Franklin Ave. is now closed from Main St. to Erie St. and will remain closed until further notice! This area has been transformed into a picnic area. Only delivery, sanitation and emergency vehicles now have access, and movable barriers are in place to accommodate that.

The City of Kent is doing this for all of us — our businesses and our community! Offering lots of outdoor seating helps our businesses with limited indoor seating capacity, and our community to feel more comfortable going out for food, beverages and conversation with friends.

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, and we’re excited to have this open space for socializing and enjoying the good eats and beverages of Kent. Thanks to the DORA program, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at local bars and restaurants for outdoor consumption from 12-10pm, seven days a week.

Head up to Main St. for some popcorn, Erie St. for coffee or a smoothie, or Water St. for some sandwiches or sushi, then take it down to Franklin Ave. — or get something right there on Franklin! There’s lots of choices so spread the love, support our local businesses, and enjoy the fresh air!

Be sure to check out all of our wonderful Kent restaurants!

Look beyond the beautiful facades of countless small businesses throughout Kent and take a look inside. You’ll notice a group of exceptional women with a wide variety of skills, guiding their businesses and employees, and governing the events that make Kent a wonderful community to live and work in. Many of these women forego the spotlight.

This month, we celebrate them.

Thanks to their leadership, mentoring and example, more women throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond can have the courage to move forward with their own visions for tomorrow’s innovative new companies and services.

We sat down with Heather Malarcik, who has been Main Street Kent’s Executive Director for eight years and counting, alongside Marketing Director Lesley Sickle. Heather and Lesley are two Kent women championing all the small businesses throughout our community through promotion, event/festival planning, beautification, and expanding Main Street Kent into new territories.

Heather Malarcik

How did you get involved with Main Street Kent?

I was working as a freelancer in marketing, and came across a Facebook post on MSK’s page about an available part-time position. I looked into it because I needed to be working more, and I was hungry for change and working with people after working independently for a few years.

Why did working with Main Street Kent interest you?

I really didn’t know what I was getting into at first, and certainly had no idea I would end up leading the organization for ten years now. It’s been challenging and fun — developing an effective board of directors and volunteer base has been key to making things happen. Plus. I have an amazing co-worker, Lesley Sickle, who produces beautiful work and is critical to our success. We get a charge out of pulling “doers” together, and bringing things to fruition — from cool public art projects to unusual events — all in the interest of building up our downtown.

What are your short term and long term goals for Main Street Kent?

Our mission is to make downtown Kent a fun, vibrant and thriving place. So long term, we want Kent to be everyone’s “first choice” when it comes to dining, entertainment, shopping, events, outdoor recreation, higher education, and a place to live. Our community is awesome and we try to show that in all we do. In the short term, we work every day to get that message out, supporting and featuring our downtown businesses, and making/showcasing Kent as an interesting, exciting place where all are welcome.

What makes Kent a unique community for women in business?

We have some incredibly strong businesswomen in this city — and leaders in general. We see small business success all over downtown Kent, and I think that sets a solid example for other women as to what is possible here. Look at Michelle Sahr (Off the Wagon & Red Letter Days), Gwen Rosenberg (Popped! Kent and Ravenna), Cass McKay (McKay Bricker Framing); these ladies have been running successful businesses from eight to over thirty years! You see Rosie the Riveter and “Bitches Get Stuff Done” merchandise in Kent because, well, it’s true.

What obstacles might you experience as a woman in business?

I truly don’t see a disadvantage to being a woman business owner in Kent. If you have knowledge, resources, and passion…it’s all yours.

What does being a woman in business mean to you?

As time goes on, it becomes less of a “thing” for a woman to be a business owner and/or leader in this community. It’s kind of like race, sexuality, and all these other things. We’re all just people, making a living, having an impact, and creating the world in which we want to live.

Lesley Sickle

How did you get involved with Main Street Kent?

I got involved with Main Street Kent 8 years ago. I was working part time and I was told of an opportunity to help with marketing at Main Street Kent from a past member of the Board of Directors who thought I’d have an interest.

Why did working with Main Street Kent interest you?

I researched Main Street Kent and as a life long Kent community member, I was interested in the mission and goals of the organization. They were seeking design and marketing skills and as a graduate from the Kent State University School of Art, I thought it was an opportunity to use some of my skill set and work to promote my hometown.

What are your short term and long term goals for Main Street Kent?

My goals for Main Street Kent are to continue to build our brand recognition, continue to foster our relationships with business owners and other non profit organizations and keep improving our existing events. I want to work towards implementing and executing more public art projects and develop new ideas for new creative, fun and fresh events and/or incentives to bring people to our downtown.

