Author: Admin

Surprise Madison Public Market Preview Pop-Ups Begin June 10!

Posted on by Admin

The Madison Public Market is pleased to invite the entire community to a series of just announced Public Market Preview Pop-ups beginning Wednesday, June 10th. This initial pop-up market preview series will be Wednesdays, 3:30-7:00 June 10-July 1 at the Madison Public Market, 202 N. First Street.

“We know people are eager to get a look inside the new Madison Public Market and we’ve been working furiously to finish up the last details.” according to Keisha Harrison, MPM CEO. We’re really excited to start showing off what the market is about!”

The July 23 MPM Grand Opening will launch a whole Season of Grand Openings for the community to enjoy and celebrate. This festive and exciting season will be packed with many Grand Openings spotlighting each MPM merchant as their storefronts open in the Main Hall. The Main Hall is where permanent merchants offering hot food, local specialties and a mix of products will have their own personalized booths.

“While the first phase of permanent merchants are finishing up preparations for the Grand Opening, the TruStage MarketReady Hall – designed for pop-ups, big parties and exhibitions – is now ready and looks great!” says Stacey Diehl, MPM Events Manager. “We’re as anxious as everyone else to throw open the doors, so we decided to pull together a pop-up market series so people could start enjoying the space.”

Vendors at these MPM Preview Pop-up Markets will include local farmers, food producers and select other makers including many local favorites. These events also mark the creation of a fresh, updated vendor interest database.

Vendors interested in future MPM pop-up events, even if they have reached out before, are invited to submit application materials via our new on-line form here.

https://marketspread.com/market/38320/madison-public-market/apply/7308/vendor/

“We deeply appreciate the enthusiasm and patience the community has shown incubating this project over all these years.” says CEO Harrison. “We’re so happy to invite you to these Preview Pop-Ups, the Grand Opening and all the events we’re planning! Please come see what you’ve been part of building and help us imagine the possibilities for what it will become.”

The TruStage MarketReady Hall is available for weddings, parties, exhibitions and all manner of special events. For more information, email Stacey at events@madisonpublicmarket.org.

To receive regular updates on events and activities at the Madison Public Market, use this link to sign up for our newsletter. For general questions or more information, email us at info@madisonpublicmarket.org.

Grand Opening Announced

Posted on by Admin

IT’S HERE…

Madison Public Market Announces Grand Opening on July 23, 2026

After years of anticipation, community vision, and collaboration, the Madison
Public Market is officially opening its doors on July 23, 2026.

The “It’s here…” campaign marks the beginning of a new chapter for Madison — a vibrant public
gathering place centered around local food, merchants, culture, creativity, and community
connection.

Located in the heart of the city, the Madison Public Market brings together an incredible
collection of local entrepreneurs, makers, chefs, artists, and small businesses under one roof,
creating a year-round destination built by and for the community.

“This is more than a building,” said Madison Public Market staff. “It’s a place where Madison
comes together. A place to celebrate local flavor, culture, creativity, and connection. The wait is
over — it’s here.”

The Grand Opening Celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and will consist of
several functions, including a public event, that is open to everyone. The festivities will feature
merchants, food, music, community programming, and festivities.

📍 Madison Public Market
📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026

Madison — it’s here.

Madison Public Market to Host Donor Preview Tours as  Construction Enters Phase 2  

Posted on by Admin

MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Public Market will welcome donors and key  supporters for a series of preview tours next week, offering an early look inside  the facility as it officially enters Phase 2 of construction.  

The tours mark a major milestone for the highly-anticipated project, as interior  build-outs begin for merchants who will operate within the Market. Attendees  will get a behind-the-scenes view of construction progress and hear directly  from the project team about what’s ahead in the coming months.  

As part of Phase 2, merchants are finalizing leases and working alongside  architects, designers, and contractors to transform their spaces into permanent  homes for their businesses.  

Timelines are being followed to ensure merchants have the time needed to  complete high-quality build-outs. The Market is now planning soft-opening  programming and public tours beginning in May, with a grand opening  anticipated in summer 2026.  

