It’s a year of expansion for the locally-owned eatery that relocated to Elizabeth in 2022, following a closure in Dilworth.

Cory Duran does not give up. After the heartache of shutting down The People’s Market on East Boulevard in 2020, Duran kept his dream alive and reopened the casual eatery in Elizabeth. Its bright yellow chairs and light-filled windows are a fixture along Elizabeth Avenue, next to the Visulite Theatre.

Now, Duran plans to open two more locations in 2024, one in Myers Park and one in Lower South End, offering neighbors another spot to grab a quick coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Myers Park location will be situated in a prominent corner along Selwyn Avenue in the Tranquil Court development. It’s the space Mellow Mushroom occupied for several years.    

The design for the all-day, indoor-outdoor market has an open floor plan and covered patio featuring the same bright yellow accents as the Elizabeth location. It’s expected to open in late summer.

From the heart of Elizabeth to the heart of Myers Park, Duran says he is thrilled to bring The People’s Market to the neighborhood. “Ongoing expansion is part of our business model, and this location closely matches our brand’s mission to be a family-friendly, community gathering place to eat, work, and play.”

For Duran, who always aspired to be an entrepreneur, it’s been a winding journey from opening the first market pre-pandemic. “For us it’s about seeing the vision through. While our time in Dilworth was short, there was so much love and support from our customers. I had to re-focus, move forward, and finish the job that was started. Having the second chance to serve our customers in Elizabeth, and up next in the historic neighborhood of Myers Park is the icing on the cake.”

Known for hearty sandwiches, customers can expect similar deli service, a coffee bar, handmade pastries, craft cocktails and wine by the glass, plus specialty retail at the new locations, too. 

Chef Deacon Ovall will create weekly features in addition to scratch-made breakfast, artisan sandwiches and wraps, pizza, salads, smash burgers, bar bites and vegan options. Menu items specific to the Myers Park location are also in the works. 

The growth will mark the brand’s third market opening in Charlotte within two years. The Lower South End location will open at The Station at LoSo. SP