What makes Kent a unique community for women in business?

Kent is filled with numerous female business owners and professionals. I think our city and community members alike, take pride and support our hardworking women. With a variety of businesses, it offers a unique mix for our community to embrace and support.

What does being a woman in business mean to you?

I take great pride in the work I do and love working alongside a fellow strong, independent woman. Our Board of Directors is also an absolutely dedicated, amazing group of people with a strong female presence, as well as our committees and volunteers. I look forward to continuing the great work we do and feel very fortunate to work for our fantastic city and our downtown.

 

 

More Kent Women in Business

Learn more about all the Kent Women in Business by reading our other interviews with small business leaders.

✌️As our community responds with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many local businesses are fearful of the negative economic impact that comes with social distancing. While we are all in this together and recognize that public health is a top priority for all, our local small businesses, artists and musicians, restaurants, retailers, and organizations rely heavily on social togetherness and foot traffic to sustain operations and wages.

Kent is home to a vibrant, diverse restaurant scene populated mostly by independently owned and operated kitchens. There’s perhaps no better time to explore Kent’s locally-owned restaurants than participating in Kent Restaurant Week. Get out, get to know your local chefs, and you’ll not only be helping the local economy, but you’ll add a trusted partner in your food exploration journey. I’m endlessly surprised by the talent, skill, and friendliness that can be found in our restaurants. From grab-and-go meals, brunches, to fine dining, Kent is a foodie’s delight. We’ll be highlighting all of our restaurants with upcoming posts and features!

Fine Dining in Kent, Ohio

Treno Ristorante is more than just the architectural centerpiece of Downtown Kent, its also an exquisite Italian restaurant offering everything from robust, earthy salads to Mozzarella Spiedini, Goat Cheese Ravioli and Italian mainstays like Lasagna Con Carne (with a delightful smoked provolone béchamel) and Spaghetti & Meatballs (hand rolled with a blend of ground beef, pork and veal, grated parmesan and fresh herbs). No matter where you are seated, you’ll delight in the rustic interior. Sound extravagant? It can be. But, we’ve also seen a fair share of dressed down patrons cozy up to Treno’s gorgeous bar for a craft beer. Follow Treno on Facebook!

Franklin Hotel Bar
Franklin Hotel Bar’s chef, James Crookston, is inventive with his weekend features and seasonal small plates. Recent offerings include everything from Fajitas de Lingua (with slow braised beef tongue, pineapple pico, and roasted salsa) to Cumin Seared Scallops with tomato-saffron Arborio rice. Equally creative are their handcrafted cocktails – available daily with weekend features developed to pair nicely with Crookston’s small plates. Everything on the menu will delight, so order a few small plates to share with friends or business associates. You’ll love the cozy comfort of the soft seating near their fireplace or the retro, red leather booths. Everything about Franklin Hotel Bar invites you to enjoy in the conversation of both friends and strangers alike. Follow Franklin Hotel Bar on Facebook!

Bistro On Main
Bistro on Main is a chef-driven restaurant with hand-tossed pizzas, fresh wild caught seafood, fresh pasta, burgers and sandwiches. Chef/Owner Aaron Ruggles and his wife Jeniffer, manager/partner, make sure you have a satisfying stay at Bistro On Main with a welcoming staff and atmosphere, incredible knowledge of wine (see Jeniffer for wine needs!), and a creative menu that is both earthy (Fire Charred Hanger Steak, Baby Blue Salad) and refreshing (Chicken Salad & Avocado Toast). Follow Bistro On Main on Facebook!

Breakfast & Brunch

Tree City Coffee
When I’m on the run, Tree City Coffee & Pastry is my first go-to for a quick breakfast or brunch. Their overnight oats are always fresh, flavorful, and a good energy boost to my endless running around. I’ll gladly swap out overnight oats for an Avocado Toast or a Rosemary & Sea Salt bagel (made by Cleveland Bagel Co.) with either whipped cream cheese or fresh hummus. Their seasonal beverages are always a delight, but I tend to stick to their large assortment of teas or Nitro Cold Brew – throughout the wintery months. Follow Tree City Coffee on Facebook!

Over Easy Morning Cafe
When I want something more substantial in the morning, Over Easy (next to Tree City Coffee) surprises me with their quality breakfast and brunch staples that are so reasonable for what you receive, you’d think there’s no way they’re covering their costs. Their Sausage Gravy & Biscuit has just the right amount of sage and pepper. And, for the health conscious, it is prepared with turkey sausage (though you’d never know the difference). Brunch items like their not-to-be-missed Venison Chili & Biscuit are available after 11am. Follow Over Easy Morning Cafe on Facebook!

