Market popups tease future

The Market @ Bandera isn’t set to open until July, but the new business is already sampling menu items during popups held outside their front doors and down the walkway from Bandera Brewery.

Items like cheeseburgers, watermelon salads and shrimp skewers were available to order with a twist: many of the menu items featured ingredients from locally sourced items.

For example, beer from Bandera Brewery is used for beer cheese, their “spent” grains for oatmeal cookies or dog treats, and produce from The Betsy Blue Farm can be found in The Market’s watermelon salad and veggie skewers.

“The popups have been great,” said co-owner Autum Perry-Sevilla, who lives in the River Ranch Community. “They have been helpful in the organizing process and meeting all the folks in the area.”

Perry-Sevilla says that community element is an integral part of The Market @ Bandera.

“We want to involve our community in our quest to live locally and appreciate what we have all around us, including our neighbor’s hard work raising food and making products,” she said.

Co-owner Daniel Sevilla echoed that sentiment.

“Our vision for The Market is to provide for our community, wholesome dining options to enjoy with friends here in our shop or out back in the garden, or convenient options to prepare at home with the family,” he said. “The catch is that we need community participation to make it work! We are open to feedback to make sure we are offering what our neighbors want.”

That community-focused element extends to the business creators’ commitment to resourcefulness and not wasting.

“We think about the pre-life and afterlife of the products and materials we use,” said Perry-Sevilla. “We want to work with local suppliers that do the same. In creating our business, we are looking at ways that we can repurpose resources, not only to save money, but to decrease the huge amount of stuff that pollutes our oceans and land.”

In addition to hot food items, the location will offer “ready to cook” and prepackaged items to take home or enjoy on premise in the garden (shared with the brewery) that can be easily accessed through their backdoor.

However, the offerings don’t stop at food. Shoppers at the eclectic market can expect some pre-loved home décor items, clothing, postcards, magnets, plants, books and even small household appliances.

Certain items will be for sale, for lend (free of charge), or considered for barter.

Additionally, there will be a refill station where shoppers can fill up containers of dish soap, cleaners and dry goods, further enhancing the market’s commitment to sustainability.

The Market @ Bandera takes over the space formerly occupied by Hill Country Winery at 3540 Hwy 16 S.

The wine cellar feel has been given a complete makeover to now include crisp white walls, colorful repurposed signs for shelves and quilts as art.

“Bandera Brewery is excited to welcome our new neighbors,” said Bandera Brewery co-owner John Oliver. “Having them next door opens a whole new world of opportunities, from expanding brewery hours and days to some unique collaboration opportunities.”

Once the location is officially open, hours will be Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 .a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the meantime, you can check out their Pop-Up this weekend.

“We can’t wait to see what Autum and Daniel have in store once the restaurant is fully operational,” said Oliver.

The Market @ Bandera is on Instagram @The-Market_Bandera.