The cultural significance of the Pullman Yard Chefs Market.

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Chefs Market at Pullman Yards returned in March with diverse food stalls and foodies eager to try something new.

The market, which organizers described as a “farm meets market festival,” is now held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons praise the outdoor event for its explosive point of culture and flavor.

Over its long history, Pullman Yards in Kirkwood has established itself as a pillar of diversity. When the Pullman Railroad opened in 1904, Pullman Yards was a hub for luxury rail travel repair, and it was the headquarters of the first African-American union, with more than black men holding positions higher ranking than any other company at the time. .

Today, the market perpetuates this feeling of diversity. More than 20 stalls set up each weekend, including shops like Xzotik Fusion, run by Stéphanie Sylvaine, who prides herself on blending Caribbean and Haitian flavor profiles; and Transcending Tea, which sells CBD-infused teas and other calming blends.

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Erin Wright, Chefs Market coordinator, cited its unique location as a large part of its success, as well as the variety of cultures, talents and cuisines of Chefs Market vendors.

“We’re really giving a platform to all the different chefs, food vendors and artisans,” Wright said. “It’s a celebration of food. We have Haitian food some weeks we have eaten Cambodian food. It’s really good to get everyone out of the house and try new foods.

Wright said Chefs Market will host a number of themed days, from the Juneteenth Market to the Pride Celebration Market. They have also extended their hours from Saturday only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Participating vendor Daisy Mijangos – Chef Daisy to customers – said her jewelry business, Pastry Plug, gives her a place in the market and sets her apart from other food-focused stores.

“This has been my most successful market in all of Atlanta,” Mijangos said. “There are a lot of chefs and a few salespeople like me. I think because I make food-shaped products, I fit really well into Chefs Market.

Mijangos makes dessert-themed treats out of clay, like earrings, key chains, bag pins, refrigerator magnets, and even jewelry boxes designed to look like cakes and fruit. Her prices range from $5 for a sticker or pin to over $200 for one of her larger jewelry boxes.

“I always wanted to buy a lot of jewelry, but I couldn’t afford it,” Mijangos said when asked what made her want to start her business. “So I went and got some clay and started making it myself.”

Mijangos isn’t the only seller praising the market. The Senpai Noodle Supply team believes that Chefs Market is an ideal space for diversity. This company sells ramen dishes with black American influences.

“I always loved anime and was interested in ramen. But when I finally tried it, I was confused,” said Nehemyah Prince (billed as Senpai), the owner of Senpai Noodle Supply.

Prince said his disappointment with the flavors of ramen led him to put his own spin on the dish and his friends encouraged him to go into business for himself. Senpai Noodle also sells other Japanese dishes with Prince’s signature touch.

Market customers also praised the variety of each stall.

“I really liked the number of options available. I loved being able to find a drink, a meal and a dessert within three doors of each other,” said Freddie Velasquez, a first-time attendee. “It was very cool to see other people enjoying the food and the scenery.”