“Our customers have been asking for bright, fresh options like acai bowls and made-to-order salads, and when Main Squeeze brought their test products in, I knew we had to bring these beautiful menu items to the Market,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market. “We pride ourselves on delivering fresh and healthy products to each person who walks through our doors, and Main Squeeze has built a company around exactly that.”

Co-founders Francesco Accardo and Anne Marie Sweeney opened Main Squeeze as a smoothie and fresh juice concept in South Philadelphia in 2021 after recognizing a need for more healthy food options in the neighborhood. The local, family-owned company established itself as a pioneer of producing healthy food and drinks every Philadelphian can enjoy, opening a second location in Fishtown in 2022. Unlike these locations, their Reading Terminal outpost will focus solely on acai bowls, salads, and artisan toasts.

“To be in the market is special, to say the least, and we’re happy to be a part of it,” said Francesco Accardo. “Reading Terminal is incredibly popular for its fresh produce and high-quality options, so I am sure we will fit right in. We look forward to offering this new option to Market visitors.”

Some of the menu items that will be offered at Main Squeeze’s Reading Terminal Market location include:

· Acai and pitaya bowls topped with house-made granola and fresh fruits.

· Freshly tossed made-to-order salads.

· A collection of artisan toast including avocado, peanut butter, and strawberry base options.

Main Squeeze expects to open this September and will operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on Reading Terminal Market, please visit www.readingterminalmarket.org.

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The indoor festival will feature themed bites from Market merchants, a live DJ, and family activities

PHILADELPHIA – Reading Terminal Market will host its second annual Scrapple & Apple Festival on Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with scrapple and apple-themed dishes from Market merchants (full list below). The indoor, pay-as-you-go festival will ring in fall with a Philadelphia twist and invites attendees to try a savory regional favorite paired with a classic seasonal flavor.

“Last year’s Scrapple & Apple Festival generated such positive feedback from our communities, we knew we needed to bring it back to the Market this fall,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market. “The festival is an example of one of our goals: to celebrate what makes Philadelphians unique. We know everyone who joins us will have fun exploring the market and enjoying the special seasonal bites our merchants are creating for the occasion.”

In addition to delicious dishes, festival guests can enjoy music and family-friendly activities. DJ entertainment will be provided from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., and activities will include apple and pig craft decorating and bobbing for apples. Reading Terminal Market will provide apple sampling throughout the event, featuring a wide variety of apples for tasting, ranging from commonly known to more unique selections.

The day before the festival, Friday, October 10, Reading Terminal will host a Scrapple Sculpting Contest. Twelve participants will be given five pounds of scrapple and sculpting tools and will have 90 minutes to complete a scrapple creation. The contest will be emceed by Amy Strauss, local food and drink writer and author of Pennsylvania Scrapple. Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sasha Suda, will serve as an expert judge for the event and ultimately declare the winner of the “judge’s vote”. Participants’ masterpieces will then be on display at the Scrapple & Apple Festival on Saturday, October 11, for guests to cast a “popular vote”. Artists, scrapple enthusiasts, and any other interested individuals 18+ can sign up for one of the first-come, first-served participant slots in the Scrapple Sculpting Contest.

Scrapple-themed treats available at the festival will include*:

· Scrapple fries with homemade apple butter from Down Home Diner

· Scrapple from Dutch Eating Place

· Scrapple hush puppies with apple butter from Fox & Son Fair Foods

· Andouille scrapple breakfast po’boy from Beck’s Cajun Café

· Scrapple apple Danish from Market Bakery

· Scrapple apple cookie from The Famous 4th St. Cookie Company

· Crispy scrapple and caramelized apple penovani from Saami Somi

· Scrapple and apple fried lumpia from Tambayan

· Scrapple shortbread cookies from Flying Monkey Bakery

· Chocolate chip scrapple cookies from The Pennsylvania General Store

· Scrapple and sweet potato flatbread and scrapple quiche from Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks

· Scrapple cheesesteak, scrapple and chive tater tots, and scrapple and ribeye sliders from Butcher’s Pantry

Apple-themed dishes to enjoy will include*:

· Apple crisp banana pudding from Sweet Nina’s

· Apple acai bowl from Main Squeeze

· Apple dumpling from Dutch Eating Place

· Mini apple churros from El Merkury at the Market

· Spiced apple dream smoothie from Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties

· Fried apple hand pies from Beck’s Cajun Café

· Apple pie ice cream tart and warm apple pie mini sundaes from Bassetts Ice Cream

· Apple cheddar sandwich from The Original Turkey

· Chocolate-covered apple cup from Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries

· Apple pie cookie and apple sundae from The Famous 4th St. Cookie Company

· Apple pairing cheese from Downtown Cheese

· Oatmeal raisin apple cookies, apple pie, caramel apple fudge, and apple butters, jams, and chutneys from The Pennsylvania General Store

· Apple fairy floss from Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks

· Jewish apple cake from Termini Brothers Bakery

· Apple cider hibiscus iced tea from Butcher’s Pantry

A full list of menu items and more information on the festivities can be found here: https://readingterminalmarket.org/event/scrapple-apple/.

