Belli's Market Opens in Thalia Hall

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Photo: via DNA Info

Belli's is now open in Thalia Hall, and DNA Info reports that the market was a lucky accident of sorts. Last year, owner Alex Curatolo was working up a business plan to turn the farmer's market into a nonprofit, but it didn't occur to her to open a storefront space. Then, it hit her: a permanent store would allow farmers-market vendors to showcase their goods year-round.

After raking up $15,000 on Kickstartr, Curatolo calls the 18th-Street space home (she named the store after her dog.) Expect goods from vendors like Ingram's Bread and Jam, Belli, and Bailey's Bees; there's also a juice bar that churns out kale and beet juices, and healthy-eating workshops may come next. "We need more South Side stores," Curatolo told DNA Info. We need more health food stores in general."

The store's homespun details ooze community love: Redmoon Theater donated the wood used to make the display crates, and photos from local shutterbugs lines the walls. Thalia Hall neighbors include Modern Co-Operative, Dusek's restaurant, and the subterranean Punch House.
· Belli's Local Market Opens in Pilsen's Thalia Hall [DNA Info]
· Thalia Hall Attracts Health Food, Juice Bar [DNA Info]