After pausing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Chefs Market at Pullman Yards returned in March with diverse food stands and foodies eager to try something new.
The market, which organizers described as a “farmers-market-meets-food-festival,” is now being held Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons are praising the outdoor event for its explosive point of culture and flavor.
Over its long history, Pullman Yards in Kirkwood has established itself as a pillar of diversity. When the Pullman railroad opened in 1904, Pullman Yards was a hub for the repair of luxury railway travel, and it was the location for the first African American labor union, with more Black men in high-ranking positions than any other business at the time.
Now, the market carries over that sense of diversity. Over 20 booths set up shop every weekend, including shops like Xzotik Fusion, run by Stephanie Sylvaine, who takes pride in blending together Caribbean and Hatian flavor profiles; and Transcending Tea, which sells CBD-infused teas and other calming blends.
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Erin Wright, coordinator of the Chefs Market, cited its unique location as a large part of its success along with the varied cultures, talents and cuisines of Chefs Market vendors.
“We’re really giving a platform to all different chefs, food vendors, and artisans,” Wright said. “It’s a celebration of food. We have Haitian food some weeks, we’ve had Cambodian food. It’s really good to get everybody out of the house and trying new foods.”
Wright said that Chefs Market has a number of themed days coming up, from a Juneteenth Market to a Pride Celebration Market. They’ve also expanded their hours from only Saturday from 1-5 p.m. to both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Participating vendor Daisy Mijangos – Chef Daisy to customers – said her jewelry business Pastry Plug gives her a place in the market and sets her apart from other food-centric shops.
“This has been my most successful market in all of Atlanta,” Mijangos said. “There are many chefs, and a few vendors like me. I think that because I make food-shaped things, I fit really well into Chefs Market.”
Mijangos makes dessert-themed goodies out of clay, from earrings, key chains, bag pins, fridge magnets, and even jewelry boxes designed to resemble cakes and fruit. Her prices range from $5 for a sticker or pin to over $200 for one of her largest jewelry boxes.
“I’d always wanted to buy lots of jewelry, but I couldn’t afford it,” said Mijangos when asked what made her want to start her business. “So I went and got clay, and just started making it myself.”
Mijangos isn’t the only vendor with high praise for the Market. The team at Senpai Noodle Supply believes Chefs Market is a great space for diversity. This business sells ramen dishes with Black American influence.
“I’d always loved anime, and been interested in ramen. But when I finally tried it, I was confused,” said Nehemyah Prince (introduced as Senpai), the owner of Senpai Noodle Supply.
Prince said his disappointment in the flavors of ramen led him to put his own spin on the dish and that his friends encouraged him to go into business. Senpai Noodle also sells other Japanese dishes with Prince’s signature spin.
Market patrons also praised the variety of each stall.
“I really liked how many options there were. I enjoyed being able to find a beverage, a meal, and dessert three steps from each other,” said Freddie Velasquez, a first time attendee. “It was very cool to see other people enjoying the food and scenery.”
