A fifth location for Inside the Box, and a community garden, are the latest additions to the Heights Public Market. Sale proceeds from this grocery market-style concept by Metropolitan Ministries will support the local nonprofit's hunger programs throughout Tampa Bay.
Serving contemporary American dishes, Inside the Box is set to specialize in local ingredients, including house-roasted, -cured and -smoked meats, alongside fresh seafood, artisan cheese, specialty sandwiches and salads. The newcomer will also feature area-made goods like breads, dressings and spreads inside SoHo Capital's reimagined Armature Works building in Tampa Heights.
Students of the Metropolitan Ministries Culinary Arts Program will staff Inside the Box and its accompanying community garden, providing training opportunities to help them transition out of homelessness and poverty. A first for Metropolitan Ministries, the garden gives other Heights Public Market partners the space to plant their own produce and herbs as well.
Ichicoro, Union by Commune + Co. and Ava are among the market's previously announced vendors.
"We're thrilled to see the revitalization of our Tampa Heights neighborhood and with the opportunity bring our Inside the Box social enterprise to The Heights Public Market," said Metropolitan Ministries CEO and President Tim Marks in a statement. "This location will be a wonderful addition to our other outposts, featuring our widest selections of local offerings."
The Heights Public Market expects to open its doors in summer 2017.
