A new food vendor is set to open inside Darlington Market despite concerns over the future of the town centre facility.
Market Asset Management (MAM), which leases the building from Darlington Council, opened its street food stall area last August as part of its ongoing redevelopment, but has seen several trader’s leave just months after opening.
Italian food vendor Dough – which offers pizzas, pasta and charcuterie – is the latest local business to have pulled out of plans to open inside the market this Summer.
They follow the closure of Fresco Pizza, which closed after just three months of trading, and burger restaurant What’s Your Beef. Several other long-standing market stalls and shops have also permanently closed in the past 12 months.
Read more: Street food trader SALT abandons Darlington Market stall
Asian street food vendor KABAO, formerly known as Bao Wow, replaced the North East burger business after it closed earlier this year.
But, despite the setbacks, the market’s bosses remain positive and revealed they are set to appoint a new trader to the vacant stall.
A spokesman for Darlington Markets operator Market Asset Management (MAM) said: “We have been informed by SALT that they have decided to concentrate on their new unit rather than move in to Darlington Markets and we wish them well.
“However, we are delighted to be in advanced discussions with another potential trader over letting this unit.”
Read more: The exciting new Asian street-food stall coming to Darlington Market
The market’s bosses say the recent influx of global cuisine has helped Darlington Markets’ ever-growing reputation as a community hub and events venue.
“This is an exciting time for the market. As well as its amazing food and independent retail offering, we are proud of Darlington Markets’ burgeoning reputation as a community events venue including hosting the North East final of the prestigious Young Traders Market for the first time on July 23,” a spokesman said.
“We have a number of options for prospective traders, and anyone interested in taking on space at the market should get in touch at hello@marketlettings.co.uk.”
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