Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Cory Duran hated the way he closed the original People’s Market. Now, the beloved café gets a redo.
“We let the people down,” he says of the 2020 closure. “We needed to give this one more shot.”
What’s happening: The all-day café and community hub will relaunch in the former Earl’s Grocery on Elizabeth Avenue, and Duran is aiming for a late July or early August opening.
- He’s just waiting to be fully staffed; the space is all ready.
Why it matters: The Charlotte native has been determined to bring back the “magic” of the original People’s Market since the day it closed. Duran says it was a place where the staff knew customer’s names, where first dates turned into “I dos,” and where ideas became business ventures.
[Related Axios story: People’s Market’s long road to reopen]
Cory Duran in the new People’s Market space. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
What to expect: The 8,000-square-foot space is slightly smaller than the original, but has much of the same vibe with bright yellow chairs and wide open space for conversation or getting some work done.
- At the front, glass-paned garage doors will swing open on nice days.
- At the rear of the café is a conference room that guests can rent out.
- Charlotte-based artist Mike Wirth painted the murals in the space.
Menu: People’s Market will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner — plus, it’ll have a full bar, a bakery and coffee shop on-site.
- The menu will include artisans sandwiches, pizza, burgers, pastries and plenty of vegan options.
Hours: It’ll be open from 7am-9pm daily, but close a little early on Sunday.
Location: The new People’s Market is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. near the Visulite Theatre and Viva Chicken.
Here’s a look around:
A cocktail called “People’s Punch” with lemonade and whiskey. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
The Elizabeth mural by Mike Wirth was done in the style of the TV show “Friends.” Photo: Emma Way/Axios
The new People’s Market will also have a pizza menu. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
This conference can be rented out. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Editor’s note: This story was last updated with new information and photos on July 21, 2022.
