WHAT Grand opening and ribbon cutting of LUHV Vegan Deli’s new store at Reading Terminal Market
WHO Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation
Silvia Lucci, Co-Owner, LUHV Food
Daniel Lucci, Co-Owned, LUHV Food
WHEN Wednesday, June 24
10:30 a.m.
WHERE Reading Terminal Market
51 N. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

New deli items sold by the pound include deli meats, garbanzo salad, mayo and sriracha mayo, tuna salad, breakfast sausage, bacon, and cashew cream sauce. Ready-to-eat additions will include hoagies and empanadas, kids menu highlights, and the expansion to serve breakfast all day. Customers can also shop for grocery staples like garbanzo flour, chutneys, spices, sauces, beans, legumes, pesto, chimichurri, textured vegetable protein (TVP), nutritional yeast, and more. Some of these options are now available for gifting. Individual meals, family-style entrees, and desserts will be offered among the available fresh, frozen, and microwavable prepared meals. Examples of prepared meals include saffron risotto with crab cakes, cheese ravioli puttanesca, and chickpea beef energy stew.

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 management company 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 – One of the largest ice cream festivals in America is back on Filbert Street this summer. Reading Terminal Market and Bassetts Ice Cream will host their annual Ice Cream Festival on Saturday, July 13 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. In addition to Bassetts, 11 local ice cream artisans will join in the fun alongside Reading Terminal Market merchants. The event will feature ice cream eating contests, sweet treat specials, food demonstrations, live entertainment, and more.

Philadelphia ice cream favorites including Franklin Fountain, Milk Jawn, Scoop DeVille, Tubby Robot, Weckerly’s, and more (full list below) will be outside on Filbert St. selling their sweet treats and hosting activities throughout the day such as:
• Ice cream eating contests
• Themed games
• Recipe demonstrations
• Arts and crafts

In addition to classic ice cream treats, guests will enjoy specials from various Market merchants including:
• Brioche French toast with ice cream
• Sundae cupcakes
• Churro sundae
• Peaches and cream milk shake
• Macarons with ice cream
• Phillies-themed sundae
• and more (full list below)

Live performances from Settlement Music School on Filbert St. (12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) and a DJ in the Market (12p.m. – 4p.m.) will entertain attendees throughout the day. Settlement Music School will also host a free children’s music workshop on-site from 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. The Ice Cream Festival is sponsored by Nemours Children’s Health and the Reading Terminal Market Merchants’ Association/All About Events with additional supporting opportunities still available.

Entrance to the event is free; all treats are available for purchase. No pup cups, sorry – dogs will not be permitted inside the festival area.

Participating Ice Cream Artisans:
Bassetts Ice Cream – ice cream
Cloud Cups – gelato and sorbet
Dreams Ice Cream – ice cream
Franklin Fountain – ice cream
Hangry Bear – ice cream
Mango Hut – vegan sorbet
Milk Jawn – ice cream
Scoop DeVille – ice cream
Siddiq’s Water Ice – water ice
Tubby Robot – ice cream
Weckerly’s Ice Cream – ice cream

Merchant Specials: (as of June 17)*
Beck’s Cajun Café – Brioche French toast with toasted pecan praline syrup and vanilla ice cream
Butcher’s Bantry – The Ice Cream Social Sandwich
El Merkury – Churro loop sundae
The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company – Cookie ice cream sandwiches
Flying Monkey Bakery – Sundae cupcake
Hunger Burger – Peaches and cream milk shake
Kensington Food Co. – Chocolate and vanilla ice cream with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil
Molly Malloy’s – Raspberry prosecco sorbet, Moose Tracks poptart, vanilla cold brew affogato
Old City Coffee – TBD
The Pennsylvania General Store– Assortment of ice cream sandwiches
Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks – Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich
Tambayan– Assorted macarons with ube or mango ice cream
The Head Nut– Phillies-themed Sundae

For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://readingterminalmarket.org/event/ice-cream-festival/.

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, Philadelphia’s historic public Market and a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is partnering with Mother Compost, a local, woman-owned compost materials pick-up service, for a five-month pilot program that includes 10 market merchants. In the first day of the program, two tons of compost was collected. That has grown to more than 30 tons since April 1 thanks to efforts from the Market’s housekeeping team and assistant general manager. The goal of this partnership is to reduce food waste, support sustainable practices, and strategically address the waste management process at the Market.

