25 Years of Growth for Lori Johnson and the Delray Beach GreenMarket
For locals and long-time visitors, it’s hard to imagine Delray Beach without the Delray Beach GreenMarket! What has become both a summer and winter staple had humble – yet promising – beginnings 28 years ago, and it’s all thanks to the vision of the CRA and dedicated community members, like Lori Johnson.
The GreenMarket was established in 1996 with a goal to provide the Delray Beach community with better quality produce options, as well as overall healthy food choices. At the time, the CRA leadership team envisioned utilizing the GreenMarket as an incubator for micro-businesses to grow into brick and mortar stores. After a few years, Lori was named the GreenMarket manager and she’s proudly been growing the GreenMarket into the bustling open-air market you know and love. Now, in 2024, the GreenMarket continues to provide significant economic stimulus to Downtown Delray Beach, as well as provide locals and visitors limitless social, health and community-driven opportunities.
“I began my GreenMarket journey February 1, 1999. During the first couple of years the GreenMarket was not very well known, and we only had 25 vendors,” Lori said. “I feel fortunate and blessed that we still have two awesome Delray Beach local vendors that have continued to support the community through the GreenMarket. Both Vanessa Grant Cineus of Amazing Creations and Brenda Ezeillo of A Taste of Africa have been with the GreenMarket for more than 20 plus years!”
The GreenMarket originally called the CRA parking lot home, but due to several factors, the GreenMarket relocated to Worthing Park, Northeast Fourth Street, and multiple areas of the downtown area before finally residing at Old School Square. It was important for Lori to find a permanent location because, she believes, as with any business, “location, location, location.”
“Even with the dynamic venue, we have been successful and achieved a steady growth pattern for the GreenMarket and Community,” said Lori, who believes that the community had and continues to have a strong desire for fresh products and the local, organic and community-oriented “vibe” of the GreenMarket. “The GreenMarket currently has more than 75 vendors. The vendors’ products are very diverse and of the highest quality. I know the Delray GreenMarket has the best vendors and customers of all Markets!”
Like any business, the GreenMarket constantly evolves. New and updated special events include:
- Chef Showcase
- Weekly Live Entertainment
- Trick and Treat (Halloween)
- Fall Festival
- Chili Cook-Off
- Easter Bonnet Pet Parade
- Children’s Drum Circle
- Petting Zoos
A recent Downtown Development Authority (DDA) survey identified the GreenMarket as the No. 1 favorite event of the downtown residents. No surprise there!
“The success of the GreenMarket comes from a mix of many ingredients that create a recipe, including the best vendors, events, supportive City and CRA leadership, a downtown location, GreenMarket Team, and everything is always based on what the Customer desires, success comes with the community’s loyalty and support,” Lori said. “I have been very fortunate to be the person that brings all the pieces together, and creates fun, joy and positive experiences for the community every Saturday in downtown Delray Beach.”
And we’re so lucky to have Lori at the helm!
The GreenMarket is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. See you there!
