Public markets and food halls are sprouting up across the country and we’re proud to report that the City of Easton is right on trend. The Easton Public Market (EPM) will open its doors on April 15, offering the Lafayette College Community an exciting new place to shop and dine! A program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), this upscale market will feature an artisanal grocery, intermingled with contemporary dining options, including the valley’s first Asian noodle bar. The market brings the old world charm of a butcher, a baker and fish monger alongside craft beer, wood-fired pizza and Texas smoked BBQ. This is about immersing yourself in the food experience – chocolate simmering, pies baking, and oysters shucked while you wait. And following in the footsteps of Easton’s successful open-air farmers’ market, the EPM will also serve as a vibrant community gathering space, hosting a full slate of culinary events in the demonstration kitchen and local food programs in the community room. The market will offer everything from “Dinner and a Movie” events, to classes and workshops on topics like rolling sushi or raising honey bees.
In the works for more than two years, this ambitious project has been overseen by Jared Mast ’04. Mast also serves as Interim Executive Director for GEDP.
As a graduate of Lafayette College, it’s wonderful to have come back to Easton and be part of the downtown revitalization that has been in the works since I left the hill. And as an organization, the Greater Easton Development Partnership is proud to be part of what might attract prospective students and their parents to Easton and to Lafayette College.
Mast is not the only Pard who has been involved in the project. Peter Todaro ’17 has interned with the Easton Market District for the past year, and has been integrally involved in the development of the Market’s Highmark Farmstand.
Market Director Megan McBride underscored Todaro’s contribution.
Peter’s knowledge of sustainability and local food systems, and his experience and connections from working at LaFarm were invaluable. Thanks to his efforts we’ve been able to provide customers with an array of local produce and groceries unparalleled in the Lehigh Valley.
Now an employee of GEDP, Peter looks forward to getting the Farmstand up and running and continuing to grow Easton’s local food economy.
“It’s more than just grocery items, what the Farmstand offers to consumers is the story of their food, and the sense of place that accompanies knowing where that food comes from” says Todoro.
Combined with the Easton Farmers’ Market (Saturdays in Centre Square) the Easton Public Market will provide an enticing destination for students and parents, as well as the staff and faculty – a place to let your inner foodie run wild!
Location: 325 Northampton Street in downtown Easton (across from Maxim’s 22)
Phone:(610) 330-9942
Web: EastonPublicMarket.com
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Restaurant vendors will remain open until 9 p.m.
Megan McBride
Market District Director
Easton Farmers’ Market – Easton Public Market
(610) 330-9942
megan@eastonpartnership.org