This event is presented by the Reading Terminal Market Merchants’ Association.

*Menu items listed are as of 9/12 and subject to change.

About Reading Terminal Market

One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region’s culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of farm fresh produce, meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit as a tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America and in 2021 and 2022 the Market was voted Best Public Market by USA Today’s 10Best.

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Join Our Team at Reading Terminal Market’s New Swag Shop!

Reading Terminal Market Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is excited to announce the opening of our brand-new Swag Shop, featuring exclusive RTM merchandise and apparel!

We’re looking for enthusiastic and customer-focused individuals to join our team as Sales Associates. This is your chance to be part of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic public markets while helping bring our brand to life through a fun and engaging retail experience.

POSITION: Retail Sales Associate  

Position Type: Hourly

Position Status: Part Time 

Apply Now:

To apply, send an email to info@readingterminalmarket.org and provide the following:

• Resumé
• Brief personal introduction

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

The primary goal of the Retail Sales Associate is to ensure the maximum shopping experience by providing the guest with outstanding customer service, which includes transacting store sales, facilitating guest service, and maintaining store stock levels and appearance.  The Retail Sales Associate is expected to learn the Market’s merchants’ offerings, the Market building and be able to act as an ambassador for the Market to all guests. 

The Retail Sales Associate must always maintain the highest-level of appearance by being neatly dressed in clean uniform and wearing identification. The Retail Sales Associate must ensure that the guest’s shopping experience exceeds their expectation and facilitate exemplary customer service through the following:  

• Greeting the guest promptly of their entering the sales area and determining their needs.  

• Providing product information and assisting customers with selection.  

• Ensuring that all sales are quickly and accurately transacted.  

• Safeguarding Reading Terminal Market Retail Shop assets at all times.  

• Abiding by all cash and credit card handling procedures.  

• Ensuring that the guest is treated with courtesy and respect.  

• Maintaining a clean and organized sales floor at all times.  

• Reviewing inventory to ensure that all shelves and fixtures are filled with product (including all size runs of apparel) at all times.  

• Demonstrating knowledge of products and services to guests. 

Experience: 

Retail Sales Associate must have prior experience in handling cash and credit card transactions.  Previous experience in a fast paced and high-volume retail merchandise environment is preferred.   

Education and Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or GED preferred. 

• Prior retail experience preferred. 

• High energy, positive outlook, and enjoys customer interactions 

• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision. 

• Ability to thrive in fast paced flexible environment.  

• Excellent verbal communication skills. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Frequently stand for up to 4 hours at a time. 

Occasionally sit, kneel, bend, and/or reach. 

Ability to lift at least 25 pounds on a regular basis. 

Regularly use hands and fingers to record and complete transactions. 

MANAGED BY READING TERMINAL MARKET CORPORATION 501(c)3 non profit 

READING TERMINAL MARKET IS ONE OF PHILADELPHIA’S MOST DYNAMIC AND DIVERSE PUBLIC SPACES. THE MARKET IS HOME TO 80 SMALL, MOSTLY FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES AND HAS BECOME PHILADELPHIA’S MOST VISITED SITE, AMONG LOCALS AND TOURISTS ALIKE, ATTRACTING OVER 5.2 MILLION GUESTS IN 2024. THE MARKET REMAINS A PRIMARY GROCERY SHOPPING DESTINATION FOR THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS.  

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“The team behind Wilt’s came to us with a concept proven in another major public market and a vision for implementing it here in Philadelphia efficiently and effectively,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market. “We know our customers want fresh, quality products and they want them quickly and conveniently. Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries will offer just that.”

Owners Alex Flack, Nick Sordoni, and Stephen Hudacek, all from Wilkes-Barre, broke into the Philadelphia dining scene with three Brooklyn Dumpling Shop locations in 2023 and 2024. The trio started Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries as a seasonal festival stand and started thinking about a brick-and-mortar location after seeing fast success.

“We are very passionate about being part of Reading Terminal Market,” said Nick Sordoni. “All of us have been coming to the Market with our families for years, and we’re looking forward to being part of one of the most special places in the world.”

With a vision centered on nostalgia and theater, the new operation will prioritize speed and offer a short and sweet menu of fresh-cut strawberries in a 16-ounce cup topped with free-flowing milk chocolate. Wilt’s will offer local strawberries in season and otherwise source from California, Florida, Ohio, and Canada. The operation will consider growing to add dark chocolate, white chocolate, whipped cream, and toppings as it adapts to the demands of customers.

Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries expects to open in late May and operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Their sweet treats can be found at the intersection of aisles B and 2.

