Reading Terminal Market’s Demo Kitchen Is Looking For A Few Good Proposals


Think you can run Reading Terminal Market’s demo kitchen? Then management wants to hear from you.

Seeking to change operators after a six-year stint by Anna Maria Florio and her culinary education company, La Cucina, RTM’s head honchos are asking the public for proposals for Kitchen @ The Market. They’re not sure if they want to stick with the current model under which the operator leases the space and independently runs its classes and private parties or if they want to bring the operation in-house to be run by a staffer or a consultant. So they’re asking qualified individuals and companies to submit proposals by May 16.

The RFP states, “We would like to find the most creative ideas that can elevate and enhance the food and culinary traditions that have long been the hallmark of the Reading Terminal Market. We view the demonstration kitchen as a vehicle to increase the visibility of the Market; serve as an engine for public and private education and instruction regarding the region’s food traditions, cuisine and the culinary arts.” So far, they’ve received many inquiries and questions but only six completed proposals. General manager Paul Steinke says he’ll review all of them at once after the deadline passes.

The kitchen seats 12 people at the counter and 20 more in the audience. The Rick Nichols Room, a multi-purpose event area next door, seats up to 75 guests and has direct access to the kitchen.

The operator has to promise to use only ingredients sourced at the market and share the space with management as needed. If RTM brings the kitchen’s operations in-house, as a non-profit it may qualify for grants.

Reading Terminal Market [Official]