If you’ve lived in Paducah for any amount of time, you’ve heard of, or been to, Midtown Market. The locally owned grocery store’s website says that it “brings something to Paducah that the national chain stores struggle to deliver – personalized serviced and locally sourced products.” While living in Boston, owner Andy Carloss fell in love with little market-type stores that specialized in local products. His love of the outdoors eventually brought him back to his hometown of Paducah, and he opened Midtown Market in 2012. If you’ve never taken a stroll through Midtown Market, do your tastebuds a favor and stop by. You’ll find local in-season produce, fresh bread baked by local bakeries, steaks, seafood, and ingredients to accommodate most food allergies. The deli also offers mouth-watering sandwiches and sides, and the outdoor seating area is the perfect place to enjoy casual dining with company. To buy produce from local farmers, owner Andy Carloss does not operate on contracts. He says, “I don’t want to be counting seeds and inventory with them. I just want what they have available and what’s fresh. We operate on a business handshake model. A lot of retired individuals with large gardens with excess bring us what they have. We like to buy things in small batches so everything stays fresh and turns around quickly.”
Most of us have been to Midtown Market and are familiar with the types of products they carry, but did you also know that they offer microwaveable meals during the week? Each day Monday through Friday they offer two entree options with sides, and the menu can be found on their website. They come in one serving size, but larger quantities can be ordered if you call ahead a few days in advance. Sounds convenient, but Midtown Market takes it one step further and also has a drive-thru! Needing a quick, easy dinner option on a weeknight? Just swing by their drive-thru to pick up your dinner and sides, and be on your way. Midtown Market also offers catering for small events like office meetings or family gatherings. Carloss says the November/December holiday season is a busy time of year for families to order catering from Midtown Market. Traditional breads and delectable side dishes are just a few things they offer during the holiday season.
If you ask Carloss what his favorite things on the menu are, it seems hard for him to make a decision. “I love the meatloaf, the pork carnitas with feta cheese and all the fixings, and my all-time favorite is our bacon wrapped filets.” Who can blame him for having multiple favorites with a menu like that?! Carloss is sure about one thing though, his love of our community. “My favorite part about being a small business owner in Paducah is being involved in the community – receiving community support and returning the favor. Doing things like helping non-profits, participating in fundraising events, and supporting the local little league team.” Make Midtown Market a routine stop on your weekly grocery runs, and you’ll be taking your meals up a notch while supporting a locally owned business that’s sure to give back to our community.
