Small Enterprise Profile: Chicago’s Ándale Market, a Curated New York-st

Ándale Market Owners Mia Sakai and Tim Hannifan celebrate their first anniversary

Images courtesy of Mia Sakai and Tim Hannifan

Some hit their native comfort retailer for a Eating regimen Coke and Doritos.

Others make a late-night pit cease for a six-pack and scratchers or an emergency journey for lavatory paper.

However at Ándale Market — “a curated nook retailer” in Chicago, Illinois — you may discover herb-infused carbonated water, artisan roasted tomato cheddar soup, or real looking hand gesture candles.

The Pandemic Pivot

Proprietor Mia Sakai has a background in branding, graphic design, and advertising. She has additionally been concerned in pop-up residence and way of life retail shops earlier than. Impressed by Puerto Rican bodegas, she and her husband, Tim Hannifan, renovated the 400 sq. foot house that was once an outdated classic clothes retailer known as Tilly.

After gutting the complete retailer, the couple gathered constructing supplies from round Andersonville and strapped them to the highest of their automobile. With the assistance of The Chicago Instrument Library — which has 2,500 borrowable instruments from stitching machines to desk saws — they laid tiles, lower baseboard trim, and constructed cabinets.

They named their grab-and-go enterprise Ándale, which suggests “let’s go” in Spanish. “We’re in a time the place folks do not actually need to go right into a retailer and linger perpetually,” Sakai says.

When folks study Ándale Market opened final December, they’re typically stunned as a result of it was in the course of the uncertainty of the pandemic. “The reality is — if the pandemic has taught us something — nothing in life is for certain,” Sakai says. With an estimated 345,323 COVID-19 deaths and 114 million job losses, the world was upended, halted, and turned the wrong way up. “We determined it was a lay your chips on the desk form of second,” she says.

“One of many causes we needed to do what we name ‘a curated Bodega’ is as a result of it might nonetheless be deemed a vital enterprise. Throughout the pandemic, as we have been seeing non-essential companies begin to shut down, we thought it was a great way to remain operational.”

The Greatest Native and Imported Items

Shortlisted for Time Out Chicago’s Love Native awards, Ándale Market shares native and imported items. “We take a number of buyer suggestions. In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing particular we do not carry, we’ll look into it. Some merchandise are suggestions from family and friends. Others are from our travels,” Sakai says.

“Earlier than the pandemic, my husband and I spent a number of time touring. We have been lucky sufficient to go everywhere in the world, and our primary aim after we journey is to immerse ourselves within the tradition. We’re all the time on the lookout for the following nice meal and consuming our method by locations.”

In the event you can’t make it to Spain, Ándale Market has Güeyu Mar. Its chargrilled sardines, cockles, and squid will carry your tastebuds away (sans passport). The dog-friendly comfort retailer — which has its personal in-house pup named Arlo — additionally carries Phoenix Bean Tofu. This non-GMO, organically-grown tofu is hand made each day to make sure freshness and authenticity.

Ándale Market additionally has Detroit Chips, which landed on Oprah’s Favourite Issues record in 2016. They assist create wealth and work within the underserved and underinvested African American group. Additionally they promote Onigiri Shuttle Kororin’s handmade rice balls. Flavors embody pork stomach, salmon butter, crunchy garlic corn, and Negi (inexperienced onion) miso.

Ándale Market has greater than 50 condiments and sauces in inventory. For instance, there’s Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp. Hyped as “a shortcut to deliciousness” by The New York Instances, it’s full of crispy chili bits, preserved black beans, mushroom powder, sesame oil, and garlic.

However don’t be fooled, there’s extra than simply foodstuffs. There are 3D-printed planters and thriller eggs by Haleyanne Freedman. There are additionally outsized sea bream-shaped soaps, that are thought of a very good omen in Japan, and unwrapped Munchiecat catnip sushi trays that enchant kids and canine which can be passing by.

Whereas listening to 90’s hip hop, you’ll be able to nonetheless wash your churro-flavored protein bar down with a Mountain Dew or purchase three baggage of legally-addictive cookies per week. Ándale Market tries to toe the road between well being and enjoyable. Additionally they need folks to be stunned and outline our merchandise as approachable and reasonably priced.

“So far as provide chain points, we’ve seen a considerable squeeze with turnaround instances and getting merchandise. We additionally heard that a number of our native manufacturers are having bother getting packaging stickers, baking provides, uncooked supplies, and even the workers to assist them with their merchandise,” Sakai says

Regardless of the kinks within the provide chain, Ándale Market has put collectively hand-picked and pre-wrapped reward bins for the vacations and particular events. Tapas Time, Dinner with Ándale, Pantry Droppers, Tea Time, and For the Love of Chocolate are assured to win hearts and bellies.

Creating Group Roots

Ándale Market is creating group roots. The mom-and-pop store participated within the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce’s fifteenth Wine Stroll. Contributors obtained a commemorative wine tasting glass and a Cork or Bottle route card highlighting every wine. Ándale Market served up spicy habanero margaritas and char-cute-erie cones.

The small enterprise additionally held its 1st Cookie Champ occasion. Eight breakout bakers competed for the chance to be stocked on Ándale Market’s cabinets. Over 300 residents voted for his or her favourite candy deal with. “Boy, was it a detailed race! So shut that we determined to inventory each Masa Madre and runner-up Carolyn’s Krisps’ vegan and gluten-free cookies so we’ll have one thing for everybody,” Sakai writes on Instagram.

“What a 12 months it’s been attending to know all of you — your tales and snacking habits, your dedication to the neighborhood and procuring native. We’re humbled and grateful for the love and assist you’ve proven us in our first 12 months of enterprise.”

LOCATION:

Ándale Market
5232 North Clark Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640