On a recent Dish Trip to York, Pa., we couldn’t help but fall in love with Central Market House. Take a step inside and discover everything delicious that York has to offer, all under one roof. From fresh meat purveyors to a handmade pickle shop, organic produce stands and a cafe specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, the very best of York is ready and waiting for you. We caught up with Central Market’s COO Cindy Steele, who gave us the grand tour of the market and also answered a few of our burning questions.
PA Eats: How did your experience working at Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center prepare you for your position at Central Market House?
Cindy Steele: While working at the Strand Capitol, I had the chance to really learn about York City and the people who live, work and play here. I also had the opportunity to make connections with many different influential people, several of whom I have leaned on in order to operate and grow the Central Market House.
As the Director of Operations at the Strand, I was in charge of maintaining the building and grounds as well as making sure that on show days, we were ready to go with the very best presentations we could provide. I also had the chance to work with the artists to make sure their stay in York was as perfect and comfortable as it could be. Learning about our city, connections, presentation and a commitment to excellence were all key experiences that help me today in my role as COO of Central Market House.
We know there’s a serious variety of vendors in the market, but if you had to choose, which would you say is your absolute favorite and why?
I could never pick! I love them all. Each one has a story and a history. When you take time to get to know each vendor, you can’t help but add them to your favorite list. I feel better about the foods I eat and prepare for my family because I know where they come from and who made them or grew them!
What kind of events can customers anticipate as the warmer months approach?
First Fridays are always popular as the weather gets warmer. There are so many cute shops and hidden gems in York City plus many market vendors are open as well. Inside the market, we will have lots of different activities for families and children such as a free monthly craft and food demos. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, free music is provided by different bands in Cherry Lane, located just behind the market. The “Box Lunch Revue” happens over the lunch hour starting in May and running through August from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Check out our website or like us on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s happening!
From the outside looking in, the market appears to be a well-oiled machine that runs with ease. Can you give us some insider scoop about what goes on behind closed doors that helps to keep Central Market a place that people want to keep returning to?
We work hard to make sure that when our guests arrive, they are getting the freshest homemade, local product they can find. On off days, you will see our vendors prepping behind the scenes making stock for soup, marinating meats, baking pastries and more. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all of our farmers who work hard every day to bring you the freshest fruits, vegetables and meats! It’s truly farm to table when you grocery shop here. We feel we have a unique blend of country market and urban prepared foods, and that makes us a destination for both locals and out-of-town guests.
Loving what you do is so pivotal when you spend as much time as we do on the job. What’s your favorite aspect of working at Central Market?
I love the people! I see how hard they all work to provide the highest quality product. They inspire me!
Which vendor has been in place at Central Market the longest?
Hmm … Dennis Fitz Produce, Henry’s Ham, Hartman’s Fruit Farm and J. L. Miller Meats have been with the market over 70 years—generation after generation.
We love the concept behind YorKitchen. What are some of the outside-of-the-box uses for such a great kitchen space?
YorKitchen is one of a kind. I’m not sure I can give something way outside the box, but it hosts regular Chef Challenges, which are a combination of “Chopped” and “Iron Chef,” and also lets you travel to different countries via your taste buds as it hosts Passport to Flavor dinners. And of course there are birthday parties, Rotary meetings, bridal showers, cooking classes and company Thanksgiving dinners, and they’ve even had annual family holiday cookie exchanges! It’s also an incubator for small business start-ups. We have had several businesses birthed from YorKitchen—Nuts About Granola and All About Brownies, both located right here in York City, and Neilly’s Foods, which you can find in your local grocery store. You can always check out what’s going on in the “kitchen” on its website.
We hope to see you soon! Central Market York is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 6 a.m.–2 p.m. Follow along on social media with the hashtag #keepingitfresh.
Find Central Market York at 34 W. Philadelphia Ave.; phone: (717) 848-2243. Learn more about York and about visiting this region of central Pennsylvania on the Explore York website.
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
