First look: Inside the fresh People’s Market, now open in Elizabeth

“We let the people down,” he says of the 2020 closure. “We needed to give this one more shot.”

What’s happening: The all-day café and community hub will relaunch in the former Earl’s Grocery on Elizabeth Avenue, and Duran is aiming for a late July or early August opening.

• He’s just waiting to be fully staffed; the space is all ready.

Why it matters: The Charlotte native has been determined to bring back the “magic” of the original People’s Market since the day it closed. Duran says it was a place where the staff knew customer’s names, where first dates turned into “I dos,” and where ideas became business ventures.

[Related Axios story: People’s Market’s long road to reopen]

What to expect: The 8,000-square-foot space is slightly smaller than the original, but has much of the same vibe with bright yellow chairs and wide open space for conversation or getting some work done.

• At the front, glass-paned garage doors will swing open on nice days.
• At the rear of the café is a conference room that guests can rent out.

• Charlotte-based artist Mike Wirth painted the murals in the space.

Menu: People’s Market will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner — plus, it’ll have a full bar, a bakery and coffee shop on-site.

• The menu will include artisans sandwiches, pizza, burgers, pastries and plenty of vegan options.

Hours: It’ll be open from 7am-9pm daily, but close a little early on Sunday.

Location: The new People’s Market is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. near the Visulite Theatre and Viva Chicken.

Here’s a look around:

Editor’s note: This story was last updated with new information and photos on July 21, 2022.