Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "This is the time of year where we get people back to the market."
Cody Omphalius, operator of We R Nuts inside The Broadway Market says he was worried at first whether or not the market was going to see a large group of people during the week leading up to Easter, but people from all over Western New York have gathered in droves to buy their goods for Easter and the soon to follow Dyngus Day festivities.
"They haven't disappointed," said Omphalius, who has been operating at The Broadway Market since shortly after their business launched in 2006.
Butter lambs, chocolate bunnies, quality meats and so much more, the Broadway Market in Buffalo is a Western New York tradition and staple come April that will only get better, with more vendors who've joined recently and more money coming to make this a great year-round market for all your food needs.
"We're really glad and really proud to be in The Broadway Market," said Mel from 'That Greek Guy' Bakery, who joined the market in November.
"It's a phenomenal facility. We're excited about the new renovation that is going to take place over the next couple of years. I truly believe this will become a destination point for the city."
Why do people shop here for Easter as opposed to your local Wegmans or Tops grocery stores? Tradition, sure. But it may be much more than that, as people start to come to see what these Buffalo traditions are all about. From Easter and Dyngus Day to the joy of coming to a market with all different foods and culture, it's a chance to start a new tradition and support local business.
"I think there's a revitalization going with the new generation," says Mel.
"I think that we go back to our original roots, we go back to our ethnicity. The young generation wants to reconnect with some of how their ancestors and their grandparents and parents grew up. I remember coming here as a young person, when we first came to Buffalo. What reminded me of this wonderful market was the open air markets back in Athens, which are constantly flowing with people, a variety of different vendors, different food. We have so many wonderful vendors here from all walks of life, we have wonderful bakeries, wonderful ethnic foods, Southern food."
"Broadway Market traditionally is a Polish marketplace and has evolved. Now we're seeing a cool mix of other things like the Greek bakery which is next to us, French bakery, other different cultural things, which is exciting to see," said Omphalius.
The hard work and dedication that these local businesses put into their crafts many can find admirable.
"I think I can speak for most vendors when I say we live, sleep, eat and breathe our business and to be a part of something that's traditional and has been around forever, that really gives us a good sense of feeling like we're home here," Omphalius said.
Butter LambsMax Faery - WBEN
Chocolate-covered Peeps!Max Faery - WBEN
