By Lauren Llamas, Delta College Student Submission
Shopping from small businesses to support your local economy has never been easier. When you visit SVRC Marketplace, the feeling of being part of an active community is a contagious joy that you can only get from a building offering many different services and treats.
Located near Delta’s downtown campus in Saginaw, SVRC marketplace has served as a destination for people looking to get lots of shopping done in one area. With dozens of vendors ranging from food to shopping and services, it’s easy to find something for everyone.
First built in the 1960s, the SVRC building has been home to different businesses throughout the years. The marketplace originally opened as the Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center, thus earning their current abbreviated name.
Reopening its doors with plans to be a marketplace was a refreshing choice to liven up the heart of downtown Saginaw since 2018. Every Wednesday through Saturday, the marketplace is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The vendors here range from different goods and services, including Makin’ Bacon. An establishment that’s been at SVRC since it opened as a marketplace in 2018. Some of their bestsellers include their street bowls, steak quesadillas and burgers.
SVRC offers a wide range of different shops to appeal to everyone’s taste, with 17 different food vendors and 12 shopping services.
The sense of community isn’t just limited to the customers that come into the marketplace. It is also a feeling shared amongst the vendors themselves.
“The best part about working here is that everyone gets along and supports each other,” stated Tina March, co-owner of This That N Maybe, a gift store that specializes in handcrafted items co-owned with daughter Chris March.
This That N Maybe is one of the many businesses that sells gifts for customers, even custom orders. March also teaches classes on crocheting to customers that want to learn.
Having a place where you can shop and meet new people in the community is made so simple with a business like the marketplace available. Walking around here, visiting the many vendors, it’s easy to understand why some people make this place part of their regular routine.
“I come here because there’s so many choices,” commented Bella Lee, a customer of Delicious Sweets Bakeshop who was seated in the atrium. “You get a good feeling when you put back into the community.”
There’s no need to go far for a good time when SVRC marketplace has everything you need all in one building. The lively atmosphere makes it a worthwhile visit, especially when it is located so close to Delta College Downtown Saginaw Center.
Below is a list of stores currently operating at the SVRC Marketplace:
Bloom from Within
Offering healthy options like acai bowls, fresh pressed juice, granola bites
Cob King
Serving fresh roasted street corn, Mexican fruit cups, and more
Crudups
Comfort food consisting of barbecued ribs, chicken wings, jambalaya, and more.
Delicious Sweets Bakeshop
Cheesecake parfaits, custom cakes for celebrations, Hershey’s ice cream and more.
El Farolito Taqueria & Catering
Tex-Mex fusion foods, burrito bowls, tacos, tostadas, etc.
Honey’s Tasty Potatoes
Serving baked potatoes, tacos, tamales, and nachos.
Kakes the Great Popcorn Co.
Homemade kettle corn topped with chocolate and a variety of toppings.
Kreole Queenz
Authentic Louisiana food, some of their dishes include fried catfish, creole jambalaya, Cajun chicken and broccoli pasta.
Makin’ Bacon
Specializing in bacon, they offer burritos, quesadillas, street bowls, and more.
Merna’s
Serving salads, Philly sandwiches, and more.
Saigon Sandwich Company
Vietnamese foods such as pho, bahn mi, rolls and rice plates.
The Salad Bar
Offers salads, smoothies, soups, wraps and more.
Tio Lios
Making sweet ice cream rolls, finished with fun toppings like fruit, cookies and cereal.
ValarieBeas Cream Cakes
Signature cream cakes, small dome-shaped cakes topped with creamy mousse.
Krav’n Cookies
Owned by the same owner of Delicious Sweets Bakeshop, this store serves a variety of cookies
Goose Tooth Co.
A taproom and pizzeria that serves pizza, appetizers, drinks and more.
Purple Sage Bead Store
Sells a variety of beads, crystals, repairs jewelry and offers classes.
Sparkle Rush
Offers stylish earrings, and more.
The Little Yarn Shoppe
Offering yarn, this business holds a space for people to knit together.
Thrive Creative Innovations
Gift shop that sells apparel, art, apothecary and more homemade goods.
The Little Rooster
Mother and daughter owned lifestyle and apparel brand.
LaTammis’ Closet
Inspired by their late mothers bold fashion, this store offers fedoras, everyday wear for men, women and children, and accessories.
A1 Candle Company
Candles made with handcrafted ingredients, and true-to-life fragrances.
Diar (Diamond in the Rough)
A fashion line marketed to making every customer feel confident.
This, That, N Maybe
Mother and daughter owned business specializes in crocheted items such as hats, tops, and customized pieces.
GudFella’s Barber Shop
A family friendly barbershop that offers excellent haircuts.
Blinging Jewels Boutique
Men and women clothing and accessories fit for any occasion.
Essentially Unique Apothecary & Wellness
Soaps, lotions, and more prepared in small batches with organic ingredients.
Flowers by Roman
A florist shop that offers bouquets, plants and other gifts for yourself or someone special.
