Fresh Table to open sustainably focused takeout at Findlay Market late September

A new vendor offering sustainably focused take-out food will open at Findlay Market in late September.  Fresh Table will be located inside the historic market house near the far eastern entrance by Race Street in stand 102.  According to Fresh Table co-owner Meredith Trombly, the location is perfect given the focus of the business.

"Historically Findlay has been raw food stuff, and we're hoping to advance the options down here and really open up the possibilities," stated Trombly.  "We didn't really consider any other neighborhood to open Fresh Table.  We concentrated on Findlay because we knew that's where we wanted to be, that where our customer base is, and the market offers instant name recognition with built-in marketing power."

According to Trombly, the menu at Fresh Table will change regularly based on the seasons and the chefs' whims, but she says that vegan and vegetarian options will always be available.  Customers will also be able to choose from a mixture of soups, salads, starters, entrees, and sweets.  All of which will be available for curb-side pickup or delivery to Over-the-Rhine, Downtown, and Uptown neighborhoods.

"We're going to use sustainable, local, organic, or natural foods for everything we do.  If I can make a French pate out of locally sourced meat, I'm gonna do it."

Inside the market house, customers will be treated to a bit of a theatre production as two flat-screen televisions will display the action taking place in the exhibition kitchen.  Trombly says that when action is not taking place back in the kitchen, unique menu items and the businesses many green partnerships with local vendors will be highlighted.

"Our passion for the environment fits with Findlay Market’s mission to reduce carbon footprints," explained Trombly.  "We are participating with Findlay’s recycling program, which includes composting all kitchen scraps.  Our chefs will also be wearing organic cotton chef's coats, pants, hats and even aprons."

Fresh Table is the fourth new vendor to join Findlay Market since May, but Trombly says that a $20,000 grant from the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce and a $35,000 microloan from the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI) helped to make it all possible.

Fresh Table will be open during regular Findlay Market (map) hours on Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm year-round.  Curb side pickup and delivery orders will be able to be placed online or by calling (513) 381-3774.  Trombly says that a series of opening parties are planned in mid to late September, so stay tuned by becoming a fan on Facebook.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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