Vendor Profile
Middle Eastern Delites
Linda Morris and her sister-in-law first got into the salad dressing business when her sister-in-law got tired of making Fattoush - a tangy and flavorful Middle Eastern salad dressing used for Fattoush salad - from scratch for her husband. She began searching stores in the area for Fattoush, but after an extensive search, she discovered that the only way she could purchase this Middle Eastern salad dressing was by going to a restaurant.
That's when Linda and her sister-in-law decided to start Middle Eastern Delites, a Middle Eastern salad dressing and marinade company.
As both their families had been directly affected by the failing auto industry and dire Michigan economy, this entrepreneurial venture was exactly what they needed. According to them, "We were able to take the affects of the economic downturn and make it the driving force and motivation of Middle Eastern Delites Dressings and Marinades."
Beyond finding a creative way to entrepreneur in this tough business economy, Linda and her sister-in-law have perfected the Original Fattoush Dressing recipe along with a Mediterranean Garlic Dressing. Both recipes are sugar free, gluten free, no trans fat, low sodium, and only 60 calories per serving, and still manage to retain their rich flavors.
To find out more information, check out their website at middleeasterndelites.com or visit their stand on Saturday to get a taste for yourself!
Customer Profile
Denise Wright
Denise Wright can't just pick one things she loves about Eastern Market, but exclaims she loves "everything!" She specifically notes the best parts of the Market are the atmosphere, unique farmers, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make new acquaintances.
Denise and her husband come to the Market at least two times a month, and love to visit Esther for her corn and Byron for his citrus. Additional stops include R. Hirt, Eastern Market Seafood, Cost Plus Wine, and Gratiot Central Market. She says they really miss Rafal Spice Company, and that sometimes they used to make a special trip to the Market just for the spices sold there.
"Eastern Market is phenomenal," says Denise when asked why she prefers to shop there. She also enjoys the environment at Eastern Market much better than a traditional grocery store, and "you get better deals."
Business Profile
Savvy Chic
2712 Riopelle St
Detroit, MI
(313) 833-8769
Nestled next to produce stores and meat markets, Savvy Chic is the Eastern Market neighborhood's best kept secret, or, as owner Karen Brown describes it, "hidden treasure." The aroma of scented candles that flow throughout the store take its visitors away from the city streets. "People are always surprised when they come in here," said Brown.
Brown cites that a home décor store, a rarity in Detroit neighborhoods, is not the only thing that makes Savvy Chic unique. "People like to come here because I mix the old with the new," said Brown. This is apparent through the eclectic mix of the traditional designs and her modern lines of natural, biodegradable, and recyclable products.
Items sold in the store include home furnishings, décor, books, cookbooks, jewelry, clothes, cards, and furniture. Essentially, as Brown says, "I have everything." Nearly all of this one-of-a-kind "everything" is made in the United States, if not locally made in the Michigan and Detroit area.
Come take a peek at Savvy Chic for yourself the next time you visit Eastern Market. It is open TH-SAT: 10AM-5PM and SUN 10AM-3PM.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - An advanced workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) is reaching out to growers trying to tackle food safety certification, which is being required by regional grocery stores and wholesale distributors looking to source local products. 