“Part of our mission as a provider of fresh, affordable food involves playing a role in ensuring sustainability practices are put in place wherever possible. We are excited to embark on this journey in partnership with Mother Compost and have already seen a major impact in just the first month,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation. “Gwenn and her team have made this process easy and accessible for the Market and our small, family-owned businesses. We saw major interest from the first group of participating merchants and look forward to growing this program to include even more once the pilot is complete.”

The composting process begins with merchants collecting materials including fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, bread and eggs, unwaxed paperware, and more. They are provided containers to house at their stores which are swapped out as needed and emptied into 64-gallon compost bins in the Reading Terminal Market trash room. Mother Compost collects the materials every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and delivers them to Linvilla Orchard where they are processed by Kitchen Harvest and repurposed.

“We were thrilled to collaborate on this pilot program with Reading Terminal Market, not only for the potential to divert food excess but also for the chance to partner with such an iconic Philadelphia institution. We hope this pilot will highlight the significant decrease in trash that can be achieved by adding organics recycling (composting) to a waste management strategy.”
Reading Terminal Market is currently Mother Compost’s largest composting partner. In addition to this pilot program, Reading Terminal diverts food waste by partnering with organizations including Sharing Excess and Too Good To Go.

To learn more about Reading Terminal Market, please visit www.readingterminalmarket.org. For more information about Mother Compost, visit www.mothercompost.com.

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This year’s Party for the Market will celebrate the vibrant nightlife of some of the world’s most iconic cities. Live music, performances, and installations will transform Philadelphia’s historic public market and offer an experience with something for everyone. Guests can expect an unforgettable event with unlimited delicious food from nearly every Market merchant, open bars, robust live entertainment options, a silent auction, and more.

Tickets are $200 and can be purchased online at www.p4tm.info.

Attracting more than 1,000 attendees each year, proceeds from Party for the Market benefit the mission of Reading Terminal and help to preserve its viability and self-sufficiency. Over the last decade, event proceeds have resulted in infrastructure improvements throughout the Market, including new restrooms, improvements to Wi-Fi, new furniture in Center Court, and the renovation of City Kitchen.

Sponsorship packages are available for companies and individuals interested in supporting Party for the Market and Reading Terminal. Benefits include complimentary tickets, access to the VIP sponsor lounge, and advertising opportunities in event materials and on social media. More information can be found at https://readingterminalmarket.org/p4tm-sponsorship-booklet/.

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 1892 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 management company 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 – Harvest Festival at Reading Terminal will take over Filbert Street on October 7 to celebrate fall flavors at the Market. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., visitors will see the 1100 block of Filbert Street transformed into the ultimate autumn atmosphere with haybales, cornstalks, pumpkins, and mums. Reading Terminal Market’s Harvest Festival is presented by Nemours Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems.

Filbert Street will be full of fun and food from merchants and Market partners. The festival is free to attend, and food and some activities will be pay-as-you-go. The 1100 block of Filbert St. is covered and activities will be rain or shine. A list of the activities can be found below (as of 9/5):

Pumpkin Painting

Scarecrow Stilt Walker

Axe Throwing

Beer Garden hosted by Molly Malloy’s

Pretzel Twisting Demonstration and Competition hosted by Miller’s Twist

Line Dancing

Blue Grass Band

Whole Pig Roast

There will be no shortage of fall flavors inside and outside the Market. Select merchant specials are highlighted below and will continue to be added on our Harvest Festival webpage:

Candy and Caramel Apples from Mueller Chocolate Co.

Turkey Legs from the Original Turkey

Apple Cider Doughnuts, Pies & Baked Goods from Beiler’s Doughnuts

Whole Pig Roast from Jack McDavid of the Down Home Diner family

Fruit and Vegetable Preserved from Kauffman’s Dutch Market

Popcorn Wagon from Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks

Smoothie & Cold Coffee Truck from Hatville Deli

Seasonal Ice Cream from Bassetts Ice Cream

Carmel Apple Nachos from Sweet as Fudge Candy Shoppe

Seasonal Churros & Guatemalan Hot Chocolate from El Merkury at the Market

Ciders, Chocolate Covered Pretzels & Gourmet Hot Dogs from The Pennsylvania General Store

The festivities will span the Market inside and out, welcoming locals and visitors for a day of fun, fall shopping, and exploring the 70+ small, family-owned businesses that call the historic public market home. Information on parking and transportation can be found on the Market’s website.

