Trouble At Reading Terminal Market

Over at the Citypaper, Bruce Schimmel argues that Reading Terminal Market’s management are shooting themselves in the feet by refusing to adjust to the market realities of Philadelphia c. 2007. The heavy-handed management style of Reading’s Paul Steinke is criticized for scaring off the the The Food Trust from a possible partnership and for the media fiasco of the Rick’s Steaks eviction. Schimmel feels that Steinke has not done enough from saving the Reading Market from an “onslaught of conventioneers.” Meanwhile, the new Headhouse Square Farmer’s Market is lauded for fresher produce, better prices and vendors who clearly mark where their produce comes from.

If we may editorialize, we think it’s unfair to criticize Reading Terminal Market’s management for the tourists who patronize it. After all, Reading Terminal Market is one of Philadelphia’s best known tourist attractions (and the best market this side of Seattle’s Pike Place Market). Reading occupies a cavernous space and there’s plenty of room for both sandwich stands and produce stalls and cheesemongers.

Market Forces [Citypaper]

Trouble At Reading Terminal Market