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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Yesterday, I told of Salt Lakeís Emigration Park area, located in and around the intersection of 13th South and 17th East, and the landmark Emigration Market that faced closing four years ago.
For some 60 years, the market had become a shopping tradition. But by the late 1990s, the owner was looking to sell.
Still, the Emigration Market had a faithful following of people who appreciated its charm. Among them were JT and Kimberly Martin, who had recently moved to the area. They often passed the market while traveling along 13th South. The Martins liked what it offered and the history behind it. When they learned it might possibly close, they decided to make it their business. In 1998, JT and Kimberly bought the market.
The Martins spent a year renovating the store, replacing fixtures and expanding the space. They added an eating area on the north side and brought back the storeís butcher shop, hiring three full-time butchers. They stocked the store with a wide range of groceriesóeverything anyone would ever need from dill pickles to diapersóand brought in specialty foods like European cheeses and artisan breads made fresh locally. And as a modern touch, they added delicious take-home, family-style meals prepared daily.
Today, Emigration Market is once again a gathering place. Many people stop in daily to buy groceries, enjoy lunch or pick up something for dinner. And the customers arenít just area residents. People from around the Salt Lake Valley are going there for the storeís unique items.
Many businesses now neighbor the marketóJolleyís Corner Pharmacy, Finnish Touch Day Spa and the Dodo Restaurant, to name a few. Recent road construction has almost finished on 13th South from 17th East to Foothill Blvd. To celebrate, neighborhood merchants are planning a street party tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Youíll want to join in for great food and chances to win exciting prizes including airplane tickets for two.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
