by TM Petaccia

The People’s Market founder Cory Duran. Photo courtesy

Cory Duran is Charlotte-proud through and through. Born in Charlotte and raised in Hidden Valley, the Independence High graduate and current Wesley Heights resident sees his The People’s Market as a gathering spot just as much as he does a business — maybe more so.

“I like to call The People’s Market a community headquarters or neighborhood headquarters,” he says. “We want our locations to take on the identity of the neighborhood they’re in. You’ll be able to see a little bit of the character of each neighborhood.”

The People’s Market sidewalk seating in Elizabeth. Photo courtesy

Right now, the number of People’s Market locations is one: in the former Earl’s Grocery space in Elizabeth, where it opened in 2022. The upscale marketplace, deli, and coffee shop relocated there from its original location in the heart of Dilworth, on East Boulevard.  However, work is underway at a new location LoSo’s Station 4, close to The Rail Trail and Scaleybark light rail station.

Duran is targeting a spring 2024 opening. When finished, the LoSo market will cover 5,000 square feet with indoor-outdoor seating for 120. The building will also showcase artwork by local artists. The location will be open seven days a week.

“It’s a little bit smaller than the flagship store in Elizabeth, but still all the fun and vibe you get from this location,” Duran says.

The menu, being developed by chef Deacon Ovall, will offer many types of items found in the Elizabeth location — scratch-made breakfast, artisan sandwiches, wraps, salads, smash burgers, and pastries, including vegan options — but Duran says there will be some items purely for LoSo. “We’re planning to test a couple of ideas at that location, including a juice and smoothie bar. We’ll also have a little bit more in grocery provisions and more grab-and-go options. We’ll also have catchy things we will try to introduce, week after week.”

The LoSo location will sport a full bar with custom cocktails, craft beer on tap, and wine by the glass. Non-alcoholic drinks will include a coffee program with batch brew, Nitro, and espresso drinks. Brewed teas, smoothies, and refreshers will also be available.

Duran says his goal is to open locations in other neighborhoods around town. “LoSo is us taking the next step,” he says. “I’ve seen this city grow and change throughout the years and I’m just blessed to be a part of the growth of this city. It’s really humbling just to be opening a business on South Boulevard.”

Above all, The People’s Market is Duran’s vision of where he simply wants to hang out — that is when he’s not hanging out with his dog, Daenerys. “When I retired as a financial planner at Merrill Lynch, I was looking for something different. I spent a lot of time at hangout spots and came up with the concept,” he says.

“I just figured if I like it, I can get other people to like it too.”