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 – One of America’s biggest ice cream festivals is back at Reading Terminal Market on Saturday, July 22. The Ice Cream Festival on Filbert will turn the 1100 block of Filbert St. into the coolest place to be from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bassetts Ice Cream has invited nine local ice cream artisans to join in the fun alongside Reading Terminal Market merchants. The event will feature ice cream eating contests, sweet treat specials, family-friendly activities, music, and more.

Philadelphia ice cream favorites including Milk Jawn, Weckerly’s, Tubby Robot, Fiore Fine Foods, and more (full list below) will be outside on Filbert St. selling their sweet treats and hosting activities throughout the day like:

· Ice cream sandwich stacking

· Themed trivia

· Ice cream shuffle board

· Taste tests and flavor guessing

· Cornhole, and more.

“The Ice Cream Festival on Filbert is back and we are ready to welcome families, locals, and visitors for a day of fun,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market. “This event has become a summer staple in Philadelphia and we’re looking forward to an expanded footprint on Filbert St. and creative ice cream options from local businesses and Market merchants.”

In addition to classic ice cream treats, guests will enjoy ice cream specials from various Market merchants including :

· Churros with ice cream

· Affogato

· Ice cream topped bialys

· Ube ice cream

· Lemon prosecco sorbet

· Ice cream muffins, and much more.

Free demonstrations and activities will take place throughout the day including ice cream eating contests, food demos in City Kitchen, and messy games like ice cream juggling. Filbert Street will be closed to cars and filled with a DJ, games, arts and crafts like jimmie necklaces and temporary tattoos, kids entertainment from Silly Joe, and more. As a special sneak peek for holiday fun to come at Reading Terminal Market this year, GingerBread Lane will be hosting beach house gingerbread building and Summer Santa will be paying attendees a visit.

“This is our first ice cream festival since COVID and we’re bringing in some old favorites along with new Philly ice cream comrades,” said Alex Strange, Executive Vice President, Bassetts Ice Cream Company, and 6th generation of the Bassetts family leadership. “My favorite part of this event is bringing together small business owners from around the region for everyone to enjoy. We will be getting creative with the types of treats available so there is truly something for everyone.”

Entrance to the event is free; some activities and all treats are available for purchase. Sponsors of the Ice Cream Festival on Filbert include the Philadelphia Zoo and Hoffman Exterminating.

Participating Ice Cream Artisans: Bassetts Ice Cream – ice cream Zsa’s Ice Cream – ice cream and sorbet Weckerly’s Ice Cream – mini ice cream sandwiches and mini pops Fiore Fine Foods – gelato Tubby Robot – ice cream and profiteroles Milk Jawn – ice cream Cloud Cups – gelato and sorbet flights Dreams Ice Cream – ice cream Helados Chupi Chupi – popsicles

Merchant Specials: (List Complete as of July 6)* El Merkury at the Market – churros and ice cream The Pennsylvania General Store – ice cream sandwiches and floats The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company – cookie ice cream sandwiches Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks – popcorn and fairy floss Molly Malloy’s – lemon prosecco sorbet, affogato, cookies and cream pop tarts Beck’s Cajun Café – bread pudding with ice cream Tambayan – ube ice cream Kismet Bialys – ice cream topped bialys Millers Twist – ice cream Down Home Diner – ice cream biscuits The Head Nut – ice cream sundaes Pearl’s Oyster Bar – waffles with ice cream Market Bakery – ice cream muffins

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 1892 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, kitchenware, cookbooks, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit management company 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 i

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Reading Terminal Market is asking for the public’s help in securing a “three-peat” victory as #1 on the list for 2023 after receiving the title of Best Public Market through the same contest in 2021 and 2022. Readers can vote once per day, per device at this link:

Vote for Reading Terminal Market as 2023’s Best Public Market (10best.com)

“We are proud to once again be nominated among some of the best public markets across the country. The families that run all the businesses inside the Reading Terminal Market work tirelessly to provide a diverse, welcoming, and delicious experience to everyone who comes through our doors and this nomination is a testament to their success,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market. “We’ve seen Philly fans rally behind our sports teams as they chased championships these last few years and we’re hoping they will do the same for the city’s historic public market as we close in on a “three-peat” with USA Today!”

