Moijhan Hayratiyan, the co-owner of Serrinia Cafe and Everyday Gourmet crepe shop at Kitchener Market, is navigating a changed business landscape compared to just three months ago. Following an electrical fire that forced the closure of the market in July, her family’s business, consisting of a coffee shop and crepe shop on King Street E. at Eby Street N., operated five days a week. Presently, they are running a single coffee stall in a temporary space within the market breezeway alongside other vendors. This shift has significantly impacted their operations, with coffee sales reduced to one-fifth of their previous volume and the crepe shop no longer in operation.
The closure of the indoor market since July 12 due to the fire prompted the City of Kitchener to expand the outdoor area with temporary setups in the breezeway to support indoor vendors. Approximately 46 vendors are now operating on Saturdays. The city recently announced plans to fully reopen the market in spring 2027 after renovations. However, the interim setups have led to reduced product offerings and customer losses for many businesses, raising concerns about the long-term effects on customer habits.
Moijhan Hayratiyan described how the fire has necessitated a complete shift in her business operations. Instead of solely operating within the market, she now roasts coffee at KW Coffee Collective in Kitchener before returning to the market to package and sell the products, resulting in increased costs and logistical challenges. While appreciative of the 50% rent reduction for vendors provided by the City of Kitchener in September, Hayratiyan remains apprehensive about the future viability of her business.
Raquel Franco, owner of La Brazil, expressed similar sentiments, noting a significant drop in food sales due to their smaller space in the breezeway. The limitations have hindered their ability to operate at full capacity, leading to decreased customer traffic. Despite being closed for two months post-fire, Franco emphasized the importance of a prompt market reopening to resume normal operations and retain customer loyalty.
For long-time market visitor Cory Crawford, the adjustments have been manageable over the past months. While acknowledging initial challenges, Crawford highlighted the market’s significance in the community and expressed optimism about the accommodations made for indoor vendors. He believes that sustaining the market’s operations through the current setup for one season should be feasible.
The ongoing changes at Kitchener Market continue to impact vendors, customers, and the local community, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required to navigate unforeseen challenges in the business landscape.