The new owners of Hillsdale’s State Street Market began renovating and expanding the existing store this last year. Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis and his wife, Vivian, recently purchased the market, located at 146 State St., with hopes of expanding it into a small neighborhood market complete with a fresh deli and catering service.
This past summer, the Frudakis’ moved back to Hillsdale after living in Ann Arbor for the past five years.
“We both had decided that we wanted to come back to Hillsdale. The commute from Ann Arbor was getting wearisome,” Anthony said.
They both saw their move as an opportunity to start a business venture focused on Vivian’s culinary expertise.
“We saw the little market on State Street and thought that it would be a wonderful venue for her to offer catering and box lunches, as well as doing something we have never done before,” Anthony said.
Vivian has spent the last five years catering in the Ann Arbor area, specifically for the University of Michigan. Since the age of 6, Vivian remembers cooking breakfasts for her mother.
“From then on, I always enjoyed cooking,” Vivian said. “I am excited to become involved with this community. I have met some amazing people that are excited about what is to come.”
The Frudakis’ plan to renovate the market’s interior to make room for a service counter, complete with sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Homemade, daily boxed lunches will sit ready for customers on-the-go. The market will also feature Michigan-based micro brews, gourmet popcorn, and vegetables from local farmers.
“My goal is to find companies here in Michigan that sell unique items,” Vivian said. “After seeing my customers on a daily basis, I get to know what they buy and what they like, it is a great connection.”
The concept of a small, neighborhood market reminded both Anthony and Vivian of their childhood neighborhoods growing up in New York and New Jersey.
“Very nice people worked at those local markets. It was about the experience. Now this is our opportunity to give back to this neighborhood in Hillsdale. It is a blessing and a wonderful opportunity,” Anthony said.
The market is currently undergoing electrical and HVAC updates. Exterior and interior renovations will continue over the next few months, transforming the store into a neighborhood market complete with outdoor seating, fresh food, and everyday items.
“Vivian has been an incredible partner in supporting me and fulfilling my dreams. I certainly have always wanted to reciprocate this by helping her with something that she wanted to do,” Anthony said.
