Just 2 years into operation, Marketside is Youngstown Business of the Year

Café & store to be recognized at YBPA dinner

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Nestled in the far corner of the Griffon Brewing plaza is a hybrid that’s bringing happiness to residents. The Youngstown Marketside is one-half eatery – with gourmet sandwiches, slices and desserts – and one-half market – an essential business, since other grocery purveyors have ceased operations in the village.

Proprietor Daniella Vanoni said, “I started the store based off of a lack of options in the area. I wanted to really focus on quick service. People are in and out for breakfast, lunch, a little bit of dinner. And then I think it's important to stay within the community. So, I support lots of local businesses, lots of local butchers, brands, and just kind of keep everything within the community, as best as I could.”

On the market side (no pun intended), “I can't offer four of everything. I can offer maybe two. I keep it small and manageable,” Vanoni said.

She added, “I do focus a little bit more on non-bioengineered foods, organic foods, and then foods with simple, low ingredients on their list. That's my focus on food.”

While “not everyone loves that,” offering better-quality products is key for Vanoni. “I think it's important to know what's going on with your food.”

Youngstown Marketside owner and chef Daniella Vanoni is shown with some fresh produce.

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There are several gluten-free options, but “By no means am I a gluten-free shop or specialty,” Vanoni said. “But I do have those options for people that don't want to travel to other towns.

“And then, a lot of customers ask if I can carry certain products, and I'm more than willing to.

“So, we definitely expanded that way. Like, right now, we have our specialty oils and glazes,” from Food Network “Iron Chef” Geoffrey Zakarian “because people just wanted to try new things. I am always changing, expanding, so people like to come in, just to see what's new.”

In the café, patrons notice large cookies and pieces of pizza.

“I am a career pastry chef, so I did move from New York just to be around family here. In the other room, you'll see all homemade bagels, pastries, pizza. We do everything in house,” Vanoni said.

She explained, “For me, I want enough to keep everything homemade. I want everything straightforward. We cut our own deli meats here, so that's on all of our sandwiches. We make two of the breads that we offer in the café.

“And then I wanted to bring everything back to being home. You know, not outsourced, and this way I know what's in my food. And customers absolutely love it. They do. They love it. They appreciate the hard work that goes behind that.”

Youngstown Marketside is the YBPA’s Business of the Year. Pictured, from left, are team members Leeanna Reagan, Alexa Nicoletti and Daniella Vanoni.

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Youngstown Marketside was named Business of The Year. Vanoni will be recognized at the Youngstown Business and Professional Association dinner.

She said the accolade is “humbling” and “it felt good to be appreciated.”

This recognition, she deducted, means patrons and fellow merchants “trust us” and appreciate the community-within-the-community that’s being built inside.

Vanoni, who’s originally from Youngstown, said, “I think it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. For me, it's home. I grew up right by Sanger Farms. I did move to New York to kind of branch out; and I wanted to be a pastry chef, so I worked under a lot of great names. And then COVID happened, so I ended up not affording New York anymore. And then I said, ‘Let me just do my own thing and see how it works.’ I'm glad I did, in my hometown.”

She said owning and operating a business “is five times harder than you would expect, for sure. Still a lot of growing pains. But I did help open some pretty big places in New York, so I did learn and pay attention along the way.”

“I guess it's different when it's your own dollar. But you just stay true to who you are.”

Two years into this endeavor, Vanoni said, “It's really been a blessing.”

Youngstown Marketside is located at 230 Lockport St. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

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The YBPA will celebrate the Business of the Year and Community Service awardee Wayne Peters at a special meeting Sept. 10 at the Niagara Frontier Golf Club. Visit https://www.youngstownny.com/.