Take Columbus' North Market, for example. Len and Jan Dennison's Specialty Pie stand is just one of the market s hundred-plus vendors. During the early 90's, the city of Columbus spent millions to move the North Market from a dilapidated Quonset hut to this stunning, renovated warehouse. Following the lead of markets like Pike Place in Seattle, the North Market has reinvented itself as a hip, destination spot. But the faces at the North Market have changed, too.
More vendors here seem to be trying to appeal to yuppies - selling food that's ready to eat.
Market records do show a clientele that's younger, and more affluent than in the past. Nancy Duncan Porter is the project manager who steered the North Market into its new incarnation. Porter says while vendors have come and gone over the years, she takes pride that the North Market is still a thriving, independent outlet for small local entrepreneurs. The North Market was one of several places Cleveland city officials visited last winter as they worked on plans for the West Side Market. Tony Pinzone, Vice President of the West Side Market Tenant's Association went along on the trip.