Skirtz & Johnston Fine Pastries and Chocolates to open at Findlay Market

A long vacant space at Findlay Market will soon be filled by Skirtz & Johnston Fine Pastries and Chocolates.  According to Findlay Market President/CEO Robert Pickford, the bakery will occupy a double store front at 111/113 West Elder Street on the south side of the Market House next to Krause's.

Pickford noted that the 1,342 square-foot space has not previously been occupied and has been available for about 26 months.

"This brings Findlay Market to 86 percent occupancy," said Pickford who went on to say that if current prospects work out that the occupancy rate could reach 90 percent soon.  Skirtz & Johnston also fills several long awaited product niches in the market's overall product mix according to Pickford.

Going forward Findlay Market is hoping to secure additional fresh produce vendors, and preferably additional full-time fresh produce vendors like Daisy Mae's Market.  Ethnic groceries, pubs and cafes, and other more traditional retail formats are also being pursued to fill out Findlay Market's product mix.

"The new bakery will bring activity, color, great aromas, and new life to the south side of the market square," said Pickford.

The new vendor for Findlay Market joins after a tremendous year for the historic marketplace that experienced a 23 percent increase in customer traffic with roughly 758,000 shopping visits made to Findlay Market in 2009.  During that time the market also welcomed four new full-time businesses, and added Tuesday as a sixth day of operation year-round.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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