The Reading Terminal Market, with its origins rooted in the 19th century, continues to grow and evolve alongside the city of Philadelphia.
Annie Allman, the market’s CEO and general manager, recently spoke about what makes the market special while outlining its strategic plan and long-term goals at a Design Advocacy Group event.
“The number one point I try to share with everyone is that the Reading Terminal Market is a nonprofit,” Allman stated.
“It’s really important that we support this institution and that we bring a lot of benefit to the city of Philadelphia.”
Allman emphasized the market’s role as a hub for local businesses, noting that it hosts 76 small, family-owned enterprises and employs around 600 people.
“We are an incredibly diverse public space for Philadelphia.
It’s one of the last places you can come and build a connection with people in real time, not digitally,” she added.
During her presentation, Allman unveiled several initiatives aimed at enhancing the market, including revamping volunteer programs, expanding vendor spaces outdoors, and supporting health, education, and nutrition initiatives.
“Everyone thinks of the Reading Terminal Market as where you go to get your great snacks,” she remarked.
“But we have the best purveyors, the best butchers, produce, fishmongers, and we are believed to be the number one redemption site for EBT and SNAP in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Allman expressed excitement about new vendors that have recently joined the market, such as Bao & Bun Studio and Uncle Gus’ Steaks.
The latter is a creation from the owners of popular local eateries like Pearl’s Oyster Bar, Angelo’s Pizzeria, and DiNic’s.
According to Allman, Uncle Gus’ “has been going gangbusters.”
This week, the market welcomed its newest stand from a Pennsylvania Dutch vendor, which features fresh produce from Lancaster County, in addition to Amish-preserved goods and crafts.
More new offerings are on the horizon as well.
“We have another new merchant that is joining us, Wilt’s Berries,” she noted.
“And they will have fresh-cut strawberries with beautiful, hot melted chocolate.”
Reading Terminal Market attracts over 5 million visitors annually.
However, Allman highlighted that the market operates with a much smaller staff compared to similar city markets, such as St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and Findlay Market in Cincinnati.
“Findlay Market in Ohio, which is kind of what we all look to in Cincinnati, they just do it,” she emphasized.
“They have everything we want, right?
They have an incubator program, and they have a test kitchen.”
Findlay also supports a staff of around 100 people, which Allman highlighted as crucial for successful operations.
“That’s part of fundraising so that we can have a community engagement manager, so that we can do some of these great things that we really aspire to do,” she explained.
After Allman’s talk, attendees suggested various ideas for the market’s future, including expanding into Market East, introducing more live music, and discussing ways to prevent overcrowding.
One attendee proposed timed tickets for busy days, to which Allman responded with skepticism.
“I would be hung by my toes and swung through the market by the merchants,” she joked.
Regardless of how Reading Terminal Market evolves, Allman remains committed to making it a community hub for residents.
“Our goal is to create shoppers, not just eaters — bringing back that real customer-centered culture,” she conveyed.
“Values, personal service.
That’s the key.”
She encouraged anyone interested in helping the market achieve its goals to volunteer at any time.
image source from：https://billypenn.com/2025/04/18/reading-terminal-market-strategic-plans/
