Hundreds of Arlington residents gathered in a parking lot on West Abram Street on Aug. 22 for the latest Small Business Mercado, a monthly night market that has become a cornerstone for local entrepreneurs and families.
Family‑run vendors find a home
At a bustling booth, Marisela Garcia’s daughter and grandchildren served horchata and hibiscus tea to a line that wrapped around the right side of the market. Garcia’s grandson, Cristian Berumen, founded the Mercado after seeing how the COVID‑19 pandemic devastated small businesses. He wanted to step into the shoes of owners who struggled to stay afloat.
Berumen, who also runs Cristian’s Customs, said the market began with fewer than 20 vendors but quickly grew as word spread. “I know there’s a family, there’s a person behind each booth,” he explained, emphasizing the personal connection that drives the event.
From parking lot to downtown
Initially held in a modest parking lot, the Mercado moved to Vandergriff Park and later to various business parking areas as vendor permits shifted. When Berumen secured his own storefront space, the market found a temporary home there, but rising foot traffic soon outgrew the venue.
Partnering with the Downtown Arlington organization, the market relocated to the heart of downtown, where it now attracts an estimated 2,000 attendees per night, with peaks reaching 4,000. The downtown setting provides easier access, more parking, and greater visibility for vendors.
Support that keeps vendors returning
Vendors credit the Mercado’s organization for its hands‑on assistance. Hope Lara, co‑owner of Mr. Stache’s Kitchen, recalled her first market experience two years ago: “He laid out everything for us, told us where the trash cans were, and helped us when we were the last to leave.”
Z Cortez, owner of So Freshy, highlighted the market’s attention to detail, from supplying necessary permits to providing sunblock on hot days. “It really improves the overall quality of the market. When vendors feel cared for, they can focus on serving the community,” he said.
A family‑like atmosphere
The Mercado’s spirit extends beyond business transactions. Berumen’s grandmother, Margarita Alvarez, sells her homemade aguas frescas after being laid off from a previous job. With Berumen’s encouragement, she turned a family recipe into a thriving booth, saying, “Every pop‑up I do with him, I sell out. It’s a sellout.”
Berumen’s sister runs a coffee booth, and his brother operates a Crocs‑charm stall nearby, illustrating how the market nurtures family entrepreneurship.
Community embraces the event
Co‑host Karina Nuñez, who left a corporate career to help plan the Mercado, praised Arlington’s warm reception: “We show up, and we show out here in Arlington. Arlington accepts us, and we love Arlington.” The market’s lively atmosphere—live DJ, dancing, and late‑night bites—continues to draw crowds long after the official closing.
As the night market thrives, it offers a tangible example of how local initiatives can uplift small businesses, strengthen family bonds, and reinforce the sense of community that makes Arlington a vibrant place to live and work.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
