In a time when COVID-19 has forced numerous closings, one business has dared to challenge the coronavirus and open during the pandemic.
The Four Seasons Markets recently opened at Glade Parks Town Center in Euless. The year-round farmers market, in plans since 2019, experienced a slight delay in opening because of COVID-19, but now it is open and enjoying early success, said manager Abby Rudolph.
“People are looking for healthy food options, something safe to get out and do, and they are wanting to support small local businesses,” said Rudolph, who is also the market director for six other Four Seasons Markets around Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.
“We had an amazing first Saturday as many vendors sold out within the first few hours. The feedback on social media has been positive as well.”
Prior to the pandemic the market’s setup was more compact, but now booth spaces are separated by at least 6 feet, with widened aisles to provide for social distancing. Each vendor is required to wear a mask, as is everyone attending.
“Sampling is done safely to make sure there is no cross contamination, and sanitizer and wipes are available to everyone. Most vendors have gone to contactless payments as well,” Rudolph said. “Our vendors’ and customers’ health is very important to us and we make sure we are doing the best we can to keep everyone safe.”
Glade Parks spokesperson Fran Gallagher said with summertime being a peak season for so many locally grown produce items, they decided to open with a carefully designed and curated market.
“The Farmers Market is yet one more addition of convenience and excellence for our customers. We are pleased to team up with Four Seasons Markets on this concept and look forward to building our every Saturday experience,” she said.
Rudolph said farmers markets are the safest option for grocery shopping.
“For starters we are open air, but one of the main benefits of shopping at a farmers market over a store is each vendor is in charge of their own product,” she said. “They are making sure the items aren’t being handled by multiple people. When you get your eggs you meet the person that got it from the hen house and brought it to the market. Same with the produce. Farmer Ross picked it and is handing it to you.”