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Roger Hoover is a photographer, songwriter, founder of local marketing agency Rust Creative, and serves on Main Street Kent’s Marketing Committee. Rust Creative helps small businesses reach larger audiences through search engine optimization, social media management, and advertising. There is nothing he loves more than cooking for his wife Ysabel and their daughters Ava & Margo.

Eat Like a Local: Local Food Year-Round at Kent’s Haymaker Farmers’ Market

We just closed out another amazing outdoor season of Kent’s Haymaker Farmers’ Market, but the local food magic continues through fall and winter indoors. This thriving market has gone through many changes since opening in 1992 with only a handful of vendors in the summer season to now more than 50 farmers, bakers, and value-added food producers participating in a market that draws visitors from all over the region.

Every Saturday from May through October, Portage County’s oldest producers-only market runs from 9am -1pm rain or shine, with a double line of tents stretching from the edge of the Treno Ristorante parking lot on Franklin Ave. to Summit St. The market offers a wide variety of prepared foods; fresh fruits; vegetables; herbs; fresh cut flowers; garden starts; perennials; jams and jellies; preserves; grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken; pastured eggs; pastured cow, goat, and sheep milk cheeses; honey and honey products; maple syrup and maple products; baked goods including traditional, vegan and gluten free; fresh handmade pasta; locally roasted coffee and whole beans; tea; herbal remedies; popsicles; gourmet culinary herb blends; kettle corn; handmade soaps, lotions, and body care products; art and more.

Once produce season is in full swing, the fruit stands always have a line – so worth the short wait to walk away with bags of plump sweet berries, tender stone fruit, or crisp juicy apples. Is there anything better than fresh fruit in season grown just a few miles from where you bought it? Although I will say the same thing about sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, and all of the greens. No matter what kind of weather circumstances the season delivers to our hard-working farmers, there’s always something delicious to be found at the market – and knowing how much of their time, money, and labor they put on the line to bring it to us makes it taste even better to me. Farming truly is a labor of love, and spending time getting to know the market vendors makes it crystal clear how much they care.

Haymaker Farmers’ Market provides a venue for farmers and food producers to sell their products and the all-volunteer market board is committed to promoting the market and maintaining its producers-only rule while also promoting the market through social media, the website, advertising, community outreach, and education. The market also acts as a small business incubator for food startups, giving producers an opportunity to test their products and build a customer base. Many value-added producers have gone on to bring their locally sourced and produced foods into grocery store chains such as Heinen’s and Whole Foods.

We’re lucky in Kent to have restaurant owners and chefs eager to feature local products from market vendors on their menus and specials boards. At Taco Tonto’s you’ll find Black Dog Acres’ eggs in their weekly Saturday brunch burrito, and they create flavorful sauces for the brave palate with a variety of Barton Farms and Gardens’ No Joke Hot, Hot, and Hot peppers, and has Trailing Edge Farm’s alfalfa sprouts on the menu daily. Erie Street Kitchen sources all bread products from Brimfield Bread Oven and desserts from Busy B Bakery as well as Tierra Verde Farm grass-fed beef burgers, Lucky Penny Farm Chevre, microgreens from Seasons Micro Farm, seasonal vegetables and salad greens from a variety of market farmers, and more.

It costs those business owners more to use local ingredients and it means having a more flexible menu to deal with unpredictable growing conditions and seasonally available products. You can also find excellent prepared foods at the market that feature locally grown and produced ingredients. Scratch food truck and Erie Street Kitchen alternately offer visitors a fresh, flavorful menu of breakfast and lunch dishes to enjoy at picnic tables and benches while listening to the day’s musical act. Smyrna Mediterranean Morsels brings many hot vegetarian and vegan foods like soups, stuffed cabbage, and grape leaves, in addition to their homemade baklava.

Every week from 10am-noon, market vendors and visitors enjoy the many sounds of fantastically talented local musicians playing a variety of instruments and styles including bluegrass, folk, rock, blues, Irish, traditional mountain songs of America and more. The music program is funded by the Celebrate Kent! grant and an Ohio Arts Council grant and allows local musicians to build a wider audience while adding to the homegrown atmosphere of every outdoor market day.

This year the music program will continue part-time at the indoor market which runs every Saturday from November through April at the United Methodist Church of Kent from 10am–1pm with about thirty vendors participating. The annual holiday market welcomes additional vendors offering handmade arts, crafts, and gift items and holiday music performances throughout the day.