“The Madison Public Market would not be where it is today without the  incredible support of our donors,” said Madison Public Market CEO Keisha  Harrison. “These tours are an opportunity to show our appreciation and give  supporters a first look at the space they helped bring to life. We’re excited for  them to see the progress firsthand and the momentum building toward  opening.”  

Initial construction is already underway for select vendors. Melly Mell’s has  begun work in partnership with Haven Builders, while additional merchants —  including Caracas Empanadas Y Más, The Chowpati, Cinn City Smash, Cervato  Wine, and The Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream — are advancing their build-out  plans with Elite Construction Group. The Market will be closed throughout  much of April due to additional site construction.  

In addition to construction progress, the Market continues to prepare for  upcoming community engagement. Following the donor preview tours, the 

Market will expand public-facing activities in May, including food truck pop-ups  featuring future merchants and vendors, guided tours, and opportunities to  meet the businesses that will call the Market home and more.  

“We know the community is eager to walk through these doors, and we share  that excitement,” said Anya Firszt, Madison Public Market Board President.  “What’s happening right now is about building something lasting — a space  that reflects Madison’s energy, creativity, and local flavor. We’re getting closer  every day, and it’s going to be worth the wait.”  

For more information email media@madisonpublicmarket.org  

Media Contact: 

EMAIL: media@madisonpublicmarket.org

New Merchant Announcement: Caracas Empanadas Y Mas

Posted on by Admin

The Madison Public Market is excited to announce another new business opening in the Market in 2026.

Caracas Empanadas Y Mas

Instagram: @caracasempanadas

Facebook: @caracasempanadas

Caracas Empanadas is a Madison favorite rooted in Venezuelan tradition. Founded in 2010 by Luis de Dompablo, the business brings the flavors of his childhood to Wisconsin through hand-made empanadas and arepas based on his mother Rosa’s recipes. Each crispy empanada and gluten-free arepa is filled with choice-cut, locally sourced meats and fresh ingredients, slow-stewed in traditional seasonings and finished with house-made sauces like spicy Pique and herbaceous Guasacaca. The business has earned a loyal following over the past decade at local markets, major festivals, and special events throughout the region. Owner: Carlos Aguilar and Luis Aguilar

Caracas Empanadas Y Más joins nine previously announced businesses in the inaugural cohort:

Caracas Empanadas es un favorito de Madison con profundas raíces en la tradición venezolana. Fundado en 2010 por Luis de Dompablo, el negocio lleva los sabores de su infancia a Wisconsin a través de empanadas y arepas hechas a mano, basadas en las recetas de su madre, Rosa. Cada empanada crujiente y arepa sin gluten se rellena con carnes de primera calidad, de origen local, e ingredientes frescos, guisados lentamente con sazones tradicionales y acompañados de salsas caseras como el Pique picante y la Guasacaca herbácea. A lo largo de la última década, el negocio ha construido una fiel clientela en mercados locales, grandes festivales y eventos especiales en toda la región. Propietario: Carlos Aguilar y Luis Aguilar

Caracas Empanadas y Más se suma a nueve negocios anunciados previamente en la cohorte inaugural:

New Merchant Announcement: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream

Posted on by Admin

The Madison Public Market is excited to announce another new business opening in the Market in 2026.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream| www.chocolateshoppeicecream.com

Family-owned and Madison-made since the first scoop in 1962, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream creates award-winning ice cream using local ingredients like Sassy Cow milk from nearby family farms. Rooted in the neighborhoods they serve, they’re proud to be a true part of the Madison community — built on joy, connection, and big flavors that bring people together.

Owner: Deadman Family

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream joins Eight previously announced businesses in the inaugural cohort:

  • Melly Mell’s – mellymells.com
  • Cinn City Smash – cinncitysmash.com
  • Cervato – cervatowine.com
  • Unique Hair Accessories & More, LLC – uniquehairaccessories.com
  • Artworking – www.artworking.org
  • Ancestral Tribe Custom Apparel
  • Love U Madison
  • The Chowpati

For more information regarding the merchant application and selection process, visit our website’s merchant section. A comprehensive FAQ section addresses anticipated Market hours of operation (subject to change), leases and rental costs, space details and buildout, lease terms, Market performance and projections, and more.

