West Windsor resident Chris Cirkus, who took over leadership of the historic Trenton Farmers Market in early 2019, will continue to surround herself with fruits and vegetables but through food distribution in her new role as Regional Foods Specialist for Zone 7, a farm fresh distribution service, based in Ringoes.
Cirkus will focus efforts on Central Jersey and Philadelphia customers. “My work around farmers markets for the past 12 years has led me to switch gears to connecting restaurants, schools and small businesses to high quality farm products and local foods.”
“I have greatly enjoyed revitalizing the Trenton Farmers Market”, Cirkus said. “I’m extremely proud of the challenge and seeing the results. My vision for the Market absolutely worked. Every square inch of the market is vibrant and full; the market’s revenue is up significantly over former management without any ; the market has its own branding and consistent advertising; the building and grounds are being maintained, and the entire community feels welcome.”
New tenants under Cirkus’s management include: Kafe Kreyol, Kafe Ojala, Out of Step Offbeat Boutique & General Store, Mr. G’s Country Store, Rose Boutique LLC, Tea-For-All Tea Shoppe, and Terra Momo Bread Co. along with mushroom/poultry farm Zell’s Farm based in Hillsborough. Cirkus has also built relationships with countless artists, jewelers, crafters, and local businesses who have populated the weekend rental tables and stalls.
She said: “The most gratifying part of this work has been to meet and hear from customers who had stopped shopping at the Market many years ago, who have now returned over and over again because of the positive environment.”
According to a press release, “Many market visitors wouldn’t even know who Cirkus is since she keeps pretty much behind the scenes; it isn’t about the recognition, it’s simply about connecting the farmers, merchants and vendors with their customers in a grand old year-round space.”
A replacement hasn’t been named, and Cirkus said she hopes the new manager will possess specific skills to take her vision and run with it.
