MKTplace at Goombay Plaza set to open in the fall

We wrote about the new MKTplace market coming to Grand Avenue and Douglas Road, back in May and and the project is about to move ahead.

The market, on the grassy area on that corner, will consist of community-driven food items and be a public space for local entrepreneurs and creative people.

This is exciting. It reminds me of Food Truck Friday and the Saturday green market combined. 

A group of 20 old Grove families owns that corner and they have never wanted to sell the lot, it's a throwback to their roots and they want to hold on to that. Their group is called GUTS (Grovites United to Survive).

They leased the land to the University of Miami and from that will come MKTplace at Goombay Plaza. This will start in the fall. Originally they had planned to open three days a week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but they may start with one day first, on Fridays or Saturdays. It has not been decided yet.

Nick Bernal of Seasons Farm Fresh is the market manager, subcontracted by UM. He is curating the market and working with the design/build team to bring the concept to reality.

"We just got our permit from the City, so groundbreaking and site clearing should happen in the next two weeks. I'm hoping if everything  goes well we can have our first pop up market there on September 2. After that, containers can go on the site and grand opening should be in mid to late October, right as it starts to cool off," said Nick.

The September 2 market will have temporary structures to introduce the market to the community from 3 to 11 pm. 

There are spots for six permanent vendors in 200 square foot converted shipping containers (five and a full bar), as well as 8-10 temporary vendors in small, kiosk-type installations. 

Nick says, "Our team is looking for local food vendors that have a unique concept to fit in the market. A nice mix of BBQ, Poke bowls, paletas/ice cream, boutique  coffee, fresh fruit juices, Bahamian food, Latin fusion, and many more is what we want to embody the past, present, and future of Miami cuisine."

The pop-up market is exactly what is needed on that corner to revive activity and bring people and money. You can shop, hang out with friends, have a coffee. The public space will be something special.

"We are in the process of getting a band and other activities for the  community. This is a food market, so come hungry and expect to leave stuffed," says Nick.

There will be wifi and restrooms; all the comforts of home.

When we ran the story a few months ago, we received so many emails from people wanting in as vendors. Now you can apply online here. August 17 is the deadline.