By Alexa Nolasco, Oct. 1, 2024
Every Thursday night in Pomona, locals visit the 909 Open Market, where small businesses offer everything from handmade crafts to fresh food.
Mayra Verdugo, president of the 909 Market Foundation, founded the market in April 2021 to create a family-friendly environment where visitors of all ages can shop, enjoy local food and participate in fun activities. It runs every Thursday at The Derby Room Pomona from 5-9 p.m. and every third Saturday in downtown Pomona from 5-10 p.m. at 197 E. 2nd St.
“We want our attendees and customers to know that our market is the perfect place to hang out on a Thursday or Saturday evening, enjoy delicious food from local small businesses and shop from a variety of local vendors,” said Verdugo.
Verdugo started her journey in 2020 with an online jewelry business. After participating in several pop-up events, she realized many of these gatherings were shut down due to permit issues. Determined to help small businesses avoid losses, Verdugo began organizing her own pop-up events, ensuring all permits were in place.
Today, the market offers a consistent platform and a supportive environment for small businesses to showcase their products without the fear of unexpected closures, and it’s Verdugo’s full-time job.
“Over time, event organizing became my main focus,” Verdugo said. “I eventually closed my jewelry business to fully dedicate myself to expanding the market and offering quality events for the community and small businesses.”
The market is home to a wide variety of vendors, including multicultural food vendors serving birria, Filipino BBQ, pupusas, shawarma, tamales, churros and hibachi.
They also have other vendors that sell candles, sports hats, shirts and other handmade items. Verdugo hopes this will expand even more in the future.
“My vision for the 909 Open Market is to expand into more cities across the Inland Empire, creating a safe and supportive space for micro and small businesses to showcase their products,” said Verdugo. “I hope to bring communities together, encouraging them to come out and support local vendors.”
The 909 Open Market attracts many visitors, including Nicholas Grover, a regular who enjoys exploring the variety of food options and appreciates the lively atmosphere of the market.
“I love it here, and there’s so much good food,” Grover said.
Grover appreciates the market’s commitment to supporting small local businesses and highlighted Gigi’s Pupusas as his favorite spot.
But Grover isn’t the only one who has found a favorite spot at the 909 Open Market. Vendors like Petey Pete’s Pizza have also made a name for themselves among marketgoers. Founder Pedro Flores, originally a lemonade vendor, has used the market over the past two years to switch to making pizza, fine-tune his recipe and experiment with ingredients — everything from cheese to dough and toppings.
“909 has been my best source of networking, and the events always draw a crowd, so I always have to prepare for a busy day,” said Flores.
After waiting six months to get a spot, Flores now sees the market as a perfect place to grow and expand his business.
His signature dish, “The Petey,” is a fan favorite, featuring pepperoni, jalapenos, pineapple, Hot Cheetos crumbs and a drizzle of hot honey.
“It will change your life,” Flores said.
In addition to providing a platform for small businesses, the market offers opportunities for students and volunteers.
“909 Open Market is always looking for volunteers and can also offer mentorship to Cal Poly Pomona students,” said Verdugo.
Feature image courtesy of Alexa Nolasco