The St. Paul Farmers Market has officially opened a new indoor, year-round location in the city's Lowertown neighborhood. Situated in the former Black Dog Cafe space, the expansion aims to provide vendors with a consistent sales environment and offer customers a temperature-controlled shopping experience, while also contributing to the area's economic revitalization.
The new facility at 308 Prince Street includes a commercial kitchen available for vendors to rent, creating new opportunities for local food producers to expand their product lines and businesses.
Key Takeaways
- The St. Paul Farmers Market has launched a new indoor market in Lowertown.
- The location provides a year-round, climate-controlled space for vendors and shoppers.
- A commercial kitchen is available for rent, allowing producers to create value-added products on-site.
- Organizers hope the market will help revitalize the Lowertown neighborhood, which has seen a decline in foot traffic.
A New Chapter for Local Producers
For years, vendors at the St. Paul Farmers Market have faced the challenges of Minnesota's harsh weather. The new indoor space offers a significant change, protecting both sellers and buyers from extreme cold in the winter and heat in the summer.
This move provides a stable environment for small businesses that depend on the market for their livelihood. Previously, the selling season was limited by the weather, forcing many to find alternative income streams during the off-season.
"I’ve been out there for the past three years in subzero temperatures making tacos with my bare hands," said Roberto Galvan, co-owner of Galvan Foods & Tortilleria. "This is an opportunity not only for customers to be comfortable, but also to expand the market."
The stability of an indoor location allows growers and food makers to plan their business operations more effectively throughout the year. It also ensures customers have consistent access to local produce and goods, regardless of the season.
Expanding Opportunities with a Commercial Kitchen
A central feature of the new indoor market is its large commercial kitchen. This facility is a critical asset for vendors, who can now rent the space to prepare food and create new products on-site.
Jim Golden, the market’s executive director, explained the importance of this addition. "It’s tough to make it in farming," he said. "What the indoor market does is it allows the opportunity for growers to have access to customers, and a kitchen, and a place to sell themselves."
A Second Attempt at an Indoor Market
This is not the first time the market has operated an indoor location. A previous version was held in the Market House building but was discontinued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers are applying lessons from that experience to ensure the new space has long-term success.
For businesses like Galvan Foods, the kitchen is already proving transformative. Galvan is using the space to expand his menu beyond tacos and tortillas to include seasonal items like tamales and burritos. According to Golden, Galvan Foods will be a permanent fixture, serving food whenever the indoor market is open.
This on-site production capability allows farmers to turn their raw produce into higher-value products like sauces, jams, and prepared meals, opening up new revenue streams.
A Catalyst for Lowertown Revitalization
The new indoor market is viewed by many as a potential catalyst for the economic revival of Lowertown. Like many downtown areas across the country, the neighborhood has struggled with reduced foot traffic and business closures in recent years.
By drawing a steady stream of customers, organizers and local business owners believe the market can bring new energy to the area.
Market Operations
- Location: 308 Prince St., St. Paul (Former Black Dog Cafe)
- Current Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
- Future Goal: Organizers hope to be open seven days a week by spring.
"Great things have to start from somewhere," Galvan said. "Lowertown is going to build up from this expansion, too."
David Heschke, the market manager, sees potential for the space beyond weekend shopping. He suggested it could be used for community meetings or special food pop-up events in the future, further integrating it into the neighborhood's social fabric.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Logistics
While the opening marks a significant milestone, organizers are still finalizing some operational details. The indoor space is not large enough to accommodate every vendor from the outdoor market, so the management team is developing a system to determine which businesses will be located inside.
The market is also actively seeking a coffee vendor to operate daily alongside Galvan Foods, creating a morning destination for residents and workers.
Despite the logistical challenges, the core mission remains focused on supporting local food producers. "We’re going to put all of our time, effort and energy into making the food really good," Golden stated, "and making a good spot for growers."
The expansion represents a long-term investment in the region's local food system and a hopeful step forward for the Lowertown community.