The Friendly Market set to break ground in Florence

FLORENCE, Ky. - A new market is breaking ground in Northern Kentucky Tuesday morning bringing the promise of fresh produce from local growers year round.

The Friendly Market of Northern Kentucky will break ground on Sam Neace Drive in Florence, Ky., at 10:30 a.m. The market, located off exit 178 on I-75, will be a public market similar to Cincinnati’s Findlay Market and will be open to shoppers in the spring of 2013.

"[Friendly Market] is really to showcase the local and regional products in Kentucky," said a spokesperson with the project, Amy Hunter.

The market will be a home to local and regional growers and producers including indoor merchants. The site will also have a Kentucky Proud General Store, casual dining options and a seasonal outdoor farmer’s market.

The groundbreaking will mark the start of the first phase of the project, which will include a pavilion to cover a 10,000-square-foot area. The market will expand during future phases to cover more of the 2.5-acre property, Hunter said.

"The pavilion will open in the spring and then in the late spring will we add 30 additional spots for farmers," she said. "Developers and planners will see what works and that will help determine future phases."

The site, which used to be farmland, will now become a home for farmers to show their craft and sell their products. Many of the merchants and participants in the market are former tobacco farmers who have caught on to different products, Hunter said.

Through the market, shoppers will have their pick of local flavors, meats, seafood, small farm wines, Kentucky bourbons, cheeses, Kentucky microbrewed beers, spices, coffee, ice cream, crafts and more.
 

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