Restaurateur Rose Previte is shaking things up in Los Angeles with her new venture, Maydan Market. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s about creating a supportive space for small businesses. Previte has expanded her popular D.C. restaurants, Maydan and Compass Rose, into a 10,000-square-foot venue that’s home to several unique food vendors.
Instead of the traditional food hall model, Maydan Market fosters collaboration. Here, vendors share space and resources. They pay a percentage of their sales—20%—making it easier for them to thrive without the usual financial stress. There’s no penalty for low sales, encouraging creativity and community.
“This place is like a little family,” Previte says. “We celebrate the highs and support each other during the lows.” This camaraderie was born out of the restaurant industry’s tough times during the pandemic, when many small businesses banded together to keep afloat.
The market embraces a night market vibe, similar to those in cities like Fez and Mexico City. With live-fire cooking at its core, guests can enjoy dishes like grilled branzino and turmeric chicken. Each vendor has a distinct area, allowing visitors to order from multiple menus and sit wherever they like.
Previte is also intentional about choosing her vendors to reflect L.A.’s diverse culture. For instance, the menu includes tlayudas from Lugya’h, a concept that started as a backyard pop-up, and grilled specialties from Yhing Yhang BBQ, a spinoff of a popular Thai restaurant. She recognizes the challenges smaller vendors face, especially those from immigrant backgrounds.
A report from the National Restaurant Association shows that nearly 75% of operators say they face staffing challenges. In this context, Previte’s model is not just innovative; it’s essential for keeping diverse culinary traditions alive in the face of economic pressures.
The market also includes a retail component, Sook, offering Middle Eastern goods and grab-and-go options. This not only supports the restaurants but also allows customers to take a piece of the market home with them.
Previte notes the difficulty of opening restaurants today, especially for immigrant entrepreneurs—something particularly close to her heart. “It’s about creating opportunities, especially now,” she says, referencing the complexities of the current political climate.
Maydan Market isn’t just a business; it’s a vibrant community hub that encourages culinary exploration and fosters connections. Rose Previte is proving that with the right support, small, cool businesses can thrive, even in challenging times.
To learn more about the factors shaping today’s restaurant landscape, you can check reports from the National Restaurant Association.
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