BENSIDOUN USA, Opens First French Market in New York Chelsea Triangle

New York (June 25, 2012) - Bensidoun USA, the world’s premiere operator of authentic French open-air markets, will open its first market in New York City on Friday, June 29 in the Chelsea Triangle at 9th Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. The market will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through November 24.
The Chelsea Triangle French Market is the latest addition to the long list of European-style markets operated by Bensidoun USA that attract thousands of loyal weekly visitors.  US markets currently in operation include 14 outdoor markets in Illinois plus one indoor market in Chicago, one outdoor market in Michigan and three in the New York area. The market is being launched in partnership with the Chelsea Improvement Company, which co-created the plaza in 2007 and has managed it ever since.

Bensidoun USA operates both large and small markets—each being unique to meet the needs of the community it’s in. Public markets are synonymous with French culture and style, as expressed through the sale of fresh, locally grown produce, seasonal flowers, boutique clothing and jewelry and original arts and crafts. In keeping with this tradition, the Chelsea Triangle French Market will house booths that showcase and sell fresh and locally grown produce, artisanal baked goods and cheeses, grass fed meats, and other organic specialties. 

“What really makes our French Markets unique is the support of the local communities where we operate,” said Sebastien Bensidoun, executive vice-president of Bensidoun USA. “Over the years, we’ve seen businesses grow and flourish in an often challenging economy. The Bensidoun family is truly devoted to supporting local small businesses and creating meaningful relationships within the communities it serves. Many of our vendor and customer relationships go back 15 years to the very beginning of our US efforts.”

“We are extremely pleased to partner with the Bensidoun family to create a new open-air market experience for Chelsea residents and all New Yorkers to enjoy,” said Dan Biederman, president of the Chelsea Improvement Company.

Bensidoun French Markets guarantee its visitors the experience of the finest in local produce, delicacies from well-known area restaurants, freshly baked breads and pastries from artisan bakeries, and seasonal spreads from local orchards. Visitors will also enjoy one-of-a-kind crafts to enhance home décor and unique jewelry from emerging designers.

The booths at Chelsea Triangle French Market will carry a wide assortment of specialty items. Among those expected to be available at the market are:

• Greens, arugula, lettuces, spinach, mushroom ( both foraged and cultivated), tomatoes, onions, ramps, herbs,  and sprouts

• Apples, stone fruit (peaches, plums) pears, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

• Organic dried pasta made in New York State

• Artisanal baguettes, baked goods, granola and specialty breads made with organic grains including an array of gluten-free and vegan offerings

• Grass fed beef and pork products including steaks and sausages

• Honey and maple syrup

• Authentic Italian pizza made with all organic and local ingredients, cut to order

• Baked items such as French cannelles and madeleines

• Homemade mozzarella and other Italian specialties

• Pickles, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables

• Organic veal, pork and chicken products, cured meats, eggs, and sheep, cow and goat's milk cheeses

• Organic teas

• French bakery items

*For those interested in being a part of the Chelsea Triangle French Market as a vendor, please contact Johanna Safar at jsafar@bensidounmarketsny.com  or Jody Milano at (917) 406-7477.

About Bensidoun USA
In 1953, Rolland Bensidoun, like his father and grandfather before him, began managing open-air markets in France. For nearly 60 years, Rolland Bensidoun expanded his operations, introducing his sons, Pascal and Sebastien to the family-run and operated business. Today, The Bensidoun Family manage 32 markets in the City of Paris including six indoor markets, the Famous Antique market of Porte de Vanves and the world famous certified organic market "Marche Raspail", as well as in New York, Michigan and the Chicagoland area. For more information, please visit http://www.bensidounusa.com.

About the Chelsea Improvement Company
The Chelsea Improvement Company (CIC) is a nonprofit neighborhood redevelopment corporation that seeks to improve the day-to-day lives of the people who live, work, and visit southwest Chelsea. CIC supplements services provided by city government – like sanitation and security programs – and has made major improvements to the neighborhood streetscape, including elaborate plantings and lighting.  It also runs two public spaces in the neighborhood, at Ninth and Tenth Avenues.
More information is at: http://www.chelseaimprovement.com.