Steve Sisson Joins the Madison Public Market Team

Posted on by Admin

The Madison Public Market is excited to welcome Steve Sisson as the inaugural Executive Assistant of the Madison Public Market Foundation, who began his role on January 5, 2026.

Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Steve has been proud to call Madison home since he moved here in 2016. He has provided administrative assistance in large organizations like Scouting America and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, as well as local community theater and small businesses. He is ecstatic to be joining the team that will be opening the Madison Public Market, providing a space for the Madison community to enjoy and support local businesses.

When not at work, you can find Steve doing yoga, in a theater audience, making stained glass with his husband, or running around with his 3 dogs.

Madison Public Market Foundation Announces the Hiring of New CEO

Posted on by Admin

The Board of Directors of the Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF) is pleased to announce that Keisha N. Harrison has been selected to serve as the Market’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role, Harrison will have responsibility for shepherding the final phases of the facility construction, lead the tenant build-out phase, and establish the Madison Public Market as the premier regional market location. She will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership while fulfilling the mission and vision of the MPMF and the Market – to create a vibrant, year-round public marketplace where entrepreneurs and businesses owned and operated by women, first generation immigrants and people of color can get their start.

Harrison leaves her role serving as the Executive Director of the Indianapolis City Market Corporation. She led activities related to the operation and restoration of the historic city market. Duties included implementation of policies and procedures, vendor leasing operations, stakeholder collaboration, budget development and monitoring, strategic planning and organizing special events. Harrison worked to improve food access for the community with responsibility for a weekly farmers’ market operating alongside the City Market. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Dartmouth College and her Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“I’m thrilled to join the vibrant community of Madison as CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. Together, we will create a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates local food and entrepreneurship, and brings fresh opportunities to our city,” Harrison said.

Karen Crossley, President of the Madison Public Market Foundation, is pleased that this important element of the long-awaited project has come to fruition. “On behalf of the Madison Public Market Foundation that will serve as the Market’s operator, the City of Madison and the community at large, we are beyond thrilled to introduce Keisha Harrison as the Madison Public Market’s first Chief Executive Officer. Keisha brings abundant skills and talents to this position, and is enthusiastically and fully committed to bringing our shared community vision for the Market to life.”

The Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF), a 501(c)3 organization, has been working closely with the City of Madison, community leaders and engaged local citizens for nearly two decades to build a Public Market. The Madison Public Market promises to be an inclusive, lively marketplace highlighting much of what makes the Madison community so special: locally grown and prepared delicious food, refreshing beverages and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables, and collectibles. The Market will be a vibrant, year-round public marketplace where new entrepreneurs and long-established Madison favorites grow their businesses and achieve success.

The Market’s TruStage MarketReady Hall will house a food -oriented entrepreneurship and business center that will support small business owners who wish to grow, scale, and create food-related products. TruStage MarketReady Hall entrepreneurs will be offered shared, affordable access to commercial food production equipment and infrastructure that are often beyond the reach of typical low-capital start-ups.

The City of Madison is currently repurposing the former Fleet Service Building at the high-traffic corner of First and East Johnson Streets along the bustling East Washington corridor in downtown Madison. Following national best practices among the nation’s large public markets, the city will maintain ownership of the building while the MPMF will oversee the daily operation of the Market.

The former Fleet Services Building, located at 200 N. First Street dates back to the 1950s. It boasts a large open space with 45,000 square feet to house up to 30 permanent vendors, 100+ seasonal/temporary vendors annually, areas to host public/private events, a commercial kitchen, and large garage doors to welcome an open-air breeze during warmer months. Situated on 3.5 acres, the site will accommodate outdoor seating, live entertainment, food carts, and parking. To date, more than 230 applicants have expressed interest in vending within the Market.

MPMF is under the direction of a committed 16-member Board of Directors and is expected to have an initial operating budget of just over $1MM. The CEO position is MPMF’s first hire, the initial step in building a talented and dedicated team to carry out the mission and strategy of the organization. The Market is projected to attract 500,000+ visitors each year, support 130+ local businesses, create 100 jobs, and generate $16 million in local sales annually. The renovation was initiated in December of 2023 and the Market is currently scheduled to open in late Spring 2025.

