Kwon’s Produce Closes at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill

Kwon’s Produce has closed after 20 years of business at the Cross Street Market. Owner Young Kwon told SouthBMore.com that business has been “terrible” lately and he doesn’t want to continue to operate while construction is going on around him. “I can’t make it,” said Kwon.

Caves Valley Partners (CVP) is redeveloping the 31,800 sq. ft. Cross Street Market. It began construction last week on phase one which will tackle the middle section of the market while businesses continue to operate on the ends of the block-long market near Light St. and Charles St. The approximately $7.3-million project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2019.

Kwon has not closed the door on a return to Cross Street Market when renovations are completed. “If they need me, I will come back,” said Kwon, who said he is keeping all options on the table and currently looking for a job.

Kwon signed a new two-year lease to stay at Cross Street Market, but said he walked away and would have to renegotiate a new deal upon a return.

Arsh Mirmiran of CVP told SouthBMore.com that Kwon’s Produce has always been a part of the plan for the redeveloped Cross Street Market.

“I love this market, it used to be the best market in the city. I hope it comes back to being the best market again,” said Kwon. “I love this neighborhood and I thank you for having me.”

There have been many tenant changes at Cross Street Market in recent months. This includes the relocation of Cross 10 Grocery to 1039 S. Charles St. and the announcement that Baltimore’s Best BBQ and Bruce Lee Wings will be leaving at the end of March. However, Bruce Lee of Bruce Lee Wings told SouthBMore.com today that he is still hoping to work out a deal to stay.

In the past year Big Jim’s closed after mutually agreeing to part ways with CVP, The Flower Shop relocated to Carroll-Camden/Pigtown, and Mondawmin Chicken and Tian’s Teriyaki closed.

All other longstanding tenants at Cross Street Market remain open.

Sundays, Smoke, Cookie Dough & Co., and Prescription Chicken and Gertie’s Yummy Yogurt Bowls opened new stalls at Cross Street Market last year.

Read SouthBMore.com’s articles detailing the different aspects of the Cross Street Market redevelopment here.

via http://www.southbmore.com/2018/03/19/kwons-produce-closes-at-cross-street-market-in-federal-hill/