Gourmet pies, specialty sodas, craft beers, homemade French bread, and quarter-pound sandwiches aren’t found at the average convenience store. Providing this is Vivian Frudakis, wife of Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis, who made it her mission in rebranding and remodeling the State Street Market.
Frudakis acquired the store at 146 State St. in December, and slowly made the transition from a place to grab a snack to a welcoming atmosphere filled with unique and delicious food. Armed with knowledge of the catering business and her old profession of serving boxed lunches to University of Michigan students when she lived in Saline, Michigan, Frudakis began a culinary transformation of the old stop-and-shop.
Frudakis started remodeling in February, installing counters and indoor seating, and decorating the outside of the charming white building with a colorful mural of a gas station storefront. In June, Frudakis began selling her gourmet soups, pies, salads, and most famously her massive artisan sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
“I did a lot of research, and a lot of taste testing,” Frudakis said.
Each of her sandwich combinations are named after a town in Hillsdale County, like The Mosherville or The Moscow. Many of her customers are now regulars because of her culinary creations, and many order their favorite sandwiches by their city names.
Each sandwich comes in a box served with chips, fruit, a pickle, and a mint.
“The sandwiches come served really unique, it’s kind of outside of the box…no pun intended,” Frudakis said.
Freshman Hadley Gaines recently visited the Market and tried one of Frudakis’ new grilled cheese creations.
“I didn’t even know gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches existed,” Gaines said. “But the turkey, swiss, pesto grilled cheese was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely be a return customer.”
Frudakis embraces a personal philosophy when it comes to running the Market.
“My philosophy is that everyone is treated special when they walk in here. It’s high quality food, with generous portions, and it’s very affordable,” Frudakis said.
Every time she prepares her special deli boxes it is like preparing a gift for Christmas. It is done with a big smile, and contagious excitement.
Frudakis hopes to continue expanding catering and the deli. She recently started taking orders online as well as offering pickup breakfast, lunches, and dinners for people and families on the go.
For hours and menu visit www.statestmarket.com.