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MIDDLETOWN — When Public Market closed in 2021, the North End was without a staple grocery store for the first time in more than 100 years, that is, until Middletown Market opened for business recently in the same spot.
The shop, at 480 Main St., offers fresh produce, groceries, fresh fish, dessert items and more, including cooked-to-order Filipino cuisine.
Owner Randy Deloso was born and raised in the Philippines before moving to the United States in 2008. After working in different industries for a few years, he decided to open up his own market, bringing a taste of his old home to his new one. “It’s in the blood,” he said.
He opened Tindahan City in Berlin about three years ago. He saw success with that market and food catering business, and began exploring where a similar endeavor might succeed elsewhere in the state.
It was right around the start of the pandemic when Deloso identified Middletown as a prime location.
He explained that there are a lot of Filipino-American employees that work at Middlesex Hospital, and many others live throughout the city and in surrounding towns. “Meriden, Portland, Durham, there’s a large population,” Deloso said. “That’s what inspired me to choose this location.”
He made the decision to set up shop in Middletown with non-Filipino customers in mind as well after he noticed there weren’t any venues nearby offering a taste of the Philippines. “I just wanted to introduce Filipino food to the area,” Deloso said.
This means plenty of fish and, of course, adobo.
Deloso said the community has been very supportive, and he already has some regulars. “So far, so good,” he said. “The neighborhood is happy.”
The city was also very supportive throughout the whole process, he added.
Deloso said the business is still expanding, and includes plans to add a deli section for fresh meats and cheeses and other prepared food options. Part of his reason for wanting to offer deli items is because it is a common request from customers, but also as a nod to the historic business he replaced.
The former tenant, Public Market, first opened 1915, and had to close a year ago amid struggles caused by the pandemic.
“I try to bring back some of what this place offered before,” Deloso said.
Middletown Market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information is available on their Facebook page.
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