People’s Stories Audio (3 min 35 sec)

While nearly a million people visit the Market annually, many spent entire childhoods behind the stalls. West Side Market was a place for young people to learn how to interact with others, find belonging, and even begin their love stories.

Passed down through generations

Family is a word that cannot be detached from the Market. A majority of the vendors have passed down knowledge, skills, relationships with the regular shoppers, and the storefront responsibilities to their families, both assigned and chosen. Whether being a cooler kid butchering meat in the basement or continuing the family legacy for decades, each vendor has a life story that is unique to them.

The Market became the classroom. Many were educated at the ‘West Side Market University.’ Some say that they never had to listen to the news, because they would get it firsthand from the customers. Nevertheless, parents had to decide if they wanted their kids to go on to higher education or to further advance their Market education, and subsequently their family legacy. 

Because obtaining or operating a stall is not an easy job, (the vendors will probably agree if you ask them,) many merchants had to make tough decisions. In the end, the Market’s irresistable charm brought numerous kids and trainees back home.

After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 passed, the market expanded its vendor demographic to many entrepreneurs from the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Then, in 1990, the Market welcomed its first African American vendor, Charles Motley’s bakery. Unfortunately, the bakery did not last long, and no Black business owners have taken its place.

While African American workers and staff are present at the Market, our goal is to equitably represent the Cleveland population, and not only acknowledge, but move on from the Eurocentric history that the Market holds. We see the transition as an opportunity to move towards a time when everybody from every background, including race, gender, ability, age, beliefs, and class, can feel at home at West Side Market.

Romance at the Market?

Coffee isn’t the only thing brewing at the Market. It’s a tried-and-true date spot and a great venue for all the stages of your relationship; from love-at-first-sight to wedding celebrations. It’s also a great place to show your love to other ones through flowers and sweets on special occasions or doing grocery shopping for them.