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“Javan and his team have a strong track record here at the Market and he has approached this opportunity with a solid concept and growth mindset,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, the non-profit steward of Philadelphia’s historic public market. “Lancaster Produce Co. is a great addition to exceptional produce offerings at Reading Terminal and supports our strategic plan goals of growing our local shopper customer base and bringing fresh food within reach for all Philadelphians.”

Locally grown produce means customers can expect the best quality, fewer herbicides, and more attention to detail. Esh will source as much from Amish and Mennonite farmers as possible, getting produce from a local produce auction in Lancaster County in the warmer months and utilizing greenhouse-grown options in the winter. Lancaster Produce Co. also plans to offer customers a selection of fresh-cut fruit and salads and has the goal of eventually making homemade apple sauce on-site.

The Esh family opened Dutch Eating Place, known for its delicious Pennsylvania Dutch fare and famous apple dumplings, in 1990 and Lancaster County Dairy in 1997. Javan grew up in Reading Terminal Market and started full-time at the family businesses in 2013.

“We want to provide shoppers with high-quality fresh produce and uplift the Amish and Mennonite farmers and craftspeople that make our region great,” said Javan Esh, owner of Lancaster Produce Co. “Customers can expect a wide variety of thoughtfully sourced options to round out their grocery shopping experience at Philadelphia’s historic public market.”

Lancaster Produce Co. joins Iovine Brothers Produce and OK Produce grocery options at the Market.

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“This is three local icons joining together to create another exceptional option for a Philly favorite on the menu at the Market,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation. “We’re excited to welcome Danny into the mix and can’t wait to see this group succeed and build on the legacy of several beloved businesses.”

The menu is as simple as can be, offering 12” steak sandwiches with a choice of cheese and toppings. Fans of Angelo’s will be excited to hear the classic cheesesteaks at Uncle Gus’ will be served on DiGiampietro’s house-made bread. Produce toppings will be sourced from inside the Market at Iovine Brother’s Produce.

“Our focus is on familiar ingredients done at the highest level possible,” said Braunstein. “Customers can expect an enormous emphasis on quality and freshness. If anyone thinks this will be an exact copy of any of our existing restaurants, I think they’re going to be pleasantly surprised at how we plan to stand out.”

The trio have a connected history rooted, unsurprisingly, in the Philadelphia-area food industry. Prior to opening his first pizzeria in Haddonfield, DiGiampietro ran a bread route and delivered to both DiNic’s and Pearl’s at Reading Terminal Market. Though Nicolosi and DiGiampietro grew up in South Jersey together, Braunstein’s friendship with DiGiampietro started in Haddonfield as a patron of the original Angelo’s. Loyal Angelo’s customers might recognize the Braunstein name as Dave’s brother, Jared, is manager of the South Philly Pizzeria.

The new spot is named for Nicolosi’s great uncle Gus, a fixture in the Market for nearly 30 years. Uncle Gus was known for singing opera for customers as he worked the register at Tommy DiNic’s. Even after retirement, he was a loyal Market customer until he passed away in 2009 and is fondly remembered by many longtime shoppers, diners, and fellow merchant owners.

Uncle Gus’ occupies the space formerly home to Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks. After 42 years as a Market staple, Carmen Diguglielmo is passing the torch to the next generation.

“When I started thinking about retirement, I knew I wanted to keep this business in the Market family. It worked out well to have this idea Dave and Joey always had in the back of their minds quickly became a reality,” said Diguglielmo. “Thank you to everyone who came and ate with us over the years. It was a pleasure meeting and serving customers from all over the world. I know these guys will make something great that our customers will love.”

Uncle Gus’ Steaks will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week. Ordering will be in-Market only with no call ahead or online option. Cash and card payments will be accepted. For more information, please visit https://readingterminalmarket.org/merchant/uncle-gus/ .

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“Bao & Bun Studio is bringing menu options that no one else in the Market has to offer. We are pleased to continue broadening the diversity of products offered at Philadelphia’s historic public market,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market. “Sam and Angel bring an impressive culinary background to their roles, and I know our visitors are going to enjoy their concept.”

Chef and owner Sam Chen brings 20 years of culinary experience working in Taiwan, China, and Philadelphia, including time with Sampan, Buddakan, and Susanna Foo. Chef Sam graduated from hospitality school in Taiwan, came to the United States in 2004, and moved to Philadelphia in 2017. He met his wife, Bao & Bun Studio co-owner Angel Chen, while working for Susanna Foo.

“We opened Bao & Bun Studio to create a fusion of classic Chinese tradition with Western sensibilities. Being able to offer our products to customers at Reading Terminal Market is an exciting step for us,” said Sam Chen. “In Mandarin, bao and bun means ‘bun is great’. Our focus is serving high-quality food at a great value while providing excellent customer service.”