An initial list of 20 markets was nominated by a panel of 10Best local experts and contributors and voters will narrow it down to the top 10 winners. Joining Reading Terminal Market as nominees are Pike Place Market, Boston Public Market, Findlay Market, and others.

The Famous 4^th Street Cookie Company, a Market merchant, is also individually up for a USA Today 10Best recognition for the separate Best Cookie Shop contest currently running through June 26.

Philadelphia’s historic non-profit public Market is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week and home to more than 70 small, family-owned businesses. With nearly 5,000,000 visitors in 2022, Reading Terminal Market was the most-visited destination in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

For more information on Reading Terminal Market, please visit www.readingterminalmarket.org.

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City Food Tours is a top-rated Philadelphia attraction on TripAdvisor.com and a winner of “Best of Philly” for best Tour of the City by Philadelphia Magazine. Tours take place inside the Reading Terminal Market during their daily operating hours unless noted. Guests will learn about the Market’s history, hear stories, and be led through 80+ small, family-owned businesses, see their products, and be the first to learn about new offerings.

“You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy food tours. There is much to learn about a place through the food people eat as food is an important part of the local history, customs, and culture. When discovering a new destination anywhere in the world, taking a walking food tour with a local guide will open unexpected doors to discovering the true soul of a place,” said, Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market.

Tickets are $20 per person. For more information on tour dates, visit www.phillysfoodtour.com/readingterminalmarket.

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 1892 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of fresh farm produce, meats, and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, kitchenware, cookbooks, jewelry, and crafts. A not-for-profit management company manages the Market 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.

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PHILADELPHIA – This summer, Saami Somi is bringing Georgian-inspired cuisine to Reading Terminal Market. Owners Michael and Donna Kolodesh will offer classic dishes including hot breads, pkhali, khinkali, khachapuri, eggplant rolls, and cheese boats. In addition to prepared foods, Saami Somi will sell a variety of grocery items like ajika, tkemali, fresh baked breads, and Georgian drinks.

“Saami Somi will bring unique flavors popular in other parts of Philadelphia to Center City via Reading Terminal Market and introduce customers to this European comfort food,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market. “The melting pot of cultures and flavors to be offered aligns with the diverse range of cuisines available  at Philadelphia’s historic public market. We think Saami Somi will be a fast favorite among locals and tourists.”

Michael and Donna are siblings with backgrounds in design and architecture but will pursue a passion for food inspired by their grandmothers with Saami Somi. The duo will work with an executive chef who provides an Eastern European Background and a general manager who is family with Reading Terminal Market. Their family immigrated from Georgia in 1993 and settled in Philadelphia’s Bustleton neighborhood which boasts a large ex-Soviet community.

“Georgian food is the basis of life – meat, bread, cheese, and vegetables. It looks intriguing and new but it hits home for everyone because of the blend of comforting flavors,” said Michael Kolodesh, co-owner, Saami Somi. “We are passionate about bringing Georgian culture to Philadelphia and know we can touch the most amount of people in Center City. It’s a dream come true to be opening at Reading Terminal Market.”

Saami Somi translates to “three doughs” and referencing the various doughs used in Georgian cooking.  Khinkali utilizes a dumpling-like dough, khachapuri is made with yogurt-based dough, and the cheeseboats are formed from fermented dough.

“We wanted to incorporate our family’s culture and traditions into the Saami Somi menu. We recently went back to Georgia to see our grandmother’s house, which is now a UNEScO World Heritage Site, and were inspired to showcase the foods our family grew up on to the Philadelphia community,” said Donna Kolodesh, co-owner, Saami Somi. “Opening a space at Reading Terminal is the perfect way to introduce this cuisine without having to operate a full restaurant. We can’t wait for customers to try our dishes.”

Saami Somi will open at Reading Terminal Market this Augusr and be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week. Their space will be located at the intersection of avenues C and 10. For more information and to preview Saami Somi’s menu, please visit https://www.saamisomi.com/.

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PHILADELPHIA – Leaders from the Reading Terminal Market joined with elected officials and funders today to break ground on the Filbert Street Transformation Project. The initiative, which was announced in 2019 and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, puts an emphasis on extending the footprint of Philadelphia’s historic public market and activating an underutilized outdoor public space.

