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| - Let's just get a few things out of the way. First, Ferry Building or Pike's Public Market this is not, just like Charlotte does not equal San Francisco or Seattle. So get it out of your head that it will be on that level. I wish that we could combine all the farmers markets in the city and put them all together, but at this point they're so fragmented and self sustaining, I doubt they will shut down, even for slightly subsidized rent from the City. So given that things will grow organically over time, I think this is a great start. I can't wait to watch it grow.
Some best-in-class creative operators like Not Just Coffee, Bar Chocolate, Pure Pizza and Meat & Fish Market as well as a cheese counter that serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches make this place a winner. I was surprised by how many people were just hanging out in the middle of the day eating and drinking (even champagne!) on their laptops. Definitely La Dolce Vita and a great haven for foodies! The service I received from all of the vendors was excellent, especially the Meat/Fish Market who had lobsters larger than you've ever seen in the Queen City. I will definitely continue to buy seafood from them in the future - the Norwegian salmon was amazing.
It gets a little extra credit for being on the rail line and offering free parking to patrons. It gets some docked because I wish there was more produce, but I guess if the volume isn't there, they have to select things that will last.
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