Highland Square’s Mustard Seed Market & Café has added a new dimension to Akron’s dining scene. The family‑run grocery and café, a local staple for more than four decades, opened an upstairs bar and balcony in May 2015 that provides one of the city’s few above‑street‑level outdoor dining areas.
Family roots and faith‑based name
The business traces its origins to the Nabors family, whose parents founded the original Mustard Seed 45 years ago. Today, sons Abraham and Gabe Nabors manage the store after their parents retired. The name comes from the biblical passage in Matthew where Jesus says a faith “the size of a mustard seed” can move mountains, a theme Abraham says reflects the owners’ “leap of faith” in building the neighborhood hub.
Menu highlights and pricing
Customers can shop the downstairs grocery for locally sourced, non‑artificial ingredients and then enjoy those same fresh products in the upstairs café. The most popular dish is the farmer’s breakfast—bacon, eggs, potatoes and toast—while Abraham’s personal favorite is the vegan bananas foster French toast, which he says “is so good, you won’t even notice it’s vegan.” Typical checks range from $10‑$18 for a meal, $25 with a beverage and about $30 with dessert.
Fast‑casual model and community use
Mustard Seed operates on a fast‑casual system: patrons take a menu, line up, receive a table number and are served by food runners rather than traditional waitstaff. This model allows guests to bring groceries purchased upstairs to the café without affecting server tips. The café does not take reservations, yet its 100‑seat capacity makes it a popular spot for work, study and social gatherings.
Long‑time patrons like Jasmine Mathews and Lyn Thomas praise the ever‑changing menu and the emphasis on fresh, organic, healthy food. Local resident Kaylan Grove and her 10‑year‑old daughter Penelope enjoy the sweet‑potato fries and kids’ menu, noting the clean ingredients and family‑friendly atmosphere.
Live music and seasonal appeal
Saturday nights feature free live music, with the band paid directly by the owners. Abraham explains that the cost is offset when diners purchase food and drinks. Summer brings higher foot traffic as the weather, local events and affordable meals combine for a vibrant outdoor experience.
“For the budget‑minded customer, being able to buy any food of any value proposition in our grocery can be more accessible than a restaurant,” Abraham says. “Because we’re in a densely populated, walkable neighborhood, it’s easy to stroll up and grab a bite whenever.”
Location and hours
Mustard Seed Market & Café is located at 867 W. Market St. in the Highland Square district of Akron. Hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday‑Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit mustardseedmarket.com or call 330‑434‑2233.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