The market also invites area artists to sell their wares and offer demonstrations one Saturday each month and has hosted potters, fiber artists, glass blowers, printmakers, blacksmiths, and more. As part of the market’s ongoing mission to provide educational opportunities to the community, the Campus Kitchen at Kent State University offers a weekly recipe tasting and demonstration as well as a library of printed nutrition information take-aways. To further the community building power of the market, local organizations attend to educate customers about local food, gardening, agriculture, and environmental activities.

The board of directors and management have worked hard to build market access for everyone, including those who are dealing with food insecurity. Every week, customers can visit the market information booth under the bridge to swipe their Ohio Direction card to use their SNAP benefits and receive up to a $20 match in Produce Perks for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many vendors also accept Senior vouchers and WIC vouchers. Customers short on cash can swipe credit and debit cards at the market booth in exchange for same-as-cash tokens they can spend with any vendor at any time.

The Produce Perks program is partially supported by the Socially Responsible Sweat Shop of Kent, founded in 2013 by visionary Market Assistant Mary Ann Kasper. The SRSS is a large and always growing group of local sewists who produce beautiful functional items such as yoga mat bags, meditation pillows, eye pillows, tote bags, and more from recycled fabrics and supplies. Check out their wonderful table under the bridge right next to the market info booth.

Northeast Ohio has many incredible farmers’ markets, but Kent’s feels uniquely convivial; like a big extended and chosen family reunion. People tend to spend hours there catching up with friends and neighbors, sharing a meal while enjoying the music, and talking with vendors while stocking up on their favorite local foods. It might seem as if the most important value that comes from purchasing directly from food producers at a farmers’ market is a financial one. Circulating our hard-earned money within our communities is certainly important and some might even say radical in the face of big box stores. But I would argue that the relationships we build with producers, as our dollars and products change hands week after week and year after year, offers a value that can’t be quantified.

The market is a powerful microcosm of community built around a function that every human must participate in for survival. We all eat several times a day for the entirety of our lives. Preparing some of our meals with locally sourced ingredients adds a layer of connection to the way we think about food – and if you haven’t yet visited Haymaker Farmers’ Market to see what’s available right here in Kent, there’s no time like this Saturday. And the next.

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Kelly Hambly is a marketing and advertising copywriter, mother, poet, gardener, and former Haymaker Farmers Market manager. She lives in Kent (West Side represent!) and is grateful to sit on the board of directors for her favorite Kent organization – the best market in NEO.

Photos courtesy of Matt Keffer, Haymaker Farmers’ Market, and Roger Hoover

LINKS
http://www.haymakermarket.com
http://www.haymakermarket.com/vendors

by Heather Daniel Waltz

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Purchasing local helps support and grow local businesses and when you shop local you are individually stimulating the local economy. During the Christmas season of 2010, I decided to avoid the malls and department stores and focus on shopping in Kent. I successfully bought 100% of my gifts locally that year and I’ve never looked back. How do I do it? Kent’s small business owners make it so easy! As a member of Kent service clubs and someone who works with non-profits, I’d like to add that nearly all of the local businesses I frequent are regular supporters of community fundraisers, further giving back directly to the citizens of Kent.

Teachers/Party Hosts/Coworkers:

My go-to gifts often come in the form of edible gifts. All of my kids’ teachers get chocolates or popcorn from Popped every year and sometimes get a gift card for Tree City Coffee if they’re local or a bag of Scribbles roasted coffee.

Mom/Sister-In-Law/Best Friend:

I usually have to go no further than Carnaby Street Style for everything I need for the women in my life. Check out their insulated coffee (or wine!) cups, cozy winter hats and scarves. I also love getting gifts from Gracy Lane (jewelry and fun serving dishes are two favorites). Troppus Project has art they can wear in the form of hand made earrings.

Husband/brother/Dad:
GV Artwork in Acorn Ally is a great addition to town, I’ve already picked out some great shirt and hoodies for the men in my life. McKay Bricker Gallery has a wonderful, ever-changing variety, such as hand-carved keychain toothpick holders, belts, and bags.

The Kids:
Look no further than Off the Wagon and Red Letter Days. There are so many games to choose from, toys, and crafting kits. I’ve also purchased the gift of Art Classes from Handcrafted. My kids each get an individualized ornament every year, usually from Sue Nelson Designs or The Works.

Those difficult people:
We all have a challenging person to shop for! While gift certificates are a great gift for the really tough people, they don’t have to be boring or from large chain stores and restaurants. Try gift certificate for a night out at Laziza, Treno, or Barrio or maybe tickets for a show at The Kent Stage. Musicians may love a classic turntable or a gift certificate from Woodsys.

