Faces of Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market, Los Angeles' oldest and largest public market, has undergone sweeping changes since its renovation was announced 20 months ago. A dozen new vendors have been added to the mix of longtime favorite stalls, breathing new life into the market — located at the base of the Homer Laughlin Building downtown — and gaining national recognition. It's this balance of old and new that has been one of the great draws of Grand Central Market. Here are some of the faces of the new-old Grand Central Market.
Fernando Villagomez (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times )
Las Morelianas
Name
Fernando Villagomez
From
Michoacan, Mexico
When did you open at the market?
January 2008
What do you love about GCM
"Always people here. We got a lot of customers from all over the world who want to learn about all foods and all traditions. And it keeps getting better, and in better shape. That's better for us."
What are your favorite stands?
Kabab & More.
Lydia Clark and Reed Herrick (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
DTLA Cheese
Name
Lydia Clarke, Marnie Clarke and Reed Herrick
From
The Clarkes, Pomona; Herrick, Minneapolis
When did you open at the market?
December 2013
What do you love about GCM
"Community! It is an incredible experience to work alongside with other vendors who become friends, as well as our customers!" — Lydia Clarke
What are your favorite stands?
Ana Maria, Sticky Rice, Valerie
Micah Wexler (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Wexler's Deli
Name
Micah Wexler
From
North Hollywood
When did you open at the market?
April 2014
What do you love about GCM
"I love that GCM is a microcosm of what's happening in L.A. right now. Angelenos are trying to discover great neighborhoods and the great cultural experinces that come with them. GCM is a mashup of food, culture and ethnicities. This place is ground zero for L.A. defining what kind of city we want to be."
What are your favorite stands?
"There's so much killer food here right now. Everyone is bringing their A-game and trying to put forward the food that's in their soul."
David Tewasart (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Sticky Rice
Name
David Tewasart
From
Los Angeles
When did you open at the market?
June 2013
What do you love about GCM
"I love the frenzied energy during lunch rushes and the weekend. There's an overall feeling at the market that something really cool is happening right now. The camraderie among the vendors both old and new is really neat and being situated in the middle of the market while the best of everything (pastrami, eggs, cheese, butchers, ice cream, etc.) opens up all around you overnight is an experience that is difficult to describe. I feel very lucky and grateful."
What are your favorite stands?
McConnell's, Horse Thief BBQ, Wexler's Deli, DTLA Cheese
Sara Clark (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Sarita's Pupuseria
Name
Sara Clark
From
San Salvador
When did you open at the market?
April 1998
What do you love about GCM
"I love offering what I have from my hometown, from my birthplace, what I grew up with."
What are your favorite stands?
"All of them, old and new."
Russell Malixi and Wade McElroy (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Horse Thief BBQ
Name
Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi
From
Wade is from Austin, Texas. Russell is from Houston. They met in college in Austin.
When did you open at the market?
July 2013
What do you love about GCM
"The market is a really dynamic place with a lot of cool and talented people. It is where you can put your finger on the pulse of the L.A. food scene past, present and future." — Russell Malixi
What are your favorite stands?
"There are so many to chose from but Sticky Rice, DTLA Cheese and Egg Slut are some of our favorites." – Wade McElroy
Valerie Gordon (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Valerie Grand Central Market
Name
Valerie Gordon
From
San Francisco
When did you open at the market?
May 2013
What do you love about GCM
"I love the history of the market — the current chapter is a standout."
What are your favorite stands?
Valeria's Chiles-Spices, DTLA Cheese and Belcampo Meat Co.
Tomas Martinez (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Tacos Tumbras a Tomas / Ana Maria's
Name
Tomas Martinez
From
Michoacan, Mexico
When did you open at the market?
Taco Tumbras, March 1995; Ana Maria's, July 1997
What do you love about GCM
"Too many things. New faces. It's good for us because we have new customers."
What are your favorite stands?
"Tacos Tumbras!"
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