The $1 million initiative will reconstruct the 1100 block of Filbert Street into a seasonal, multi-use public area and thoroughfare. The project, of which several phases have been completed, will activate approximately 15,000 square feet of public space directly adjacent to the Market with a greatly improved streetscape. The project is being funded by grants from the William Penn Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Multi-Modal Transportation Fund, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.

“Useful and inviting outdoor spaces have become increasingly important to our city, its residents, and visitors throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting an emphasis on the importance of projects like this. As a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community and diverse, welcoming hub for our city, providing a safe, engaging outdoor experience in addition to the extensive options indoors is critical,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of the Reading Terminal Market. “I want to thank all of the elected officials and community members who supported this effort and our generous funders for enabling us to make this plan a reality including the Commonwealth, William Penn Foundation, Knight Foundation, and Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.”

The major elements of this project include streetscape improvements, mixed-use outdoor furniture, and artwork enhancements. An outline of these components, both existing and expected, can be found below:

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

• Remove curb on Filbert Street: The 1100 block of Filbert Street adjacent to the Market will be graded to create one of Center City’s first “curbless” multi-purpose street (sidewalk and car lanes will be equal height for the length of the block).
• Widen Sidewalk: A portion of the parking lane immediately adjacent to the Market on Filbert Street will be removed, and the sidewalk widened by approximately eight feet to accommodate additional seating.

• Improve Access to Public Transit: 70% of Market customers arrive on foot or via public transportation. The improved streetscape will serve as a traffic calming measure and improved signage will create a wayfinding connector to adjoining SEPTA Jefferson Station and further to Market Street.
• Improved parking flexibility & rideshare designated zone: a portion of the redone Market sidewalk will be dedicated to passenger loading/unloading. This will improve flow and parking opportunities along Filbert Street and the overall Market apron.

MODULAR STREET FURNITURE: Completely movable and removable for a variety of setups

• Increased Dining and Seating Capacity: High-top tables and other dining-friendly seating options will be available to line the widened sidewalk area, weather permitting. Throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reading Terminal utilized these outdoor dining options to allow customers to safely enjoy the Market’s prepared food options during the closure of indoor dining.
• Pop-Up Retail Kiosks: Custom made kiosks will be available for local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs to use sell a variety of goods or fresh food at outdoor events coordinated by the Market.
• Locally designed and built: Street furniture and kiosks were designed locally by Groundswell Design Group, and built by one of the Market’s PA Dutch families – Dienner’s BBQ. The owner’s brother, Austin Dienner, made the furniture.

TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT ART INSTALLATIONS:

• Public Mural: In 2019 Reading Terminal Market, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and SEPTA unveiled the Philadelphia Microcosm mural series inside the vestibule at 12^th and Filbert Streets honoring the history of Reading Terminal Market and its connection to the SEPTA transportation hub at Jefferson Station.
• Ongoing Cultural Programming: The Market has piloted and hosted a variety of successful events over several years to welcome diverse cultures and showcase ethnic cuisine inside the Market. Filbert Street will provide a new, expansive space to display temporary art installations and host vibrant cultural performances.

The Filbert Street Transformation Project is funded by a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Multi-Modal Transportation Fund. Additional support includes a $250,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation, a $250,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and a $300,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. The Market expects the Project to be completed in the fall of 2022.

“Public spaces play a crucial role in strengthening engaged communities. The Filbert Street Transformation Project is a much anticipated project for Philadelphia,” said Ellen Hwang, program director for Knight Foundation’s Philadelphia program. “It will serve as an accessible public space for everyone, providing a plethora of opportunities for Philadelphians and visitors to connect with our community here.”

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is committed in supporting Reading Terminal Market through this important project. As we continue to focus on recovery of the tourism and hospitality business, an expansion of the Market’s footprint and capabilities is an impressive addition for center city Philadelphia,” said John J. McNichol, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “Guests of the Pennsylvania Convention Center love having easy access to Philadelphia’s historic public market across the street from our facility and I’m confident future meetings and conventions will enjoy the activation opportunities this festival street concept provides.”

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 1892 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, kitchenware, cookbooks, jewelry and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit management company 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.

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