The owner of La Merenda and Engine Company No. 3 in Walker’s Point plans to open a market and butcher shop in the neighborhood by mid-January.
La Merenda Market will occupy a 118-year-old house, located at 809 S. Barclay St., bordering the east side of La Merenda’s adjacent patio.
The restaurant had purchased both the patio space and building about six years ago and had initially used the historic structure for storage, but later, installed a full production kitchen in the back of it to use for butchery and sausage production, said owner Peter Sandroni.
The market, which will occupy the front of the building when it opens on Jan. 14, will sell those meat products along with other items from both restaurants’ menus. Eventually, it will carry a selection of locally sourced products, including cheese. the restaurants source from local businesses and farmers, Sandroni said.
“We sent out a survey to ask what people would be interested in and the number one thing was the proteins we buy locally,” he said. “The second was the larger items that we have to-go, and the third thing is sausages we are making.”
He also plans to roll out ready-made items such as sandwiches and side dishes for picnics or tailgating.
“We are purposefully opening at a slow time so we can grow with space organically and hear what customers want,” Sandroni said.
La Merenda Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with hours subject to change based on seasonal demand.