For that special person:
Please, please, please visit Squirrel City Jewelers! They carry an amazing variety of local and handcrafted jewelry. It’s like nothing you can find at a mall! I love the individually hand-made watches, footprint and signature jewelry, and all of the necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings made by hand by a variety of artists, including the shop’s owner.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten some Kent gems, so take a visit downtown and look around! I bet you’ll find some great gifts and in buying local, you’ll support a local family and our city!

Remove the stress from preparing all or some of the Thanksgiving fixings while also supporting your local small business owners!

Burnside Barbecue is taking orders for smoked, fully cooked turkeys. Not only can you order standard turkeys ranging from 8-28 pounds, owner Phil Everett says you can also order “local, free range, Broad-breasted or Heritage Breed turkeys.” Want something a little different? They have smoked brisket on the menu too. And, if you’re looking for a Full Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner with Southern-style green beans, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, you can pre-order those as well for $12/person. Pick up at Burnside on Thanksgiving day between 9am and Noon.

One of the many benefits when shopping local is the relationship you build with a small business owner. Tim Sahr, owner of Kent Cheesemonger, is a fine example of a business owner you should grow to know. Not only can the Kent Cheesemonger build a custom cheese tray catered to your tastes, but they can provide all the wine, craft beer and mead for your Thanksgiving feast. Sahr hand selects every bottle of wine and cheese in the store and he’s extremely knowledgeable about the origins of everything in his shop. Sample some of their wines and cheeses at an upcoming Tasting Tuesday from 5-7pm.

Don’t forget the pie! Taproot Catering is having a Thanksgiving Pie Sale. Dutch Apple, Bourbon Pecan, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Rhubarb pies are all available for preorder. Pick up a growler or a pound of coffee from Scribbles, Bent Tree Coffee, or Tree City Coffee & Pastry to keep your guests caffeinated throughout the day. Tree City also has a fantastic selection of wines under $20!

From full Thanksgiving dinners to pies and pastries, Kent’s small businesses have amazing offers to help you through Thanksgiving – They’ll take a little work off your plate, and add a whole lot more.

Businesses & Contact Info

Burnside Barbecue
154 E. Main St. (Acorn Alley)
330-346-0334
Website


Kent Cheesemonger
155 E. Main St. (Acorn Alley)
(330) 593-5619
Website


Taproot Catering
313 N. Water St.
(330) 703-3069
Website


Tree City Coffee & Pastry
135 E. Erie St.
(330) 673-5522
Website


Scribbles
115 N. Water St.
(330) 677-1479
Website


Bent Tree
313 N. Water St.
(330) 474-7255
Website

by Cheryl Ann Lambert

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What’s so special about Downtown Kent? I’m glad you asked.

Before I relocated to Kent, Ohio to work in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University, I lived in a variety of cities and states for school and work. These include Philadelphia (earning a master’s degree at Temple University while working for Chilton Publishing Company), Chicago (working in public relations for Sears corporate headquarters), Knoxville, Tennessee (earning a PhD from the University of Tennessee) and, most recently, Boston (working at Boston University). Out of all those cities—which included suburban, urban, and rural settings—Kent reminds me most of my hometown, Springfield, Illinois.

I moved here sight-unseen from Boston. Well, sort of: I saw the exterior of Landmark Apartments when I came for a second job interview at Kent State University in 2016; additionally, I saw photographs of apartment interiors. To say that the cost of living was a draw is to undersell the price-point differential between Boston and Kent. Air conditioning, an elevator, washer/dryer in each unit—and all a 10-minute walk from Kent State University? I was sold.

So, what’s it like to live like a local in Kent? It means you see friendly faces, eat great food, and enjoy great drinks with friends.

It can be lonely moving to a new city. Thankfully, it’s easy to strike up conversations while in line at the local coffee shop (Tree City Coffee). I’ve met wonderful people by initially volunteering for Main Street Kent events, and then joining the Marketing Committee. As a Kent State University faculty member, it’s been exciting to help facilitate connections between the university and Downtown Kent—and to give back to the community in a small way.

I love that my hairdresser (Ichi’s Hair Studio), primary care doctor (Unity Health Network) local market (the Kent Natural Foods), and favorite restaurant (Bricco’s) are all within walking distance. What’s also great is that I can get my favorite hard ciders mere steps away from my apartment at Kent Cheesemonger. I also love that I can take the Parta buses for free with my faculty ID.

So, what’s it like to live like a local in Kent? It means you see friendly faces, eat great food, and enjoy great drinks with friends.

Main Street Kent Businesses

Visit Kent Natural Foods for healthy, natural foods and products at fair prices. They provide bulk, chemical-and-additive-free foods and products that are locally and/or organically grown whenever possible.

Bricco is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. They have amazing Happy Hour cocktails, a cozy interior and relaxing patio.

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