The Pelham Market has become a go-to spot for families and friends to spend their Sunday mornings. On Harmon Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., about 30 vendors offer flavors and dishes from different cultures, fresh produce grown locally and handmade household goods.
“The market was started during Covid as a way to bring the community together,” said Kabir Motwani, the on-site manager. “The market began in the fall of 2020 through Jane Sweeney and Amy Cole. After the seasons in 2020 and 2021, the pair contacted Morning Glory Markets, run by Pascale Le Draoulec, who operates markets in Hastings-on-Hudson, Bronxville and other towns. Draoulec decided to take on the Pelham Market with the help of Cole and Sweeney.”
Here’s a rundown of some of the vendors that were at the market on a recent weekend:
“My father and I started beekeeping when I was 12 years old. My dad was always an adventurous person, and we took beekeeping classes together,” said Alaura Flynn, co-owner of Boogie Down Bronx Honey. “That same year, we got our first hive, and I told my dad we should create a business. We started making labels and created the name Boogie Down Bronx Honey and looking into farmers markets to sell, which is how we ended up in Pelham.”
Flynn said that she loves the environment and sense of community at the Pelham Market.
Before launching Manor Sangria, Bo Dibuono started by selling sangrias to his friends and family. Aleksandra Caruso, who assists at the storefront, said, “During Covid, Dibuono decided to store the sangrias in jars and decided to participate in the Pelham Market.”
Pelham Market has allowed Manor Sangria to expand its business, Caruso said. “When we first opened here in Pelham, our market was very small. Over time, we were able to create different flavors, and we love the people here.”
Toward the back of the market is Empabake Empanadas, a stand that offers empanadas and other Latin American foods. “I love the environment in Pelham,” said Midi Caicedo, an assistant at Empabake. “It’s busy, it’s very friendly, and I enjoy coming here.”
Caicedo’s favorite dish on Empabake’s menu is the ropa vieja empanada with shredded beef and plantains.
Some booths at the market provide household products made by hand. Jill Staffin, a former teacher in Pelham and owner of the Copper Faucet Soap Company, said her business started as a hobby. “My daughter and I started this business in 2015 in our kitchen as a fun hobby, which turned into a full-fledged, female-ran business,” she said.
Staffin said the company was invited to join the Pelham Market: “Morning Glory reached out to us asking if we wanted to participate, which we gladly said yes to.”
Gaelle Lopez, founder and owner of Gaelle’s French Pastries, started her baking business in September 2019. “I couldn’t find French pastries like the ones I grew up with, so I returned to France to be certified in French pastries, and I started my business from there,” she said.
Her favorite pastry from her delicious assortment is the canelé, a caramelized rum-flavored cake.
Daniel Berroa Jr. began Taiguey Coffee in 2020. “I’ve always had a passion for coffee and serving people,” Berroa said. “I used to work in a different market for a friend before. Eventually, I was made aware that Morning Glory had an opening for coffee, and I was lucky to get accepted.”
Berroa’s favorite is the New Orleans coffee, a Brazilian dark roast.
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