Maax Market Brings Life (and Light) to Vacant Storefront

Before officially opening his doors for business, Carl Blomendale wants to get to know the neighborhood.

The co-owner of Maax Market, housed in the former Lambert's Marketplace storefront on Tremont Street, has yet to finish stocking the sandwich shop and food market. But that hasn't stopped him from putting out the Open sign.

"I'm hoping to meet people and get a sense for what they want," he said on Tuesday from behind the counter.

The shelves are partially stocked with a selection of fresh produce, beverages, cookies and grocery items. On Tuesday afternoon, a wooden table with jars of bulk candy attracted two first-time customers, who were just passing by.

The deli is fully operational and stocked with Boar's Head brand meat and cheese, a staple of Lambert's that Blomendale plans to hang on to. The menu is still in flux, and Blomendale said he's open to suggestions.

"I'm all ears," he said. "We're going to experiment and just make really good food."

Among the market's prepared and packaged food offerings will be plenty of organic, local and vegan options, said Blomendale's wife Gretchen. The pair plans to partner with local farms during the warmer months and are purchasing baked goods from Café Indigo.

"You can come in here and get Pepperidge Farm cookies or you can get a vegan cookie or gluten free," Gretchen said. "Residents have made it clear they really want vegan, they really want all-natural."

The store will also have a corner devoted to dog products, the proceeds of which will be donated to local shelters. The market itself is named for the couple's dog, Maax, a rescue from the pound. A framed photo of Maax hangs next to the store's entrance, alongside a bulletin board for customers to add photos of their own four-legged friends. A water dish sits outside.

"We're very dogfriendly," Blomendale admitted.

Although he has yet to officially open (he estimates around two more weeks) Blomendale said he's already received positive feedback from neighbors. Instead of a vacant storefront, residents now pass by a lit market decorated for the holidays.

"People are happy because I have a light on at night," he acknowledged.

Stay tuned for news on Maax Market's grand opening. In the meantime, stop by and say "hi" to the South End's newest business, located at 682 Tremont St.