Harrison will begin her position as CEO in mid-July. The Madison Public Market Foundation will notify the press and the community when she will be available for interviews after her start date. In the interim, Karen Crossley, President of the Madison Public Market, is available for interviews.

Hiring announcement! Executive Director recruitment now underway!

Posted on by Admin

Lead this incredible organization!
The Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF) is hiring an Executive Director to help support the finish of the facility construction phase of the
project, lead the tenant build-out phase, and establish the Madison Public Market as a premier market location in Madison and the surrounding areas once the market doors open. The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership while fulfilling the mission and vision of the MPMF and the Market. The Executive Director is responsible for building a new team of leaders to carry out the Market’s Business Plan in pursuit of fulfilling MPMF’s vison of equity through entrepreneurship, striving to ensure the Market meets the evolving needs of merchants, customers, and the community.

The Opportunity
The projected first-year accomplishments for the new Executive Director include:

• Establish relationships with the Board of Directors, future merchants, city government, and local
stakeholders through authentic interactions and building trust through consistent and meaningful
communication.
• Aide in developing policies and procedures.
• Coordinate last-mile steps to open the Market.
• Hire staff.
• Oversee the Grand Opening and running of the Market, once open.
• Create and nurture a welcoming, inclusive Market culture where everyone feels they belong.

As the inaugural Executive Director, you will have a unique and exciting opportunity to set the stage for the Market’s future. The Madison Public Market is nearly 20 years in the making and there is both high excitement and high expectation from Madison and the areas surrounding the Market. With community and City of Madison support, the Market can serve as an anchor for economic development, which will generate the opportunity to best serve all residents of Madison, Dane County, and the region. While some of the foundation and framework has been put in place, the Executive Director will have the opportunity to significantly contribute to the crafting and execution of the vision for the Market as it opens and moves forward.

Application Process
For more information, please see the full job description.

MPMF and WAVERLY PARTNERS firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Interested candidates should send a resume to Waverly Partners at the address shown below or by contacting directly either consultant. MPMF@Waverly-Partners.com

Heidi G. Milosovic
Managing Director & Principal
WAVERLY PARTNERS
O: 440.355.6629; C: 216.387.0832
HMilosovic@Waverly-Partners.com

Sara B. Cikalo
Managing Director
WAVERLY PARTNERS
O: 440.933.0096; C: 440.821.4437
SCikalo@Waverly-Partners.com

Madison Public Market Foundation, TruStage and supporters celebrate Equity Through Entrepreneurship, highlighting the first MPM Vendors

Posted on by Admin

Media Release | February 20, 2024

Madison, WI — The Madison Public Market Foundation and TruStage hosted a special gathering on February 20, 5-7 p.m. at TruStage (5910 Mineral Point Road) to bring Public Market donors, volunteers, diverse vendors, local officials, and other supporters together in celebration of the Madison Public Market moving forward to a Spring 2025 opening. The first four confirmed vendors of the Public Market will provide a variety of multicultural fare and talk about their businesses with attendees. This is the first time the Madison Public Market Foundation has hosted a large gathering to highlight the initial confirmed vendors and experience the equity and cultural connection that the Public Market will offer.

“For two decades, thousands of people from across Madison have played an important role in shaping the vision and actively supporting the development of the Public Market. The Madison Public Market Foundation is grateful for the continued community commitment to the project, and we appreciate our partner TruStage for helping us make the Market a reality,” said Karen Crossley, Madison Public Market Foundation Board President.

TruStage, the Madison Public Market Foundation’s largest private donor, graciously agreed to host and sponsor the celebration. TruStage provided a foundational gift to support the creation of TruStage MarketReady Hall inside the Madison Public Market. The vision for TruStage MarketReady Hall is to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship through shared food production space and a community event hall. TruStage MarketReady Hall will provide affordable access to commercial food-processing equipment and culturally-relevant entrepreneurial trainings, where diverse entrepreneurs can grow their products.

