If you haven’t been to The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square, now is the time to go. This small-town hot-spot continues to offer quality vendors, great events and culinary diversity. Aptly self-described as a “fusion of local ingredients and classic cuisine,” The Market is a modern take on an old tradition: provide a gathering space for members of the business community, neighbors and families and offer high-quality, local culinary offerings and retail items.
With room for up to 14 unique businesses, the 10,000-square-foot space could easily feel vast. But each vendor offers a unique presentation of their specialty items, and wandering through the space gives the exciting and cozy feel of a miniature Reading Terminal Market right in our very own Kennett Square. To add to the already popular lineup (Chef-a-Topia, Nourish Juice Bar & Cafe, Paradocx Vineyard, Punk’d Pineapple, Buddy’s Burgers, State Street Pizza & Grill, Terra Foods, Yo’R So Sweet and Sweet Magnolia Bakery), Kaboburritos will be opening its doors this spring.
I recently had the chance to chat with Market at Liberty Place developer Geoffrey Bosley and Kaboburritos owner Carlos Vargas to get the skinny on the latest happenings.
PA Eats: Each time I have gone, the vendors are all pretty busy. What kind of feedback are you getting from vendors and diners?
Geoff: We’re very excited about the growth of The Market. It’s terrific to look back and see where The Market was a few years ago compared to where it is now! People enjoy it and it has become part of the Kennett Square fabric and community, which is awesome to see. People just say, “Let’s Go to The Market” and everyone knows what they mean. But we’re only as good as our businesses. There are certainly some terrific ones in The Market.
I love the spectrum of vendors at The Market. It seems like a little bit of something for everyone.
That’s our plan. We feel like the businesses complement each other well. We won’t bring in two similar businesses (i.e., two pizza shops). We want to offer more and more reasons for people to come to The Market … whether it be to get a bite to eat from all the options, purchase some olive oil or wine, grab dessert or buy their morning juice. Our feeling is adding Chef-a-topia & Kaboburritos will only add to that. It will provide a few healthy, gourmet dining options as well as enhance the shopping experience. Customers will be able to purchase meals, hummus, cheese boards, seafood, meat and more in grab-and-go cases. It will only to the number of reasons to come to The Market!
Tell us about what is planned at The Market for the spring—any special events?
There is always something going on at The Market! The Market has live music every Friday evening from 6–9 p.m. with Happy Hour specials. We will also have a few school giveback nights, book club nights, a children’s story time event and a host of other activities planned for this spring.
We’re excited about Friday, March 25, because Paradocx is hosting “Mom’s Night Out” with drink specials and pop-up shopping. It’ll be a great chance for moms to get a break and have a night to themselves. On top of that, Chef-a-Topia will have its grand re-opening with seafood specials (it is Good Friday!). In addition to their raw bar, they will have cheese boards and other tasty dishes. We will also have the ultra-talented Sara Spicer performing. It’s her first time at The Market and will be a treat to listen to her!
Tell us about Kaboburritos coming to The Market.
First and foremost, we’re most excited about Carlos Vargas himself. He is a terrific person and a hard worker, some of the most important attributes you can have in someone. He will add a lot personally and be a great fit in The Market. The number of healthy and vegetarian options will be very nice.
There aren’t many casual Mediterranean options in the area, and Carlos will fill that niche. On top of that, adding The Mexican option is a great idea. Kennett Square is a hotbed for great Mexican food and Kaboburritos will only add to that. Where else can you find a Mexi-terranean Grill? A number of customers have mentioned to me how excited they are about Kaboburritos opening. Some of the pictures that have been posted on Facebook have been mouth-watering. I personally can’t wait, and I know a number of other people feel the same way!
Carlos, it sounds like Geoff is excited about Kaboburritos coming to The Market. Can you tell us how it all got started?
Carlos: Kaboburritos came to be in South Korea when I was living abroad. Prior to moving I spent many years working at Mexican and Mediterranean restaurants. A friend of mine invited me to participate in a multi-cultural cooking competition. I was able to win the competition serving Mediterranean cuisine. From there, many people kept asking me to open a restaurant. I decided to customize my 250cc scooter into a mobile food cart called The Kebab Scooter that I would station in downtown Gwangju where I lived at the time. The Kebab Scooter served traditional doner kebabs as well as a variety of hummus spreads, baba ganoush and falafel. The Kebab Scooter was a hit, so I bought a food truck. When I had more space for food, I decided to create Kaboburritos and add some Mexican dishes as well to appeal to a broader crowd. Burritos, nachos, pico and queso were added to the menu.
Can you talk about the Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine fusion?
Kaboburritos is a Mediterranean and Mexican fusion restaurant that will serve traditional Mexican dishes in both Mexican or Mediterranean styles. Kaboburritos will cook and cut all meat used in dishes on a rotating, vertical broiler in front of guests. Our open kitchen will allow guests to see all available side items and allow them to customize their meals as they order. We are a vegetarian- and health-conscious restaurant that uses the freshest local ingredients to make all our dishes.
What do you anticipate being your standout dish?
Kaboburritos will be known for its kebab wraps as well as its burritos.
What appeals to you about being involved in The Market?
The Market is a great community gathering location and that’s what I love about it. With a variety of shops and options, guests can come with their families and enjoy a great time.
Find The Market at Liberty Place at 148 W. State St. in Kennett Square; phone: (610) 925-3411.
- Photos: KebaBurritos
One Comment