Fries, ice cream, cold-pressed juice, doughnuts, coffee and pastries in one place — every foodie’s dream. A new market coming to Tampa Heights is set to offer this enticing spread and more.
Returning the third Sunday of every month, Tampa Indie Flea will make its debut from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Rialto Theatre. The founding crew — Rosey Williams, Seanissey Loughlin and Marc Havnoonian-Folker — developed the idea in June after noticing a gap in the city’s market scene. As architect of the St. Pete Indie Market, Williams wanted to bring that experience to Tampa.
Now, after months of planning, the indoor market’s grand opening is less than two weeks away, and the trio hopes to showcase small businesses with their selection.
Marketgoers can expect about 60 vendors and makers, including food and drink purveyors like OobAlaMode Pastries, The Hole Donuts and The Urban Canning Company. Patrons are invited to follow their noses to the alleyway for the Fries Above and Surf and Turf food trucks, or hydrate with beverages from Tidal Boar Ginger Beer, Commune + Co. and Squeeze Juice Works.
The gathering even extends to Hidden Springs Ale Works, the brewery next door. There, folks will have the chance to win giveaways during the markets, and for the grand opening only, they may also enjoy a complimentary beer at the door.
While chowing down, patrons may also explore the artsy side of what the Indie Flea features. From handmade jewelry to vintage apparel, there’s something for everyone. Minus a few core setups, vendors will rotate at each market so new crafts may be found.
“I still get excited about [the vendors’] products,” Havnoonian-Folker says. “Like, man, their stuff is really awesome and that’s so cool that they made that.”
Loughlin might scoop up some creations from his new ice cream pop-up, MilkCrate Creamery, too. Past flavors include Imperial Milk Stout Brownie and a maple ice cream with bacon bark toffee. MilkCrate focuses on partnering with local vendors to make its offerings come to life, and the same holds true for Tampa Indie Flea.
Along with supporting local trades, Williams says one of the goals is to bring traffic and business to restaurants, breweries and other neighborhood establishments. The Indie Flea creators encourage patrons to explore Tampa Heights before stopping by the market, whether that means grabbing brunch or strolling along the Riverwalk.
“You really want to have experienced the Indie Flea,” Loughlin says, “and that’s kind of what we are going for — making it its own entity where it has its own look and its own aesthetic, its own vibe.”
