brother died from a drug addiction last year, he decided it was time to go for it.
"I wanted to create something bigger than just going to work, punching the clock," he said. "When he passed away, ultimately I realized life is short. I didn't really want to spend another second wondering what if."
WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports
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