LA's living room: Meet the family-owned merchants of The Original Farmers Market

Since 1934, The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax has garnered a reputation as LA’s unofficial “living room,” a warm, friendly place where the community comes to shop, dine and share momentous occasions.Much as individual family members give the living room its warmth and personality, the family-owned merchants of The Original Farmers Market are the heart and soul of the Market, enabling this landmark to grow, thrive and serve the City of Angels, even during these most of trying of years.

Dozens of family owned businesses call the Market home.Representing a diverse collection of grocers, restaurants and specialty merchants, they have kept Angelenos well-fed and cared for over the past 86 years.Thanks to its al fresco setting, the Market has consistently remained open, providing essential grocery and retail services and a comfortable, safe place to dine, stroll, and enjoy family and a sense of normalcy.

For groceries, the multi-generational DeRosa family has been there for its customers, selling only the highest quality meats and poultry at Marconda’s Meats and Marconda’s Puritan Poultry since 1946. The Puente family has worked non-stop offering the freshest fruits and vegetables at Farm Fresh Produce.The Strouk family has been another mainstay, serving fresh seafood and pantry provisions from Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market and Monsieur Marcel Seafood Market.And let’s not forget Magee’s House of Nuts and Magee’s Kitchen, two original Farmers Market merchants circa 1934 that are still going strong. Dwayne Call and family continue to serve up fresh roasted nuts and delicious deli favorites, much the same as his great aunt Blanche Magee did in the 1930’s.

For dining, the Gilbert family has continued to serve up great comfort food at Charlie’s Coffee Shop including French toast, breakfast burritos and burgers, while the Gazal family continues to offer a delicious taste of the Far East at Singapore’s Banana Leaf. And let’s not forget the Chang family continually serving up the best barbeque this side of Texas at Bryan’s Pit Barbeque.

We’ve all had a bit of a sweet tooth lately.The Davidson family from T&Y Bakery, the Graves family at Littlejohn’s House of English Toffee and the Bennett family at Bennett’s Ice Cream offer sweet treats in ready supply.

These days, keeping the family entertained and in a good mood is also a must. The Kipper family at Kip’s Toyland and the Kraft family at Sticker Planet have kept kids all ages playing with a smile through enriching crafts, toys, puzzles and games while the Jadidy family at By Candlelight has kept a steady supply of calming candles and scents.

These are just some of the many business that are the heart of the Market, bringing LA’s unofficial living room to life through food, fun and family. They invite you to stop by soon for a visit.

The Market is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Details are at www.farmersmarketla.com.