'Market' scoops up new customers Third time seems to be a charm for business success

Author: Dina Magaril

Students on campus looking for a sunny terrace to enjoy a midday snack need look no further than the recently renovated Middlebury Market and Cafe, formerly known as Baba's and most recently The Blue Hen and perhaps most famous for its selection of "creemes" ice cream. Many students might have missed the lunch menu at Middlebury's newest eatery, due to the cafe opening late last April when students were too busy finishing up finals and packing up for summer break.

Usamah Hayyat, a Middlebury native who is also the cafe's head chef, owns the establishment. Hayyat first worked as a prep chef at the National Hotel in Block Island, RI and held chef positions in Naples and Florida. Though the market isn't your typical family run business much of the Hayyat family is in fact involved in its production. Hayyat's wife Marie manages the cafe and Hayyat's parents and sisters also play roles in the business. Those who stop by the local eatery will most likely find at least one of the Hayyats greeting them at the register.

When asked how they differ from such surrounding bakeries as Otter Creek or Carol's Hungry Mind coffee shop, Marie says their goal is to be appealing to both students as well as the local community. How do the Hayyats plan to achieve this? For one thing, by offering an unbeatable $7.95 brunch menu on Sundays as well as a lunch menu, which includes favorites such as create-your-own-topping pizzas, an array of paninis and daily soups mixed with a Mediterranean infusion offering specials like the tasty falafel and Shawirma.

While the cafe has some name recognition on its side and has recruited student customers, the Hayyats have invested time and money into redecoration. Hayyat installed a brick-oven for pizza and expanded the indoor seating in the store. The outdoor seating is also a great alternative for those hoping to soak up the last rays of summer. Of particular interest is the two for $1.00 pair of ping-pong balls available at the counter as well as the array of free samples of the Market's scrumptious baked goods.

Still, the cafe has faced setbacks as well. Due to the extensive construction taking place in the town the Middlebury Market has been losing some business, even having to close down for a few days during the week of August 29. "It was very dusty," said Marie, "and because of all the traffic some people just didn't want to stop by." Despite these occasional disruptions and the annoyance of noise, Marie said customers still chose to use the outdoor seating. With the promise of the construction ending in mid-October, the Hayyats, as well as surrounding Middlebury businesses, can hope that their stores will return to normal.

Students in search of an early evening snack or simply some junk food to get them through late night studying will find comfort within the walls of the Market, which is open until 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Though the kitchen is currently closed after lunch, Marie Hayyat says there are plans in the works to create a dinner menu. "We want to cater to the late night student crowd," she said, adding that the cafe also hopes to acquire a liquor license so they can serve beer and wine, an addition she hopes will attract the older college crowd wanting a relaxing environment in which to hang out.

Both Hayyats are proud to announce that they are trying to incorporate more local Vermont products into their establishment such as maple syrup and local jams and jellies.

For now, the Hayyats are waiting to see how it goes. "During the summer we had a lot of tourists coming in for Sunday brunch," says Marie, who hopes that the beginning of the school year will bring even more customers to the store, especially students to complement their regular clientele of Middlebury families who regularly fill the Market's tables during lunch hour.

The Middlebury Market may still need some time to develop student "regulars" but they shouldn't be too worried. Allison Kennedy '07 has only eaten at the Market a couple of times but developed a positive impression of the place. "I remember that they had really good Baklava," she said.