Union Street Market announced three new merchants and revealed the large number of women-owned and minority businesses at the year-round, indoor food market at Electric Works. This announcement brings the total number of Union Street Market merchants to 15.
“In creating Union Street Market, we set out to reflect the growing diversity of Fort Wayne and provide opportunities for independent business owners,” said Ted Spitzer, Union Street Market’s director of planning and development. “With today’s announcement, we are proud to share that 60% of Market businesses are women-owned, a quarter are minority-owned, and every single one is a local, independent entrepreneur.”
The three businesses announced today include:
- Pikoso Burrito Company is a new concept from veteran food entrepreneurs Flora and Samuel Barron, owners of Flora and Lily’s Mexican Kitchen food truck and Kanela Blended Drinks on the Landing. “Over the years, we’ve learned that Fort Wayne residents love both authenticity and creativity, so Pikoso Burrito will feature Mexican ingredients with different twists to make delicious combinations,” said Flora Barron. Creative burrito flavors will include Asian and California-style, Surf and Turf, TexMex, and Mediterranean. Pikoso will also offer Mexican sodas with optional toppers.
- Johnny OX NEO Neapolitan Pizzeria will debut at the Market under the ownership of veteran chef Johnny Bojinoff. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Bojinoff attended the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and worked in West Coast restaurants that innovated with old-world and modern pizza techniques. Upon returning to Fort Wayne, he became executive chef at Old Crown restaurant and was a leading force in establishing the city’s farm-to-fork movement with seasonal, weekly changing menus. “I’m excited to be part of Union Street Market because I will have access to great local ingredients to make incredible pizza toppings, as well as delicious appetizers, salads, vinaigrettes and dressings,” Bojinoff said. “At NEO, customers can buy whole pies or pizza by the slice, including all-vegan pizzas.”
- Honey Plant is opening a second Fort Wayne location at Union Street Market and will offer a wide range of houseplants and cut local flowers when in season. “We started as a pop-up in 2018, moved into our Wells Street store at the end of 2019, and expanded to double the size of our space,” said owner Cassandra Braman. “At the Market, we will feature cactus and succulent arrangements, popular houseplants, and have a seasonal floral bar with flowers from local and other US-based growers.”
Union Street Market is on schedule to open in October 2022. Additional merchant announcements are expected soon but there are still a few spaces available. Food entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit www.unionstreetmarket.org to learn about leasing opportunities.