“At TruStage we are committed to making a brighter financial future accessible to everyone,” said TruStage President and CEO, Terrance Williams. “Many entrepreneurs dream of scaling up their business but face insurmountable barriers when dealing with the high cost to access commercial kitchen facilities. The TruStage MarketReady Hall will help remove that barrier to entry and could help diverse founders who access the hall begin the journey of building generational wealth.”

The Madison Public Market Foundation will make two exciting announcements at 5:40pm. First, the Foundation will announce the hiring process for the Madison Public Market’s first Executive Director. This key position will lead the Madison Public Market to a successful opening and beyond. More information can be found at madisonpublicmarket.org.

Second, the Madison Public Market will unveil its new Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program to support new and early-stage diverse entrepreneurs who wish to be a permanent or temporary vendor within the Public Market. Learning from the highly successful MarketReady entrepreneurial training pilot program, the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program will reduce barriers to entrepreneurship that underrepresented small businesses may face. Key components of the program include:

  • Invest in vendor selection in diverse communities 1) purchase paid advertisements in diverse and multicultural media 2) continue partnerships with diverse chamber of commerce organizations and other community partners
  • Decrease financial barriers 1) offer grants to provide rent subsidy during the first 12 months 2) offer grants to assist with build-out costs 3) establish a revolving loan fund
  • Connect entrepreneurs with resources 1) offer culturally relevant trainings and mentorship 2) provide translating services 3) create key operating technology systems within the Market that are easily accessible and support all vendors

By launching the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program and concentrating on the success of small diverse businesses, more entrepreneurs will build their financial futures, and the variety of businesses, offerings, and price points within the Madison Public Market will enable people from all backgrounds and cultures to feel welcome, represented, and that they belong. To implement the Equity Through Entrepreneurship Program, the Madison Public Market must raise $1,000,000 by the end of 2024. Already $425,000 has been raised towards the goal.

You’re invited to the Ready! Set! Market! Open House on Sept. 12!

Posted on by Admin

The Madison Public Market Foundation will host a Ready! Set! Market! event to offer a taste of what the Madison Public Market will be!

This open house will feature a mix of local vendors, including exciting newer businesses and a few of Madison’s long-time favorites. The event will take place at the future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall (200 N. First Street) in what was formerly the retro-style Fleet Services Building.

Vendors will have available culinary offerings inspired by a variety of cultures, in addition to unique handmade goods. Please join leaders of the Madison Public Market Foundation, City of Madison, and diverse vendors for a celebration of entrepreneurship, equity, and community.

Ready! Set! Market! Open House
Tuesday, Sept. 12
5 – 8pm
Future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall (200 N. First St. at E. Johnson & N. First)

Parking is available in the back of the building, in the nearby The Standard Madison apartment building, or on neighborhood streets.

This will be the only public event held at the Market’s future home before ground-breaking later this year! A big thank you to our friends at Chocolate Shoppe, who will be giving away free scoops of ice cream!

RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory – it will help get you through event check-in much more quickly.

RSVP HERE TODAY

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We’re looking for volunteers to help with sign-in of guests, pre-event setup, trash collection, greeters, traffic control, and a few other areas. It’s a fun way to meet other Market enthusiasts and show your support. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity for the Madison Public Market, sign up now!

 

Sneak peak at some of the 20+ vendors who are scheduled to attend:

Auntie M’s Creations LLC
East Side Cakes
Madame Chu’s Delicacies
Forward Craft & Coffee
Creative Vixen Design
JNJ Gifts and More
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Wonder Cookie
Melly Mel’s Soul Food
Marieke Gouda-House of Gouda
Blain Arts
Love U Candle
Blue Violet Jams & Jellies
Newday Eastside Juicery
Kerol’s Kitchen
V Greenery
QB’s Magnetic Creations
Les Delices De Awa
Midwest Mujeres
Tortillas Los Angeles
Clean Fresh Food
Moses Sista

 

Entertainment will include:

Eric De Los Santos 5-6pm (xylophone & marimba)
– Carisacat 6-7pm (singer songwriter)
– Wendy O’Lynn 7-8pm (fiddler)