The Chens first launched Bao & Bun Studio in March 2020. After the COVID-19 pandemic changed their plans, they found space at the BLDG39 commissary kitchen for catering and delivery orders, focused on doing pop-up events at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village, Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Fairmount Park. The new location in Reading Terminal Market will be their first permanent retail space since opening five years ago.

Bao & Bun Studio will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is located at the intersection of aisles B and 5. A celebratory ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 11 a.m. to welcome the new business to Philadelphia’s historic public market.

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The Market’s four pillars of focus within the strategic plan are:

• Bringing fresh food within reach
• Creating economic opportunity
• Preserving history and tradition
• Serving as a welcoming public space

Key initiatives slated to be developed as the plan is executed include:

• Launching a volunteer program
• Day carts
• Offering short-term leasing opportunities
• Activating outdoor space on Filbert St.
• Expanding subsidized nutrition access
• Attracting more growers and producers
• Investing in the next generation through educational programming
• Defining and funding a five-year capital plan

“This strategic plan is the result of months of collaborative feedback, diverse opinion sharing, and thoughtful work that prioritizes the Market as a public space with a public purpose now and well into the future. I’m proud of the vision our team of staff, merchants, and community members has put forth. Now, we need the public to invest in us as deeply as we are investing in ourselves,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation. “Together, we can make sure the Market continues to feed Philadelphia’s heart and soul year after year, meal after meal, and generation after generation.”

Feeding Philadelphia’s Heart and Soul encapsulates the story of a beloved landmark through dynamic visuals, testimonials from Governor Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Market merchants, and longtime customers. It provides a look back at the building’s rich history and a look ahead at exciting goals, objectives, and tactics that will shape the Market’s future. 

The plan details how Philadelphia’s historic public market aims to harness the power of food to break down barriers, drive economic vitality throughout the region, and activate the market district in the heart of the city.

Over the next five years, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation will:

• Grow its actively engaged and fiercely loyal customer base dedicated to shopping regularly and finding inspiration in the Market’s authentic and diverse offerings.
• Create robust community partnerships that extend the Market’s presence and influence beyond its four walls to invite support and investment in the Market so the Market can, in turn, help build a stronger community.
• Foster a well-preserved and maintained physical space and thriving Market community that is united and invested in its mission, purpose, and values.

The full strategic plan can be accessed at https://readingterminalmarket.org/strategic-plan/.

About Reading Terminal Market  
One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region’s culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of farm fresh produce, meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit as a tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America and in 2021 and 2022 the Market was voted Best Public Market by USA Today’s 10Best.

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PHILADELPHIA – Reading Terminal Market will host its first-ever Scrapple Sculpting Contest on Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m. ahead of its Scrapple & Apple Festival on Saturday, October 12. Ten contestants ranging from trained artists to scrapple super fans will be given five pounds of scrapple, a set of sculpting tools, and 90 minutes to create a masterpiece of their making. 

The scrapple sculptures will be judged by local artist, educator and curator, Sherman Fleming. Fleming has been influencing young artists for decades and was named a Philadelphia Cultural Treasure by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. The winner of the “judges vote” will be named at the close of the contest.  

All 10 sculptures will then be on display at the Market’s Scrapple & Apple Festival on Saturday, October 12 where attendees can select their favorite to win the “popular vote”. Both winners will receive a trophy, Reading Terminal swag bag, and a $100 Market gift card. Scrapple for the contest has been donated by Gordon Food Service.  

WHAT Scrapple Sculpting Contest at Reading Terminal Market 

WHO 10 contest participants
Sherman Fleming, local artist, educator, and curator 

WHEN Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. 

WHERE Reading Terminal Market (Arch Court)
1136 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107 

About Reading Terminal Market
One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region’s culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of farm fresh produce, meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit as a tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America, and in 2021 and 2022 the Market was voted Best Public Market by USA Today’s 10Best.

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This walk-around-style experience showcases over a dozen varieties of freshly shucked and succulent East Coast oysters and mignonettes paired with local craft beers provided by Molly Malloy’s. This year’s event will offer an expanded food menu of New England clam chowder from Pearl’s Oyster Bar and oyster and andouille sausage gumbo from Beck’s Cajun Café as well as Market-sourced small bites.

WHAT Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market

WHEN Thursday, November 7 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

WHERE Reading Terminal Market | 52 N. 12th St. Philadelphia, PA

Net proceeds from Oyster Fest will benefit the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, the non-profit tasked with stewarding the mission of the 131-year-old public market.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.readingterminalmarket.org/event/oyster-fest/.

This event is sponsored by Pearl’s Oyster Bar and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Information on becoming a sponsor can be found on the Oyster Fest event page.

About Reading Terminal Market

One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region’s culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of farm fresh produce, meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit as a tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the

10 Great Public Spaces in America and in 2021

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