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A movement is trying to save The People’s Market in Charlotte. Can it be done?

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A group dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses in Charlotte is working on an attempt to save The People’s Market, which announced that its two locations were permanently closing.

Within hours of the restaurant’s Thursday Instagram post, sharing that financial strains and other pressures made it impossible to keep the doors open at the all-day market and restaurant, CLT Black Owned put together a GoFundMe Campaign seeking $30,000 to help owner Cory Duran.

“If this place has ever made you feel seen, inspired or simply at home, we ask you to give what you can. Together, we can keep this Charlotte treasure alive for generations to come,” the GoFundMe message read in part.

Within two hours, the effort raised more than $5,500 from 150-some donors, with no signs of stopping.

Messages from CharlotteFive left this week with The People’s Market via email and Instagram have not been returned.

An eye-level, angled shot from the sidewalk of “The People’s Market @ Elizabeth” on a sunny day. The red brick storefront features large windows, glass-paneled garage doors, and weathered tan awnings. Several yellow metal tables and chairs are arranged on the sidewalk for outdoor seating.
The People’s Market’s two locations have closed, but a new effort by CLT Black Owned is raising money in hopes the doors can reopen once again. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Charlotte’s history of generosity

A campaign to save a restaurant via GoFundMe has worked at least once before in Charlotte.

In 2020, word spread that Dan Ngyuen’s beloved Lang Van restaurant — now a Michelin Bib Gourmand — was in danger of closing amid the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The original $30,000 goal for the GoFundMe, set up by a customer, was hit in less than 24 hours.

And the donations kept pouring in. In all, more than $62,000 was raised.

A straight-on, eye-level wide shot capturing the full facade of “The People’s Market” from across the street. The one-story, red brick building has three large, weathered tan awnings above two central, glass-paneled garage doors and side windows. Several yellow metal tables and folding chairs are set up on the concrete sidewalk for outdoor seating. On the far left, a man is walking past the building on a bright, sunny day.
The People’s Market in Elizabeth. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

In CLT Black Owned’s Instagram post read sharing the effort to raise funds for The People’s Market, the group explained the effort to get involved.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, and it might be ‘out of our lane’ but sitting back and watching another one of our beloved businesses close just doesn’t sit right with us,” it read. “CLT Black Owned exists to support and increase the support for Black-owned businesses, but in the last few years, we’ve said goodbye to more than we can count,” the message continued.

“And enough is enough. We gotta do everything we can to show and prove that our businesses deserve the support they need too. So let’s make it do what it do. Whatever you got, even if it’s $7.04, even if it’s $1, lets #SaveThePeoplesMarket ! @the.peoples.mkt.”

A message for the group left by CharlotteFive has not yet been returned.

An eye-level, medium shot of a smiling restaurateur wearing a denim jacket, glasses, and a backward baseball cap, standing behind the counter at a coffee shop. Behind, a large chalkboard menu displays various coffee and pastry items.
Cory Duran, owner of The People’s Market. Heidi Finley CharlotteFive

Location: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 (now closed)

Location: Tranquil Court, 2810 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209 (now closed)

Menu

Instagram: @the.peoples.mkt

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Heidi Finley

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.

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